Story Behind the Song
The Story
For years they've come to Franky & Johnny's restaurant in uptown New Orleans, where the seafood is hot, the atmosphere is warm, and the Barq's root beer is ice-cold. And on special nights, Walton "Duke" Duplantis, one of the restaurant's congenial hosts, would pick up the P.A. mic and sing along with one of Sinatra's greatest hits - roaring from the old jukebox that still spins vinyl 45's. At the urging of the restaurant patrons, a host of friends and family, fellow musicians, and most every Kareoke DJ in the city, Duke revived a career that had been dormant for years. With the help of local music legend Bobby Lonero and his New Orleans Express Band, "Duke Night" at Rosy's Jazz Hall on Tchoupitoulas propelled Duke back into the local limelight (Nov. 2, 2002).
As a teen-ager and aspiring rock n' roll star, my Uncle Duke's house served as band practice central. How do you repay the man who provided me and my cousins with a P.A. system, a garage to practice in, a hearty meal, and the patience to put up with the noise? Maybe you help re-kindle the dream.
Oddly enough it was on Easter evening as I put my 4-yr old son to bed that the melody of this song came to me, and in the wee small hours of the morning it was completed. I knew it was destined to be sung by Duke, and I knew that I wanted to share it with others. By listening, you've helped to make the dream of me and my uncle come true.
Craig Cortello
Lyrics
SANTA WANTS ME TO BE (ASCAP)
Words and Music by Craig M. Cortello, Sung by Walton "Duke" Duplantis
U.S. Copyright, All Rights Reserved
Intro:
Christmas time is special, for the children of the world
For the sense of anticipation, captures every boy and girl.
But one jolly soul holds the key to the wishing well
Of Christmas day surprises, and the stories they will tell
Verse 1:
Johnny wants a baseball bat, to help him reach his dream, Take that slugger to the park each day, And someday to the major leagues
If he thinks he's good enough, then who is old Santa to say , Santa won't you give little Johnny a chance to play - And Johnny says Santa:
Chorus 1:
Do ya maybe need an extra reindeer, I'll strap some imitation antlers on my head
Kickin' and a hoofin' with Rudolph and the gang, Helpin' you haul your sled
When he reaches in his bag and gazes at his toys, How I hope that he'll remember me
Cause I'll be anything Santa wants me to be
Verse 2:
Sally wants a pretty doll, she'll help her brush her hair
Have their nails done, do some shopping, stop for tea, Make the boys stop and stare
If the sweet little debutante wants to make a fuss, Then Santa please find Sally a friend
Cause Sally will never be 6 years old again. And Sally says Santa:
Chorus 2:
Do ya maybe need a Christmas tree, I'll wear a big hat with a star on my head
A pretty green dress and some lights for a belt, I can even paint my buttons red
When he reaches in his bag and gazes at his toys, How I hope that he'll remember me. Cause I'll be anything Santa wants me to be
(Instrumental)
Verse 3:
Santa could you please make one last stop, To make my night complete.
Before you zip back to the chilly North Pole, Do you think you could swing by my street.
You see I have everything a man could want, but there's still one wish I'd like to see.
Everybody livin' in peace love and harmony.
Chorus 3:
Do ya maybe need a helpin' hand, Givin' out hugs and kisses down here
I'll tuck your little helpers into bed at night, Since you only pass by once a year Could you reach into your bag of happiness and joy, And grab a little holiday cheer And I'll be anything that you want me, I'll be anything Santa wants me, I'll be anything Santa wants me to be
Wants me to be.
Wants me to be.
SANTA WANTS ME TO BE.
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