Laufey has a flair for making old-school jazz feel fresh, and her latest take on Santa Baby doesn’t disappoint.
This isn’t your typical holiday cover — think Eartha Kitt meets an unexpected holiday guest, Bill Murray, with a splash of ballet. Yes, you read that right.
Setting the Stage with a Holiday Classic… and a Twist
Laufey’s new music video for Santa Baby, part of her Christmas album A Very Laufey Holiday, invites us into a festive scene narrated by none other than Bill Murray, as if he’s telling a story around the fire.
In a statement about the video, Laufey explained, “It was so much fun creating this version, and the music video became the perfect visual representation of the track. We were so lucky to have Bill Murray and Isabella Boylston of the American Ballet featured in the video for this fun and festive story.”
If you’ve ever thought Santa Baby was missing a dose of dry humour, Murray’s presence fills that gap beautifully.
His opening line, “This is the story of a nice and naughty girl…” sets the stage with a playful, slightly cheeky tone that Laufey brings to the classic track.
Bill Murray, a Narrator You Didn’t Know You Needed
Murray’s cameo isn’t just for fun; it adds a layer of wry storytelling that makes this rendition memorable.
He opens and closes the video with his own brand of festive charm, saying, “Come on, gather ’round the screen,” inviting viewers into this whimsical reimagining of the holiday classic.
His voice adds a slightly vintage, cinematic vibe that feels just right for a track that’s all about holiday wish lists and playful flirtation.
Ballet Meets Jazz: A Visual Treat with Choreographed Elegance
The visual elements of Laufey’s Santa Baby aren’t limited to narration.
Isabella Boylston, principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, brings elegance and charm, leading a performance choreographed by Alex Wong.
Known for his work on So You Think You Can Dance and The Greatest Showman, Wong’s choreography mixes classic ballet with a playful twist that mirrors Laufey’s modern jazz style.
Boylston and her ensemble of dancers move gracefully through the video, their routines blending seamlessly with the song’s sultry, jazzy vibe.
The ballet scenes add an unexpected sophistication to the playful requests of the lyrics, making it a video that’s visually as well as musically captivating.
Laufey’s Jazz Spin on Santa Baby
Musically, Laufey’s rendition is pure jazz-infused holiday magic. “With every day, with every little achievement, I feel like I’m getting closer to that goal of bringing jazz back to my generation,” Laufey shared in an interview.
She keeps her delivery smooth, almost smoky, and it’s all about the mood — an intimate whisper rather than a shout.
There’s a sense that she’s letting listeners in on a little secret, drawing them closer with each line.
Her approach to Santa Baby isn’t about big, showy notes; it’s about savouring each request on her Christmas list, from a light blue convertible to a yacht.
A Very Laufey Holiday: Building a Seasonal Tradition
Santa Baby isn’t Laufey’s first foray into holiday music; it’s part of her growing holiday album project, A Very Laufey Holiday, which she’s been building since 2021.
Each year, she drops a new song, adding to a collection that includes collaborations with artists like Norah Jones.
Last year, she released Christmas Dreaming as part of this annual series.
With this latest addition, she’s creating a holiday tradition for her fans that feels like unwrapping a new gift each season.
Aesthetic Choices: Nostalgic Yet Fresh
The aesthetic of the video mirrors the old-meets-new vibe Laufey is known for. The set design combines vintage holiday décor with a modern twist, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless yet fresh.
Costumes also play a big role; the dancers wear classic ballet attire that complements the elegance of Boylston’s performance.
Meanwhile, Laufey herself exudes retro glamour, almost like she’s channelling a jazz singer from the 1950s, which contrasts beautifully with the contemporary feel of her jazz-pop sound.
Why Laufey’s Santa Baby Is a Must-Add to Your Holiday Playlist
It’s easy to see why Laufey’s rendition of Santa Baby is already turning heads.
Between the nostalgic nods to jazz, Murray’s unique storytelling, and Boylston’s graceful choreography, the video offers viewers something genuinely new yet comfortingly familiar.
So, grab a cosy spot, cue up the video, and let Laufey’s version of Santa Baby fill the room — it’s like a little holiday surprise, wrapped in jazz and tied up with a bow.
For more on the holiday classic, check out Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby, which Laufey’s rendition pays homage to while adding her own signature style.
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Laufey Santa Baby Lyrics
Intro
(Santa baby, ah!)
(Hurry up be mine!)
Verse 1
Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree
For me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Verse 2
Santa baby, a ’52 convertible, too
Light blue
I’ll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Verse 3
Think of all the fun I’ve missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed
Next year I’ll be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list
Verse 4
Santa baby, I want a yacht
And really that’s not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
(Hurry up be mine!)
(Santa baby, ah!)
Verse 5
Santa honey, one little thing I really need
The deed to a platinum mine
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Verse 6
Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with the duplеx
And checks
Sign your ‘x’ on the line
Santa cutiе, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Verse 7
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s
I really do believe in you
Let’s see if you believe in me
Verse 8
Santa baby, forgot to one mention one little thing
A ring
I don’t mean on the phone
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Outro
(Santa baby, ah!)
(Hurry up be mine!)
(Santa baby, ah!)
