Are you familiar with the catchy tune, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas?” This beloved holiday song has captured the hearts of people of all ages for decades. In this blog post, we will dive into the lyrics of the song, uncover the original version, and unravel the story behind its creation. So, put on your holiday hat and get ready to sing along to the delightful “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”!
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Lyrics
I’ve been dreaming of a Christmas gift that’s quite unique. Move aside, reindeer and snowmen! I want a hippopotamus for Christmas! Don’t worry, Santa, I promise I’ll take good care of it and clean up all the hippo-sized messes. So, let’s dive into the lyrics and embrace the joy of this catchy holiday tune!
Chorus: A friendly hippo for a festive celebration
“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do”
The chorus sets the holly jolly tone and emphasizes that nothing else will suffice for this Christmas wish but a hippopotamus. It’s as if the singer is saying, “All I want for Christmas is a humongous mammal!” Talk about a unique desire, right?
Verse 2: Second verse, same as the first
“Don’t want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy”
Move over, toys of all sorts! This person knows exactly what they want — not a doll or a mere plaything, but a bona fide hippopotamus. Who needs dollhouses when you can have a hippo-sized water playground?
Bridge: Safety first, Santa!
“And Mom says ‘A hippo would eat me up, but’
Teacher says a hippo is a Vegetarian”
Oh, the concerns raised by Mom and even the teacher! Luckily, this light-hearted bridge assures us that hippos are vegetarians. Phew! So, rest assured, there’s no need for fear when it comes to keeping a hippo as a pet. Just curious, though — is a vegetarian hippo still able to devour a whole Christmas feast?
Verse 3: A grand finale for a grand wish
“I won’t have to use a dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door, that’s the easy thing to do”
Santa’s job just got a bit easier thanks to the singer’s ingenious plan. No need to worry about squeezing down the chimney or leaving muddy footprints. Just waltz in through the front door with the hippopotamus in tow. Santa, you’ll never find a more considerate and accommodating Christmas request!
Outro: Dreams do come true!
So, as you listen to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” let the lyrics whisk you away to a world where Santa delivers more than just your typical presents. Sing along, giggle at the whimsical desire for a hippo, and embrace the joy and laughter that this beloved holiday tune brings. Who knows, with a sprinkle of holiday magic, maybe your own unique Christmas wish will come true!
Hippopotamus Song Lyrics
If you’re anything like me, you can’t go through the holiday season without hearing the classic tune, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” at least once. This delightful song has been making people smile since it first hit the airwaves in the 1950s. But have you ever taken the time to really listen to the lyrics? Let’s dive in and explore the hilarious and heartwarming words behind this holiday favorite.
Verse 1: Dreams of a Hippo for Christmas
The song kicks off with young Gayla Peevey, the original singer, expressing her ardent desire for a rather unconventional Christmas gift – a hippopotamus! The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her longing as she explains that only a hippo will do, promptly dismissing other typical holiday requests like a choo-choo train or a crocodile.
Chorus: The Repeated Plea
The catchy chorus is where the true charm of this song lies. With its bouncy melody and infectious rhythm, it’s hard not to join in on the fun. As Gayla sings, “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, only a hippopotamus will do,” she captures the childlike joy and single-minded determination we can all relate to when it comes to our most desired presents.
Verse 2: Practical Considerations
As the song progresses, Gayla acknowledges the practical concerns that arise when one wishes for such a massive creature. She mentions the potential havoc a hippo could wreak, highlighting the need for ample space. But despite the challenges, her desire remains unshaken – a sentiment we can all appreciate when it comes to our own whimsical dreams.
Bridge: Begging Santa Claus
In the bridge of the song, Gayla pleads with Santa Claus directly, urging him not to forget her heartfelt wish. With her sweet, hopeful tone, she assures him that she has been “extra good” all year round, a tactic often employed by children hoping to sway Santa in their favor. It’s hard not to root for her as she implores Santa to grant her the extraordinary gift of a hippopotamus.
Final Chorus: A Triumph of Wishes
The last chorus is where the song reaches its climax, bringing Gayla’s longing for a hippopotamus to a resounding crescendo. With the repetition of the catchy chorus, the wish for a hippo becomes an anthem of holiday cheer, leaving listeners unable to resist a smile. It’s a triumphant reminder that sometimes the most unlikely dreams can come true, even if they involve a rather unconventional Christmas gift.
So, the next time you find yourself singing along to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” take a moment to appreciate the humor and heart behind the lyrics. This playful song encapsulates the joy and excitement that come with the holiday season, reminding us to embrace our unique desires and celebrate the magic of Christmas in all its quirky glory.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Original
If you’ve ever found yourself humming “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” during the holiday season, you might be surprised to learn about the unique origins of this beloved song. Written by a ten-year-old girl named Gayla Peevey in 1953, this catchy tune quickly became a hit and remains a staple of Christmas playlists to this day.
A Wish Fueled by Innocence
When Gayla first sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” at a local Oklahoma City radio station, she never anticipated the immense popularity it would gain. With a youthful voice and an innocent charm, Gayla captured the hearts of listeners who couldn’t help but smile at her quirky holiday request.
Power to the People
What makes this song even more extraordinary is the grassroots movement that took place in response to Gayla’s wish. The children of Oklahoma City rallied behind her desire for a hippopotamus and launched a fundraising campaign to make her dream come true. They collected dimes, quarters, and dollar bills to purchase the lovable creature for the city zoo.
From Zoo to Stardom
Gayla Peevey’s wish was granted when a baby hippopotamus named Matilda was ultimately acquired for the Oklahoma City Zoo. On Christmas Day, the zoo welcomed Matilda, bringing joy to Gayla and fulfilling the dreams of an entire community. This heartwarming story captured the nation’s attention and turned “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” into an instant hit.
Enduring Charm
Despite being a song created by a young girl decades ago, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Its nostalgic charm and playful lyrics make it a beloved choice for holiday playlists, reminding us of the innocence and wonder of childhood wishes.
A Surprise Hit
Gayla Peevey’s original composition redefined the idea of what makes a song a holiday classic. Its universal appeal and catchy melody propelled it to success beyond anyone’s expectations. Today, we can still enjoy this timeless gem as we sing along to the cheerful chorus of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
A Legacy of Joy
In the end, what makes “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” so special is the joy it brings each holiday season. Its lighthearted nature and whimsical lyrics remind us to embrace the magic of the holiday spirit and to never stop dreaming, no matter how big or unconventional our wishes may be. So, go ahead and sing your heart out – after all, who doesn’t want a hippopotamus for Christmas?
What’s the Deal with “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”?
Once upon a time in America, a young girl named Gayla Peevey set the stage for quirky Christmas wishes with her all-too-familiar tune, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” This playful and infectious song emerged onto the holiday scene in the 1950s, instantly capturing the hearts of children and adults alike. So, what’s the story behind this wacky holiday hit?
A Campaign for a Hippo?
Believe it or not, this catchy tune was not just a random desire for a hippopotamus. It actually started as a fundraising effort! The Oklahoma City Zoo launched a campaign to raise money for the purchase of a hippopotamus, and this catchy Christmas song became the theme of their noble mission. Young Gayla Peevey, an Oklahoman native, was chosen to sing the song and bring attention to this rather unconventional charitable venture.
The Unforgettable Performance
Gayla Peevey’s public debut of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” took place in 1953 at the Municipal Auditorium in Oklahoma City. Standing alongside a real-life hippo named Matilda, Gayla belted out the lyrics with infectious enthusiasm, captivating the audience with her youthful charm. The song quickly gained popularity, resonating with people who not only found it amusing but also saw the underlying message of supporting a cause dear to their hearts.
The Power of a Catchy Tune
As the song spread like wildfire through word of mouth, radio airwaves, and eventually, record sales, it became clear that “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” had struck a chord with the holiday spirit. Perhaps it was the catchy melody, the whimsical lyrics, or simply Gayla Peevey’s endearing voice that made it such a standout hit. Regardless, this quirky tune has remained a staple of holiday playlists for generations, reminding us to never underestimate the power of a lighthearted Christmas wish.
Modern-Day Popularity
Nearly seven decades later, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” continues to bring laughter and joy to countless homes during the holiday season. It has been covered by various artists, featured in movies and commercials, and enjoyed by millions worldwide. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Conclusion: A Classic Christmas Wish
In a world filled with traditional Christmas carols and heartfelt ballads, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” stands out as a cherished and humorous holiday gem. Its origin as a fundraising anthem adds a heartwarming layer to its comedic charm. So, next time you find yourself humming this catchy tune, remember the hilarious story behind it and embrace the joy it brings during the most wonderful time of the year.