FtV - The Jingle Bells Scandal
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is 'Jingle Bells' considered a controversial song?
The song 'Jingle Bells' is considered controversial because it is not a Christmas carol but rather a song about a 'booty call.' The lyrics describe a sleigh ride with a woman, which in 1850 was scandalous due to the lack of chaperones. Additionally, the song includes double entendres, such as the word 'upsot,' which can mean both capsizing and being intoxicated.
Where was 'Jingle Bells' allegedly written, and what is the controversy surrounding its origin?
'Jingle Bells' was allegedly written in Medford, Massachusetts, at the Simpson Tavern in 1850. However, there is controversy because Savannah, Georgia, also claims the song was written there. Research by Kyna Hamill suggests that James Pierpont, the composer, was in San Francisco in 1850, making it unlikely he wrote the song in Medford. The first public performance was in Boston in 1857.
What is the significance of the word 'upsot' in the lyrics of 'Jingle Bells'?
The word 'upsot' in 'Jingle Bells' is significant because it serves as a double entendre. Literally, it means capsizing or turning over, but it is also an old-fashioned slang term for being intoxicated. This adds a scandalous layer to the song, suggesting that the characters in the sleigh ride were not only physically overturned but also drunk.
What is the connection between 'Jingle Bells' and Meat Loaf's 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light'?
Both 'Jingle Bells' and Meat Loaf's 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' share the theme of a romantic or sexual encounter during a vehicle ride. 'Jingle Bells' describes a sleigh ride with a woman, while 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' narrates a teenage couple's experience in a car. The comparison highlights how the idea of driving off alone with a romantic interest has been a recurring theme in music for over a century.
What was James Pierpont's controversial background beyond writing 'Jingle Bells'?
Beyond writing 'Jingle Bells,' James Pierpont was a controversial figure because he moved to the South and became a Confederate sympathizer. He wrote pro-Confederacy songs like 'Strike for the South' and 'We Conquer or Die,' which starkly contrast with the festive image of 'Jingle Bells.' This has led to debates about whether his work should be 'canceled' due to his political affiliations.
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