What is "Feliz Navidad" - Full Lyrics, History, Artist Profile (Popular Christmas song)
Written and performed by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano in 1970, it remains one of the most beloved Christmas songs worldwide. With its simple lyrics and upbeat melody, "Feliz Navidad" transcends language barriers and evokes festive cheer wherever it is played.
 |
Overview of Feliz Navidad
-
Release and Success
- Released in November 1970 as part of José Feliciano's Christmas album, Feliz Navidad, the song gained instant popularity.
- Its bilingual lyrics—simple Spanish and English phrases—made it easy for global audiences to sing along.
- Over the years, it has been streamed billions of times on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and it continues to chart every holiday season.
-
Structure
The song alternates between the Spanish phrase “Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” (Merry Christmas, prosperous year, and happiness) and the English line “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.” This repetition and simplicity contributed to its timeless appeal.
-
Legacy and Covers
- Feliz Navidad has been covered by countless artists, including Michael Bublé, Glee Cast, and Kacey Musgraves.
- It’s a staple of holiday playlists and has been featured in commercials, TV shows, and Christmas movies.
The Artist Behind the Song: José Feliciano
José Feliciano, born on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, is a blind musician whose career spans decades. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice, he has earned numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards.
- Child Prodigy: Blind from birth due to congenital glaucoma, Feliciano began playing guitar at the age of 9 and was performing professionally by his teens.
- Breakthrough: His 1968 rendition of The Doors’ “Light My Fire” propelled him to international fame.
- Holiday Icon: Though he has many hits, Feliz Navidad cemented his place as a Christmas music legend.
In 2020, Feliciano celebrated the 50th anniversary of Feliz Navidad with a re-recorded version featuring artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jason Mraz.
 |
The History and Inspiration Behind Feliz Navidad
Why was it written?
Feliciano, living in the United States during the late 1960s, missed his family in Puerto Rico during the holidays. He wrote Feliz Navidad as a way to express his longing and to unite cultures through music.
Cultural Impact
Feliciano intentionally kept the lyrics simple so that both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking audiences could enjoy it. He has said in interviews that the song's success lies in its ability to bring people together, no matter their background.
Chart Success
- Initially, Feliz Navidad didn’t reach the charts, but its popularity grew steadily over the years.
- In 2020, it finally hit the Billboard Hot 100 at #10, 50 years after its release.
Fun Stories and Trivia Around Feliz Navidad
-
Unexpected Success: Feliciano didn’t anticipate the song’s massive popularity. He wrote it in less than 10 minutes on a whim.
-
Guinness Record: In 2011, a group of 800 children in Venezuela set a Guinness World Record for the largest group to sing Feliz Navidad together.
-
Global Reach: Despite being written in Spanish and English, the song is a holiday favorite in non-English-speaking countries like Germany, Japan, and the Philippines.
-
Pop Culture Moments: The song has been parodied and referenced in shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. Its melody is instantly recognizable across generations.
-
Anniversary Edition: To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Feliciano released a star-studded version, which gave the classic a modern twist.
FAQs About Feliz Navidad
1. Why is the song so short?
At just over three minutes, Feliz Navidad was designed to be concise and repeatable, making it easy for audiences to sing along.
2. How much has José Feliciano earned from the song?
While exact figures are unclear, Feliciano has earned millions in royalties. The song generates significant income each holiday season through streaming, radio play, and licensing.
3. What makes the song unique?
Its blend of Spanish and English, combined with its joyous melody, makes it both a celebration of cultural fusion and a universally appealing Christmas song.
4. How many covers exist?
There are over 300 official covers of Feliz Navidad, ranging from pop to jazz and even heavy metal interpretations.
5. Does Feliciano still perform it live?
Yes! Feliciano includes Feliz Navidad in nearly all his holiday performances and continues to tour globally.
Full Lyrics: Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
DANCE BREAK
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad,
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad
Navidad!
(Speaking) Merry Christmas Everyone!
Why Is Feliz Navidad So Beloved?
1. Simplicity Is Key
With only 20 words in the lyrics, the song is incredibly easy to remember and sing. This simplicity allows it to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
2. A Song of Unity
By combining Spanish and English, Feliz Navidad celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making it a song that transcends cultural boundaries.
3. Pure Joy
Its upbeat tempo and festive melody encapsulate the holiday spirit. It’s almost impossible not to smile while listening to it!
A Holiday Staple for Generations
For over five decades, Feliz Navidad has brought people together, filling homes, parties, and even shopping malls with its infectious cheer. José Feliciano’s masterpiece is more than just a Christmas song—it’s a cultural phenomenon and a reminder of the universal joy of the holiday season.
Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the fiftieth, Feliz Navidad is sure to make your holiday celebrations a little brighter. Here's to 50 more years of singing, "I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart!"
