Little Saint Nick

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1963 single by the Beach Boys

"Little Saint Nick" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys first released as a single on December 9, 1963. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the Christmas song applies hot-rod themes to Santa Claus and his sleigh.[1]

The single peaked at number 3 on Billboard magazine`s special seasonal weekly Christmas Singles chart.[2] Its B-side was an a cappella version of "The Lord`s Prayer".[3] In November 1964, an alternate mix of "Little Saint Nick" appeared as the opening track on The Beach Boys` Christmas Album.

Background

"Little Saint Nick" was recorded on October 20, 1963, at Western Studio in Hollywood.[4] The idea for the song was partly inspired by record producer Phil Spector`s plans to record a Christmas album. Wilson recalled: "I wrote the lyrics to it while I was out on a date and then I rushed home to finish the music."[1] Some of its rhythm and structure derives from the group`s "Little Deuce Coupe", also co-written by Wilson and released as a single six months earlier.[5] Love was not originally listed as the co-writer of "Little Saint Nick". His credit was awarded after a 1990s lawsuit.[1][6]

Variations

"Little Saint Nick" reappeared on The Beach Boys` Christmas Album in 1964, with the stereo pressings of the album containing a new mix that removes the overdubbed sleigh bells, celeste and glockenspiel. This was done so that it would fit better with the sound of the album`s first side, which was recorded in a hurry with basic instrumentation.[6] Another version of the song, utilizing the melody and backing track later used for the All Summer Long song "Drive-In", was recorded during the album sessions in June 1964, but remained unreleased until a 1991 CD reissue.[5]

Charts

Chart performance for "Little Saint Nick"

Certifications

Certifications for "Little Saint Nick"