Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a beloved Christmas carol that has been delighting children and adults alike for generations. Written by Johnny Marks in 1949, the song tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his shining nose.
Rudolph's journey from outcast to hero has become an iconic part of holiday folklore, and his story has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media, including films, TV specials, and stage productions.
In this article, we'll delve into the history of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, explore the song's lyrics and meaning, and provide printable lyrics for you to enjoy.
The Story Behind Rudolph
Rudolph was created by Robert L. May in 1939 as a promotional gimmick for Montgomery Ward, a department store in Chicago. May, a copywriter for the store, wrote a poem called "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to give away to customers during the holiday season.
The poem was a huge success, and Montgomery Ward distributed over 2.4 million copies during the 1939 holiday season. In 1949, Johnny Marks, May's brother-in-law, adapted the poem into the song we know today.
The Lyrics
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a catchy and upbeat tune that has become synonymous with Christmas cheer. The song's lyrics tell the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer with a glowing red nose, who is teased and excluded by his peers.
However, when a severe snowstorm threatens to cancel Christmas, Rudolph's shining nose saves the day, and he becomes a hero.
Here are the printable lyrics to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw him You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say "Rudolph, with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer You'll go down in history!"
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
On the surface, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer appears to be a simple children's song. However, upon closer examination, the lyrics reveal a powerful message about acceptance, inclusion, and the importance of diversity.
Rudolph's story teaches us that what makes us different is often what makes us special. His glowing nose, once a source of ridicule, becomes the key to saving Christmas.
The song also highlights the dangers of bullying and exclusion. The other reindeer's cruel treatment of Rudolph ultimately leads to their own downfall, as they are forced to rely on him to save the day.
Printable Lyrics for Christmas Carolers
If you're looking to spread some holiday cheer with friends and family, here's a printable version of the lyrics:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Printable Lyrics
PDF: [Insert PDF link]
You can print out the lyrics and distribute them to your group, or use them as a fun holiday activity for kids.
Fun Facts About Rudolph
- Rudolph was originally going to be named "Reginald."
- The song has been translated into over 30 languages.
- Rudolph has been the subject of numerous TV specials, including the classic 1964 animated special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions.
- Rudolph's iconic red nose was inspired by a real-life experience. Robert L. May's wife, Margaret, had a cousin with a prominent nose, which May used as inspiration for Rudolph's glowing nose.
Conclusion
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a timeless holiday classic that continues to delight audiences around the world. With its catchy melody and powerful message, it's no wonder the song has become an integral part of our holiday traditions.
We hope you've enjoyed this article, and we encourage you to share it with your friends and family. Don't forget to print out the lyrics and spread some holiday cheer with your loved ones!
Who wrote the original poem "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?
+Robert L. May wrote the original poem "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1939.
What inspired Robert L. May to create Rudolph?
+May's wife, Margaret, had a cousin with a prominent nose, which May used as inspiration for Rudolph's glowing nose.
How many languages has the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" been translated into?
+The song has been translated into over 30 languages.