“Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer),” released in November 1971 by Metromedia Records, was a festive single by Bobby Sherman, a beloved teen idol of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born Robert Cabot Sherman Jr. on July 22, 1943, in Santa Monica, California, Sherman had risen to fame with a string of hits including “Little Woman” (1969), “La La La (If I Had You)” (1969), “Easy Come, Easy Go” (1970), “Hey, Mister Sun” (1970), and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (1970). By 1971, Sherman’s chart dominance had begun to wane slightly, but his popularity as a heartthrob remained strong, fueled by his wholesome image, shaggy hair, and warm vocals. “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” did not achieve the same chart success as his earlier singles, failing to crack the Billboard Hot 100, but it found a niche audience on seasonal radio and among his devoted fanbase.
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Written by J. Vincent Edwards and produced by Ward Sylvester, the song was a departure from Sherman’s typical romantic pop, embracing a holiday-themed narrative with a folk-pop sensibility. The recording featured a skilled ensemble of session musicians, though specific details about the lineup are less documented than for Sherman’s earlier hits. The single’s B-side was “Love’s What You’re Getting for Christmas,” another holiday track that complemented the A-side’s festive spirit. “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” was included on Sherman’s album Christmas Album, released in 1971, which featured a mix of original holiday songs and traditional carols, tailored to capitalize on the seasonal market.
Sherman’s career in 1971 was multifaceted. While his role in Here Come the Brides (1968–1970) had ended, he remained a television presence through guest appearances and his starring role in the short-lived series Getting Together (1971–1972), a spin-off of The Partridge Family. His music career, bolstered by regular features in teen magazines like Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine, continued to thrive, though the bubblegum pop craze was giving way to new musical trends like soft rock and glam. The release of “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” came during a transitional period for Sherman, as he sought to diversify his musical output while maintaining his appeal to young fans and their families.
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The song arrived in a cultural context where holiday music was a reliable commercial venture, with artists like The Carpenters and Andy Williams releasing seasonal albums. The early 1970s were marked by social challenges, including the ongoing Vietnam War and economic inflation, making nostalgic, heartwarming holiday songs a source of comfort. “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” tapped into this sentiment, offering a message of warmth and togetherness that resonated with listeners seeking solace during the holiday season.
Reasons Behind the Creation of “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)”
The creation of “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” was a strategic move by Metromedia Records to leverage Bobby Sherman’s popularity in the lucrative holiday music market while showcasing a new dimension of his artistry. After a prolific run of pop hits, Sherman’s label aimed to keep him relevant by diversifying his catalog with a seasonal single that could appeal to both his teen fanbase and a broader, family-oriented audience. J. Vincent Edwards, a British songwriter with a knack for crafting emotive, narrative-driven songs, was chosen to write a track that would align with Sherman’s sincere persona while embracing the universal themes of Christmas.
The song’s folk-pop style and holiday focus were designed to differentiate it from Sherman’s earlier romantic hits, reflecting a shift toward a more mature, versatile image. Producer Ward Sylvester, who had worked with Sherman on previous projects, aimed to create a warm, accessible sound that would suit holiday radio playlists and family gatherings. The decision to release a full Christmas Album alongside the single was a calculated effort to capitalize on the seasonal demand for festive music, positioning Sherman as a multifaceted entertainer capable of delivering more than teen pop.
Sherman’s personal context likely influenced the song’s emotional resonance. At 28, he was balancing a demanding career with his personal life, including his marriage to Patti Carnel. His ability to convey genuine warmth and sincerity—qualities that defined his appeal—made him an ideal fit for a holiday song about homecoming and togetherness. The song’s themes of returning home and celebrating with loved ones may have reflected Sherman’s own experiences as a California native who valued family amidst his hectic schedule.
The cultural landscape of 1971 played a significant role in the song’s creation. The early 1970s were a time of social and political unrest, with the Vietnam War and economic challenges creating a sense of uncertainty. Holiday music offered an emotional escape, emphasizing nostalgia, unity, and hope. “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” was crafted to tap into this desire for connection, providing a comforting anthem for listeners longing for the familiarity of home during the Christmas season. Its release was timed to coincide with the holiday shopping period, ensuring maximum exposure in a competitive market that included other seasonal releases.
The song also served as a way for Sherman to maintain his visibility as his chart success began to slow. By embracing a holiday theme, he could appeal to a wider demographic, including parents and older listeners who appreciated his wholesome image. The decision to pair the single with a full Christmas album reflected Metromedia’s confidence in Sherman’s ability to carry a seasonal project, even as musical tastes were evolving.
Content and Themes Conveyed Through “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)”
“Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” is a heartfelt holiday song that celebrates the joy of returning home for Christmas and the warmth of familial togetherness. Delivered with Bobby Sherman’s signature sincerity and gentle vocals, the lyrics weave a narrative of a weary traveler longing to reunite with loved ones during the holiday season. The song’s folk-pop melody, accented by acoustic guitars and subtle festive touches like sleigh bells, creates a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that complements its themes of homecoming and celebration.
The lyrics open with a vivid image of the narrator’s journey: “Goin’ home, goin’ home, to the place I love so dear / Sing a song of Christmas cheer, ‘cause I’m comin’ home this year.” This establishes the song’s central focus on the emotional pull of home, portrayed as a sanctuary of love and comfort. The phrase “Christmas cheer” evokes the festive spirit, suggesting that the act of singing itself is a way to share joy and anticipation. The narrator’s determination to return home, despite the challenges of travel, underscores the importance of family and tradition during the holidays.
The chorus reinforces the song’s uplifting message, with lines like “Sing a song, sing it loud, let the whole world hear / Goin’ home for Christmas, spreadin’ Christmas cheer.” The call to “sing it loud” invites listeners to join in the celebration, creating a sense of communal joy. The repetition of “goin’ home” serves as both a literal and emotional anchor, emphasizing the narrator’s longing for connection and the promise of a warm reunion. Sherman’s warm, inviting delivery enhances the song’s sense of intimacy, making the listener feel part of the journey.
The verses paint a vivid picture of the narrator’s anticipation, describing familiar sights and feelings associated with homecoming. Lyrics like “See the snow upon the ground, hear the church bells ring / Feel my heart begin to sing, ‘cause I’m home where I belong” evoke a classic winter scene, rich with sensory details that resonate with listeners. The mention of snow, bells, and home creates a universal image of Christmas, while the narrator’s emotional response—his heart “begin to sing”—captures the profound joy of returning to a place of belonging. The song avoids religious specificity, focusing instead on secular themes of family and festivity, making it broadly accessible.
Thematically, “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” explores the universal longing for connection and the comfort of home during the holidays. The narrator’s journey reflects a broader human experience of seeking warmth and togetherness amidst life’s challenges, a sentiment that resonated deeply in 1971, when many families were separated by war or economic hardship. The song’s emphasis on singing as an expression of joy adds a layer of optimism, suggesting that music itself can bridge distances and unite people.
The song’s folk-pop style and heartfelt lyrics align with the early 1970s’ interest in simplicity and authenticity, offering a contrast to the era’s more commercialized holiday fare. Its focus on homecoming and celebration made it a timeless addition to Sherman’s catalog, appealing to listeners of all ages who cherished the holiday season’s promise of renewal and unity.
Ultimately, “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” conveys a powerful message about the joy of reuniting with loved ones and the enduring power of holiday traditions. Its nostalgic imagery, uplifting melody, and Sherman’s sincere performance capture the essence of Christmas as a time of connection, making it a cherished, if lesser-known, gem in his discography.