Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer is a Christmas song written by Randy Brooks and released in 1979. It has become a holiday classic, and its lyrics have been quoted and parodied for decades. Understanding the lyrics of this song can help us appreciate its humor and the clever play on words.
Understanding the Lyrics
The song begins with the narrator describing how his grandmother left her house on Christmas Eve and never returned. He then discovers that she was run over by a reindeer, which is a humorous twist of the traditional Christmas song, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Sleigh.”
The narrator then goes on to explain that the reindeer had a bright red nose, which is a reference to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He also explains that the reindeer was “as drunk as he could be,” which is another humorous reference to the Christmas season.
The song continues with the narrator describing how his grandmother was “all covered with snow” after the reindeer ran over her. He then explains that everyone at the hospital was “laughing and calling him names”, which is a reference to how people often make jokes about people who are injured or ill.
The song ends with the narrator saying that he “went to the doctor, and then to the lawyer” to try and get justice. This is a humorous twist on the traditional Christmas story, in which the narrator is seeking justice for his grandmother’s death.
Historical Context of the Song
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer was released in 1979 and quickly became a holiday classic. It was written by Randy Brooks and recorded by Elmo and Patsy, a mother-daughter duo from Alabama. The song was a huge hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming a holiday classic.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beach Boys, Adam Sandler, and even Jimmy Buffett. It has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and video games. The song has even been used in a commercial for the holiday season.
The song has been parodied and quoted numerous times over the years. It has been referenced in shows such as The Simpsons and Family Guy, as well as movies such as Elf and Home Alone. The song has also been used in a Christmas-themed beer commercial and a popular holiday-themed video game.
===OUTRO
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer is one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, and the lyrics are just as memorable as the music. Written by Randy Brooks in 1979, it tells the story of a family’s disastrous Christmas Eve, when Grandma’s restorative holiday walk through the snow turns into a grisly encounter with a careless reindeer. The song was an immediate hit, climbing to the top of the Christmas music charts and becoming an instant classic.
The song’s opening lines set the somber tone: “Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas Eve. You can say there’s no such thing as Santa. But as for me and grandpa, we believe.” The chorus humorously recounts the fatal incident: “Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town. Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take a freeway down. Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walkin’ home from our house Christmas Eve. You can say there’s no such thing as Santa. But as for me and grandpa, we believe.”
The song captures a mix of grief, disbelief and hope. It invites the listener to consider the possibility of a world without joy or magic, yet still finds its way to a place of hope and belief. It’s the perfect holiday song, with its catchy melody and humorous lightheartedness.
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer has become a lasting part of holiday music history. Decades later, it continues to be a favorite sing-along from Christmas carol services to karaoke bars. Thanks to Randy Brooks’ classic contribution, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer will never be forgotten.
