Introduction:
Believing in the Magic: A Look at “I Believe In Santa’s Cause” by the Statler Brothers
Christmas music thrives on tradition, and few groups have embodied that tradition more than the Statler Brothers. Their 1980s Christmas albums brought a warm, folksy charm to the holiday season, and “I Believe In Santa’s Cause” perfectly exemplifies that spirit.
While the exact year of composition remains elusive, “I Believe In Santa’s Cause” found its home on the Statler Brothers’ 1984 album “Christmas on the Mountain.” The song itself is a delightful defense of the Santa Claus myth. The lyrics acknowledge the lack of concrete proof for Santa’s existence – “Never heard a snowman talking / Never seen a reindeer fly” – but the song emphasizes the importance of faith and the spirit of giving that Santa Claus embodies.
The songwriters, Lew DeWitt and Buddy Church, were no strangers to the Statler Brothers’ sound. DeWitt, a prolific songwriter, had penned several hits for the group, including “Do You Know Where Your Angles Are?” Church, on the other hand, was a founding member of the Statler Brothers, bringing his signature baritone vocals to the forefront of the group’s music. DeWitt and Church’s collaboration resulted in a song that resonated with audiences of all ages.
“I Believe In Santa’s Cause” doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the skepticism some hold towards Santa Claus. Lines like “Now there are those who don’t believe / In miracles or Santa Claus” openly address the doubts some may have. However, the song quickly pivots to celebrate the joy and wonder Santa represents. “But I believe what I believe / I believe in Santa’s cause” becomes the song’s powerful refrain, a declaration of faith in the spirit of giving and the magic of Christmas.
The Statler Brothers’ signature close harmonies perfectly complement the message of “I Believe In Santa’s Cause.” Their down-home charm and genuine enthusiasm for the holidays shine through in every note. The song became a staple of their Christmas shows, a heartwarming reminder that the true magic of Christmas lies not in tangible proof, but in the joy it brings.
So, as you settle in with a mug of hot cocoa and prepare to deck the halls, let “I Believe In Santa’s Cause” be a gentle reminder to hold onto the wonder of the season. It’s a song that celebrates the magic of Christmas, a spirit that transcends age and reason, reminding us all to believe in Santa’s cause.