Meaning of I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Remastered)

by Gayla Peevey · 2024

The song “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey is about a child who wishes to receive a hippopotamus as a Christmas gift, emphasizing their preference for a hippo over other toys or animals and imagining the joy of finding one on Christmas morning.

This song has been Shazamed over 555,361 times. As of this writing, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Remastered) is ranked 200

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Remastered)’ by Gayla Peevey is a whimsical holiday tune about a young girl’s unique wish. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this song so charming and fun. ⬇️

The song radiates an aura of playful innocence, whisking us into the realm of childhood dreams where the improbable feels plausible. Its narrative follows a child’s determined quest for an unconventional Christmas gift—a hippopotamus.

The chorus bursts with pure, unfiltered desire: “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, only a hippopotamus will do.” It’s not just any gift that will suffice; there’s a singular longing that captivates us. We feel the urgency and specificity in her wish, a reflection of how our hearts sometimes yearn for one perfect thing amidst the abundance of choices.

Delving into the verses, we find ourselves amused by the practicality and imagination of the child. She envisions the logistics—Santa bypassing the chimney, the hippo fitting snugly in the garage—and even debates its dietary habits with her mom and teacher. It’s a delightful contradiction, showcasing a blend of naïveté and surprising insight, as she counters adult concerns with youthful logic.

✨ At its core, the song is a celebration of whimsical dreams and the magic of Christmas morning. It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest joy comes not from the gift itself but from the dreaming and anticipation it inspires.

Writer(s) of I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Remastered): John Rox

🎵 Songs like I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Remastered)

1 Gene Autry – Here Comes Santa Claus

2 Andy Williams – Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season (Medley)

3 Jimmy Durante – Frosty The Snowman