Bob Dylan and Christmas music don’t really go hand in hand. At least on the surface, Dylan is an artist known for scathing reviews of society and politics. Something as blithe as singing about Santa Claus doesn’t feel in line with his typical sentiments. Nevertheless, Dylan has released a handful of Christmas songs, with the most wacky being “Must Be Santa.”
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This polka-tinged recreation of a ’60s Holiday staple feels deceptively simple. Is Dylan making fun of the schmaltzy tunes that get played around this time of year? Or is it a rare moment of unadulterated fun for Dylan? Revisit this confusing Christmas track, below.
[RELATED: 3 Times Bob Dylan Cracked a Joke in His Lyrics]
Remember When: Bob Dylan Celebrated (Made Fun Of?) Christmas with “Must Be Santa”
Who’s got a beard that’s long and white?
Santa’s got a beard that’s long and white
Who comes around on a special night?
Santa comes around on a special night
Special night, beard that’s white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus
One viewing of the accompanying music video for Dylan’s “Must Be Santa” will have you thinking about it for Christmases to come. Much like the riotous energy of the song suggests, Dylan finds himself amid a party that has raged to the point of no control. Donning a Santa hat and, seemingly, a wig, Dylan asks his party goers a series of questions. The answer each time is, of course, Santa Claus.
Who’s got a beard that’s long and white? / Santa’s got a beard that’s long and white, is the formula the song follows. Needless to say, it’s not Dylan’s typical fare. Despite broadening his sonic scope, Dylan seems to pull off this song. It’s definitely weird, but something about it scratches a specific itch. It’ll have you saying, “You know what, yeah…somehow that makes sense.” Like Dylan’s partygoers, you’ll find yourself being swept away with this maddening, near-hypnotizing track.
Because Dylan hasn’t explained much about his wild rendition of this song, we have to assume it’s an earnest Yuletide celebration. Do yourself a favor if you haven’t heard this song, check out the music video for “Must Be Santa,” below.
Reindeer sleigh, come our way
Ho, ho, ho, cherry nose
Cap on head, suit that’s red
Special night, beard that’s white
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus
Must be Santa, must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus
(Photo by Chip HIRES/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
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