Is 'Start Spreading The News' A Christmas Song? Let's Find Out!

Hey folks! Ever found yourself humming along to Frank Sinatra's iconic tune, "Start Spreading the News," and wondered if it fits the festive season? You're not alone! It's a question that pops up, especially as the holidays roll around, with its upbeat tempo and celebratory feel. But is "Start Spreading the News" truly a Christmas song? Let's dive in and unpack this musical mystery. We'll explore the song's context, lyrics, and overall vibe to determine its place in our holiday playlists. Buckle up, because we're about to spread some knowledge!

Unveiling the Origins of "Start Spreading the News"

To understand whether "Start Spreading the News" is a Christmas song, we need to first understand its roots. This song, also known as "Theme from New York, New York," isn't inherently tied to Christmas. It was written for the 1977 Martin Scorsese film New York, New York. The song captures the spirit of the city, its energy, and its never-say-die attitude. Think bright lights, bustling streets, and the sheer buzz of the Big Apple. The songwriting duo, Fred Ebb and John Kander, crafted it as a love letter to New York City, encapsulating the dreams and ambitions that draw people to the city. Its popularity soared, thanks in large part to Sinatra's powerful vocals, which breathed life into the song and transformed it into an anthem. The song’s essence lies in its motivational core, the theme of rising above, conquering all, and achieving triumph. This perspective of never giving up and achieving your goals makes it a powerful song with a wide range of uses, not just limited to a specific holiday.

So, while it wasn't conceived with Christmas in mind, its universal message of triumph and making it big has resonated with audiences across different cultures and traditions. This is why people sometimes associate the song with different celebratory events, including Christmas, New Year, and many other festivals. The song's inherent feeling is one of excitement and a positive outlook on the future, which is very common during these times.

Dissecting the Lyrics: Christmas Clues?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and analyze the lyrics. Do the words themselves offer any hints that this is a Christmas song? The lyrics go, "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today / I want to be a part of it, New York, New York." And of course, the iconic refrain, "These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray / And step out of New York, New York." Do these lines scream Christmas? Nope! They are about a sense of adventure, about embracing new experiences, and about the allure of a specific city. There's no mention of Santa, snow, reindeer, or any other holiday imagery. The song is entirely focused on the energy and allure of New York City and the dreamer's determination to succeed. There are no direct allusions to the holiday. The lyrics are about personal aspirations and the excitement of a fresh start, which is a broader theme than Christmas. This is why it’s not particularly aligned with the Christmas season.

Now, you might argue that the feeling of excitement and joy associated with the song aligns with the festive spirit. However, the connection is more emotional than literal. Christmas songs usually have very specific references to the holiday and associated traditions. While "Start Spreading the News" might evoke feelings of joy and celebration, those feelings are more tied to the song's overall message of triumph and the excitement of starting something new, which resonates with anyone, anytime of the year, and not specifically on Christmas. The absence of Christmas-specific elements in the lyrics is crucial for answering our question.

The Verdict: Christmas or Not?

So, after digging deep into the song's origins and lyrics, the answer is pretty clear. "Start Spreading the News" isn't a Christmas song in the traditional sense. It's a song about New York City, about dreams, and about seizing opportunities. Its upbeat tempo and celebratory feel might make it fit in with your holiday playlist, but it is not inherently a Christmas tune.

Its popularity during the festive season is more likely a result of its uplifting energy, which aligns with the general feeling of hope and joy that often accompanies the holidays. The song has become synonymous with New Year's Eve, thanks to its association with New York City, where the celebrations are televised to the world. Therefore, you may find it played at this time. However, the association is more related to the feeling of new beginnings and a fresh start rather than the holiday itself. It is not necessarily related to the Christmas holiday in particular.

Why We Might Mistake It for a Christmas Song

There are several reasons why you might think "Start Spreading the News" is a Christmas song, even if it's not. The song's general themes of celebration and joy can easily blend with the festive atmosphere. The upbeat tempo and positive vibes create a feeling of general happiness, which is a common feeling during the Christmas holiday. Radio stations and playlists sometimes include it during the holidays, further cementing the association. This inclusion is more a reflection of the song's general appeal and ability to evoke positive emotions rather than a true representation of the song's identity as a Christmas song.

Also, the song's frequent use during New Year's Eve celebrations contributes to this confusion. New Year's is right around the corner from Christmas. This close proximity can blur the lines and make it seem like one song is for both celebrations. When people hear "Start Spreading the News" during New Year's, it's natural to associate it with the holiday season in general. This, however, is a common error as well. The themes of hope and optimism, which are central to the song's message, resonate during the New Year. Thus, the association is with the theme of celebration as a whole, rather than the Christmas holiday specifically.

Other Songs That Share the Christmas Vibe

Since we're on the subject of holiday music, let's look at some actual Christmas songs that get you into the festive spirit: songs with specific Christmas themes and imagery.

• "Jingle Bells": A classic, mentioning sleigh rides and winter fun. It embodies the joy of the holiday. The lyrics are all about the fun of the season and are instantly recognizable to anyone around the world. It’s an easy listen and perfect for the season. This song is instantly recognizable.
• "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!": This one embraces the weather conditions of winter. This is about being cozy indoors during the cold weather. The song is a fun listen that creates a warmth in your heart, reminiscent of being snuggled up near a fireplace on a cold winter night.
• "White Christmas": Bing Crosby's iconic tune conjures images of snow-covered landscapes and holiday gatherings. The song itself is very dreamy and has a specific feeling that is associated with Christmas. Its ability to create these Christmas settings makes it one of the most popular Christmas songs.
• "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town": This is the song that reminds kids to be good because Santa is coming! Its catchy tune and the theme of Santa Claus make it a staple for children during the Christmas holiday.

These songs, unlike "Start Spreading the News," have direct references to Christmas and its traditions. They create a feeling that is very specific to the Christmas holiday.

Conclusion: Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive

So, while "Start Spreading the News" isn't a Christmas song, its uplifting spirit can still bring you joy during the holidays. There's no harm in adding it to your playlist if it makes you happy. Music is all about personal connection and the emotions it evokes. But now you know the truth! So, spread the news (pun intended!), and keep enjoying the music you love, no matter the season. Happy listening, and have a fantastic holiday season, everyone! The song continues to be a favorite among many people due to its positive message and energetic tune, no matter when you play it. This is not just during the Christmas season, but all year round, it is a great song.