Mele Kalikimaka

The Andrews Sisters

About Mele Kalikimaka

"Mele Kalikimaka" (pronounced [ˈmɛlɛ kəˌlikiˈmɐkə]) is a Hawaiian-themed Christmas song written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson. The song takes its title from the Hawaiian phrase Mele Kalikimaka, meaning "Merry Christmas". One of the earliest recordings of this song was by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950 on Decca . It has been covered by many artists and used in several films (including L. A. Confidential, Catch Me If You Can and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. ) 


Year:
1995
252 
#1

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Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day 
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright 
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway 
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright 
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you 

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright 
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you 

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas, a very, very, Merry, Merry Christmas to you

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The Andrews Sisters

The Andrews Sisters were a highly successful close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Angelyn Andrews (January 3, 1916 – October 21, 1995), and mezzo-soprano Patricia Marie "Patty" Andrews (born February 16, 1918). Throughout their long career, the sisters sold well over 75 million records (the last official count released by MCA Records in the mid-1970s). Their 1941 hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" can be considered an early example of rhythm and blues or jump blues. more »

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Written by: R. Alex Anderson

Lyrics © DEMI MUSIC CORP. D/B/A LICHELLE MUSIC COMPANY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Mele Kalikimaka" is a Christmas song written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson.
Hawaiian Greeting
The title phrase "Mele Kalikimaka" is not a direct, literal translation of "Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian. Due to phonetic limitations of the Hawaiian language, it is actually the closest approximation to "Merry Christmas" in English.
Notable Performers
The song is most notably performed by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters in 1950, which became one of the best-selling versions of this song.
Unique Rendition
Bing Crosby’s rendition of "Mele Kalikimaka" has a memorable Hawaiian steel guitar arrangement that contributes much to the song’s tropical feel.
Pop Culture References
The song gained recognition and popularity and was even incorporated in popular culture. It can be heard in several films like "Christmas Vacation" and "Lilo and Stitch."
Iconic Duo
This song is just one of many popular collaborations between Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. They recorded multiple hits together throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Commercial Success
Although it is a seasonal song, "Mele Kalikimaka" continues to sell well during the holiday season to this day.
Music Video
Interestingly, despite its age and the time it was released, there is an animated music video for Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters' version of the song.
Other Versions
Besides Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, other popular artists have also covered this song, including Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, and the band Reel Big Fish.
Vinyl Release
When originally released, the song was backed with "Poppa Santa Claus" and sold as a 78-rpm vinyl record.

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