The Roaring Spirit of a Rock and Roll Christmas Returns
The holiday season often conjures images of cozy hearths and gentle melodies, but for those who yearn for a jolt of raw energy amidst the tinsel and traditions, Dwight Yoakam delivered a potent antidote with his electrifying rendition of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” This track, a rollicking blues-infused rock and roll anthem, found its home on Yoakam’s 1997 album, “Come On Christmas.” While the album itself climbed to a respectable No. 32 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, the single release of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” made its own mark, reaching No. 60 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. However, the song’s true legacy extends far beyond its chart performance, resonating deeply within the annals of rock and roll and country music alike.
Originally penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1957, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was first immortalized by Elvis Presley as the opening track on his seminal “Elvis’ Christmas Album” – a record that would go on to become the best-selling Christmas/holiday album of all time in the United States. Elvis’ original, recorded with his iconic band including Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, was a potent blend of blues and rockabilly, immediately establishing the song as a holiday standard with an edge. It was a bold statement for a Christmas album, full of playful innuendo and a swagger that defied the typical saccharine holiday fare. The King’s version, paired with “Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me,” even reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1957.
Yoakam’s decision to cover such an iconic track speaks volumes about his artistic vision and his deep respect for the roots of American music. Known for his “Bakersfield sound” and his commitment to traditional country music with a rock and roll sensibility, Yoakam was the ideal artist to breathe new life into this classic. His version, featured on “Come On Christmas,” released on Reprise Records, is not merely a cover but an homage, infused with his signature twang and an undeniable dynamism. He maintains the song’s original mischievous spirit, the playful flirtatiousness of Santa promising more than just toys, but also a good time. The lyrics, with lines like “Hang up your pretty stockings, turn out the lights / Santa Claus is coming down your chimney tonight,” take on a knowing wink in Yoakam’s delivery, reflecting the song’s enduring appeal as a slightly rebellious holiday tune.
The brilliance of Yoakam’s interpretation lies in its authenticity. He doesn’t attempt to mimic Elvis; instead, he filters the song through his own distinct musical lens. The raw, driving rhythm section, the crisp guitar work of his long-time collaborator Pete Anderson, and Yoakam’s distinctive vocal phrasing give the track a renewed sense of urgency and excitement. It’s a testament to the timeless quality of Leiber and Stoller’s songwriting that the song can be reinterpreted decades later and still retain its essential character while gaining new dimensions. Yoakam’s version serves as a vibrant reminder that Christmas music needn’t be confined to sentimentality; it can also be a vehicle for unadulterated rock and roll swagger, a joyful noise that cuts through the quiet reverence of the season with a celebratory roar. For those who appreciate a Christmas song that truly rocks, Dwight Yoakam’s “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” remains an essential listen, a powerful echo of the past, brought vibrantly into the present.