Big Papa Kringle

🎅🏾 Big Papa Kringle (1967 – Stax Records style soul single) (Intro – Horns & Organ riff) 🎶 Bah-dah-dah! Bah-dah-dah! Yeah, yeah, yeah… ohhh, Papa Kringle! --- (Verse 1) They call him Big Papa Kringle, rollin’ down the street, Candy-cane Cadillac, boots on his feet. He don’t need no reindeer, no magic sleigh, He spreads his love in a soulful way. He got a sack full o’ joy, a coat so fine, Spreads Christmas cheer on colored time. With a “Ho-ho-ho” and a wink of his eye, He’ll make the angels shout and testify! --- (Chorus) 🎵 Big Papa Kringle, bringin’ that soul, He got a bag full of love and a heart of gold. From Memphis down to New Orleans, He’s the funkiest Santa you’ve ever seen! 🎵 --- (Verse 2) Now he stops by the diner, where the jukebox hums, Drops a dime, and the whole joint drums. Kids outside shout, “There he go!” With a peppermint smile and a righteous glow. He don’t care ‘bout fame or dough, He just keeps that spirit on the go. And when the night gets cold and long, You hear that bassline, you feel that song! --- (Chorus) 🎵 Big Papa Kringle, bringin’ that soul, He got a bag full of love and a heart of gold. He don’t fly, he don’t need no sleigh, He grooves through town on Christmas Day! 🎵 --- (Bridge – call & response, gospel-style) Papa say: “You been good?” Crowd: “Yes we have!” Papa say: “You been kind?” Crowd: “Yes we have!” Papa say: “Well love each other, don’t you fight, ‘Cause Christmas love gon’ shine tonight!” (Horn breakdown, organ solo, tambourines build) --- (Verse 3) Now every year when the snow comes down, You can hear his laughter cross the town. He’s a big ol’ man with a funky plan, Keepin’ peace and groove in every hand. He don’t bring toys, he brings the beat, Love and rhythm on every street. And when that bell rings in the soul parade, You know Big Papa Kringle’s been paid! Final Chorus) 🎵 Big Papa Kringle, bringin’ that soul, He got a bag full of love and a heart of gold. From Beale Street up to Union Square, You can feel that funk in the frosty air! 🎵 --- (Outro) 🎶 “Merry Christmas, y’all… Keep it funky, keep it kind, keep it soul divine…” 🎶 (Horns swell, fade out with handclaps and tambourines)