About the song
Dwight Yoakam’s “Santa Can’t Stay”: A Honky-Tonk Holiday Classic
Dwight Yoakam, a cornerstone of the modern honky-tonk revival, has brought his distinctive sound to a wide array of songs. His Christmas album, Come On Christmas, features a unique take on holiday classics, and “Santa Can’t Stay” is a prime example of Yoakam’s ability to blend traditional country with his own rockabilly flair.
While the image of Santa Claus is typically associated with joy and cheer, Yoakam’s version of “Santa Can’t Stay” presents a more melancholy and introspective view. The song paints a picture of a weary Santa, contemplating the pressures of his job and the passage of time. It’s a departure from the usual upbeat holiday tunes, offering a more somber and thoughtful perspective.
Yoakam’s deep, resonant voice and the song’s slow tempo create a contemplative mood. The lyrics, filled with imagery of a lonely Santa, evoke a sense of empathy and understanding. The pedal steel guitar and fiddle provide a classic country sound, while the driving rhythm section and electric guitar solos give the song a rockabilly edge.
“Santa Can’t Stay” is a unique addition to the Christmas music canon. It’s a song that invites listeners to consider the deeper meanings of the holiday season. Yoakam’s ability to infuse a traditional Christmas song with his own distinctive style has made “Santa Can’t Stay” a beloved track among fans of both country and rock music.
Beyond its musical merits, “Santa Can’t Stay” also holds historical significance. It helped to solidify Yoakam’s reputation as a versatile artist who could tackle a wide range of musical genres. The song’s success showcased his ability to create a unique and memorable holiday classic.
If you’re looking for a Christmas song that offers a different perspective on the holiday season, then look no further than “Santa Can’t Stay”. It’s a timeless piece of music that will make you think about the true meaning of Christmas.
Video
Lyrics
Cold tears fall from his eyesAs he turns into the night and walks awayLucille runs outsideJust to see if there might be a sleighLittle Bobby stares downAt the plate where cookies still layAnd tries to understandWhy Momma said Santa can’t stayMomma said Santa can’t staySaid she told him that twice yesterdayThen a car just like Dad’sPulled out and drove awayAfter mom said Santa couldn’t staySanta can’t stayThey both heard him comingSaw Mom run down the hall and holler away“Doug you’re drunk, don’t come insideI’m not joking, I’ve had all this I can take”He threw a present really hardThat almost hit Mom’s new boyfriend RayAnd yelled ho-ho lucky for you she’s hereAnd said that Santa can’t stayMomma said Santa can’t staySaid she told him that twice yesterdayThen a car just like Dad’sPulled out and drove awayAfter mom said Santa couldn’t stayMomma said Santa can’t staySaid she warned him ’bout it twice yesterdayThen a car just like Dad’sPulled out and drove awayAfter mom said Santa couldn’t stayMomma said Santa can’t staySaid he might just have to beat the crap outta RayThen a car just like Dad’sPeeled out and drove awayAfter mom yelled Santa couldn’t stayMomma said Santa can’t stay