About the song
**”Run Rudolph Run”** is a lively Christmas song written by Chuck Berry, first recorded in 1958 and released as a single on Chess Records. Although Chuck Berry is widely recognized as the song’s creator, the credit officially goes to Johnny Marks and M. Brodie. This is because Johnny Marks held the trademark on the character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a name central to the song.
Despite the trademark issue, Berry claimed he wrote the song himself. He was surprised to find that Johnny Marks, who had no involvement in the song’s creation, received credit due to his trademark. Berry also alleged that M. Brodie was a fictitious name created to benefit Marks and his publisher financially. On Berry’s original 45-rpm single, the songwriting credits are listed as “C. Berry Music – M. Brodie.” However, all later versions of the song credit Marks and Brodie, published by Marks’s St. Nicholas Music.
Musically, “Run Rudolph Run” features a 12-bar blues structure, reminiscent of Berry’s iconic hit “Johnny B. Goode.” It also shares melodic similarities with Berry’s song “Little Queenie,” which was released shortly after. The song’s upbeat rhythm and festive spirit have made it a holiday favorite.
The lyrics of the song include a playful exchange between Santa Claus and children, referencing popular toys from the 1950s. This adds a nostalgic touch to the song, capturing the spirit of Christmas during that era.
Over the years, “Run Rudolph Run” has been covered by many artists, often under the title “Run Run Rudolph.” Its enduring popularity is a testament to Chuck Berry’s influence on rock and roll and holiday music.
Video
Lyrics
Out of all the reindeers, you know you’re the mastermind
Run, run Rudolph, Rudolph ain’t too far behind
Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town
Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down
Run, run Rudolph ’cause I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round
Said Santa to a boy, “Child, what have you been longing for?”
“All I want for Christmas is a Rock and Roll electric guitar”
And then away went Rudolph whizzin’ like a shootin’ star
Run, run Rudolph, Santa has to make it to town
Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down
Run, run Rudolph, reelin’ like a merry-go-round
Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town
Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down
Run, run Rudolph, I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round
Said Santa to a girl, “Child, what would please you most to get?”
“A little baby doll that can cry, sleep, drink, and wet”
And then away went Rudolph, whizzin’ like a Saber jet
Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town
Santa make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down
Run, run Rudolph, I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round