See the lyrics to “What This” by Danny Elfman, released on October 12, 1993
What This by Danny Elfman
Verse 1
What’s this?
What’s this?
There’s color everywhere.
What’s this?
There’s white things in the air.
What’s this?
I can’t believe my eyes.
I must be dreaming, wake up, Jack, this isn’t fair.
What’s this?Chorus
What’s this?
What’s this?
There’s something very wrong.
What’s this?
There’s people singing songs.
What’s this?
The streets are lined with little creatures laughing.
Everybody seems so happy.
Have I possibly gone daffy? What is this?Verse 2
What’s this?
There’s children throwing snowballs
Instead of throwing heads.
They’re busy building toys,
And absolutely no one’s dead.There’s frost on every window.
Oh, I can’t believe my eyes.
And in my bones, I feel the warmth
That’s coming from inside.Verse 3
Oh, look, what’s this?
They’re hanging mistletoe. They kiss?
Why, that looks so unique, inspired!
They’re gathering around to hear a story,
Roasting chestnuts on a fire, what’s this?Verse 4
What’s this in here? They’ve got a little tree. How queer!
And who would ever think? And why?
They’re covering it with tiny little things.
They’ve got electric lights on strings.And there’s a smile on everyone, so now correct me if I’m wrong:
This looks like fun, this looks like fun!
Oh, could it be I got my wish? What’s this?Bridge
Oh my, what now? The children are asleep,
But look, there’s nothing underneath.
No ghouls, no witches here to scream and scare them,
Or ensnare them; only little cozy things secure inside their dreamland.Verse 5
What’s this? The monsters are all missing,
And the nightmares can’t be found.
And in their place there seems to be good feeling all around.Instead of screams, I swear I can hear music in the air;
The smell of cakes and pies are absolutely everywhere.The sights, the sounds— they’re everywhere and all around!
I’ve never felt so good before; this empty place inside of me is filling up—
I simply cannot get enough!
About the song “What This”
The song “What’s This?” from The Nightmare Before Christmas is about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovering Christmas Town for the first time.
The lyrics express his amazement and confusion as he encounters the vibrant colors, joyful atmosphere, and festive traditions that are starkly different from his usual Halloween experiences.
The song captures the essence of Christmas cheer, with imagery of children playing, decorations, and festive gatherings, which are foreign yet delightful to Jack.
The song highlights the differences between Halloween and Christmas. For example, Jack notes that children are throwing snowballs instead of heads, showcasing a more innocent and joyful spirit.