"The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" is a song written by Ross Bagdasarian (a.k.a. David Seville) in 1958. Although it was written and sung by Bagdasarian (in the form of a chipmunk voice), the singing credits are given to The Chipmunks, a fictional singing group consisting of three chipmunks by the names of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. Image File history File links Chipmunk_Song. ... A collection of various CD singles In music, a single is a short recording of one or more separate tracks. ... For the upcoming live-action/computer-generated film, see Alvin and the Chipmunks (film). ... Jan. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The 1995 re-release album cover of White Christmas A Christmas song is a song which is normally sung during the Christmas period, and usually has lyrical content addressing the holiday, the winter season, or both. ... A songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics to songs, the musical composition or melody to songs, or both. ... Ross Bagdasarian (January 27, 1919 – January 16, 1972), pianist, songwriter, actor, and record producer was born in Fresno, California. ... Aka can refer to the following meanings: Aka is an initialism for Also Known As. ... Ross Bagdasarian (January 27, 1919 – January 16, 1972) was an American pianist, songwriter, actor, and record producer of Armenian ethnic descent, born in Fresno, California. ... Jan. ... For the upcoming live-action/computer-generated film, see Alvin and the Chipmunks (film). ...

Overview

Over a musical intro, Seville asks the group if they're ready to sing their song and gets enthusiastic responses from all but Alvin, who is nowhere to be found. Seville calls louder and louder to get his attention, finally eliciting a frustrated Okay! from the chipmunk.

In this waltz, the Chipmunks plead for Christmas to arrive quickly and name the toys they hope to receive. During an instrumental break, Seville speaks quietly to the group as though he were in the recording studio directing them. He expresses approval of Simon and Theodore's vocal performances, but chides Alvin for singing flat. Again, Seville has to shout to get any response from Alvin, but the second time around, he has to shout a little softer. For other uses, see Waltz (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

As the vocals end, Seville congratulates the entire group on their performance and The Chipmunks want to sing the song again, but Seville tells them not to overdo it. The group argues with Seville until his pleadings are drowned out by the group's shouting. The song then fades out.

Chart performance

The song was very successful, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Chipmunks' first (and only) single, and David Seville's second and final single to do so. It also has the distinction of being the only Christmas record to reach #1 on the same chart. The single sold 4.5 million copies, according to Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. “Hot 100” redirects here. ...

Between 1959-1962, the single managed to re-enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #41, #45, and #39 in 1959, 1960, and 1962 respectively. (Starting in 1963, Billboard would list Christmas songs on a separate chart.) The song managed to chart on the Hot Digital Songs for a first time in 2005, peaking at #35 on that chart. “Hot 100” redirects here. ... See also: 1962 in music, other events of 1963, 1964 in music, 1960s in music and the list of years in music // January 1 - The Beatles start a 5 day tour in Scotland to support the release of their new single, Love Me Do. January 4 - At Cortina dAmpezzo...

Adaptation in other media

The song has been adapted in The Alvin Show as one of its musical segments. The short depicts Alvin looking through various presents to find a hula hoop, even as he reluctantly sings along with the other Chipmunks. At the end of the song, Seville rewards Simon and Theodore with toy planes and Alvin with his hula hoop. The subsequent argument ends abruptly with their Christmas tree falling over, and Seville and the Chipmunks emerge from the mess to wish the viewers a merry Christmas. The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... Children playing with hula hoops. ...

The song was also featured in A Chipmunk Christmas. A depressed Alvin sings along flatly at first (much like the 1958 original), but then leaves the studio to give away his harmonica to a sick boy. As Seville starts to resume recording the song without Alvin, Alvin returns in the nick of time to sing the song with the others. The song will also be featured on the film Alvin and the Chipmunks. There will be THREE versions of the song in that film, the original with Ross Bagdasarian, Sr.'s voice, a new one with Jason Lee's voice as Dave Seville, and a rock mix. After the death of Ross Bagdasarian in 1972, the Chipmunks careers stalled until NBC showed interest in the original show and released a new album of contemporary songs performed by the Chipmunks. ... A harmonica is a free reed wind instrument. ... Alvin and the Chipmunks is an upcoming live-action/computer-animated film, based on the popular musical group The Chipmunks (and, in several ways, the animated series Alvin and the Chipmunks). ... Ross Bagdasarian (b. ... Jason Lee may refer to: Jason Lee (missionary) (1803–1845), American missionary and pioneer in the Oregon Territory Jason Scott Lee (born 1966), Asian-American film actor Jason Lee (actor) (born 1970), American actor in TV series My Name is Earl, Church of Scientology member, and former professional skateboarder Jason...

Trivia

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• The B-Side featured on the single was "Almost Good", a jazz tune by David Seville.

• Bob Rivers parodied the song called "The Twisted Chipmunk Song" on his 2000 album Chipmunks Roasting On An Open Fire. Melvin, Squeaky, and Thagadore (Melvin and the Gerbils) were the characters in the song.

• On December 16, 2006, the television program "Saturday Night Live" offered a live-action rendition of The Chipmunk Song featuring Justin Timberlake performing the singing role of "Dave" and SNL cast members Bill Hader (Alvin), Fred Armisen (Simon) and Andy Samberg (Theodore) performing as the Chipmunks in authentic voice and costume.

• Jonathan Coulton, as part of his "Thing A Week" series, parodied the song with "[Podsafe Christmas Song]", a tongue-in-cheek plea for podsafe Christmas music (including the line: "Don't think us rude, we don't want to get sued / By the thugs at the RIAA...")

• The first verse of the song was re-recorded for all subsequent releases after the original release of the single. The original version, however, also appears on K-tel's "Looney Tunes" LP.

• After the group finishes fighting with Dave in the movie, the group repeats the last verse.

• In the Robot Chicken episode "Donkey Punch," a sketch features Simon, Alvin, and Theodore (Stephen Stanton) having boy band-esque voices and are recording this song. However, David Seville (Seth Green) asks a man to put deadly helium in the recording studio and suddenly, they sing like they normally do. Then, when Seville thinks he's going to make it big, the three die.