One Horse Open Sleigh


Inspired by the sleigh races in Medford Massachusetts during the mid 19th century, James Pierpont penned this song at 19 High Street in the center of Medford Square at what was then the Simpson Tavern. It has since become a popular Christmas song.

My wife Camilla and I have added new lyrics to reflect what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in Florida. Note the “Miami Vice” TV show was on the air (in the 1980s) when we came up with the new words. It’s in reruns now but there is still plenty of vice in Miami.

Merry Christmas 2016!

Lyrics:

[G] Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open [C] sleigh
O’er the fields we [D] go
Laughing all the [G] way

[G] Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits [C] bright
Oh what fun to [D] ride and sing
A sleighing song [G] tonight!

[G] Jingle bells, [Bm] jingle bells,
[Em] Jangle all the [G] way.
[C] Oh! what fun [G] it is to ride
[Am] In a one-horse open [D] sleigh.

[G] Jingle bells, [Bm] jingle bells,
[Em] Jangle all the [G] way.
[C] Oh! what fun [G] it is to ride
[D] In a one-horse open [G] sleigh.

BREAK

Oh Miami Vice, Disney’s nice
Alligators all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a fishing boat today

Oh Astronauts, swamp land lots
Big bugs all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a racing sloop today

Here we are in Florida
Without a hope of snow
Under swaying palms
Hurricanes sure to blow

But Santa Clause will know
How Florida will agree
Instead of coming from the North
He’ll come from the Florida Keys

Oh Miami Vice, Disney’s nice
Alligators all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a fishing boat today

Oh Astronauts, swamp land lots
Big bugs all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a racing sloop today X2

(c) McGuinn Music / April First Music 2016
New Lyrics By Roger McGuinn/Camilla McGuinn