Meaning of "My Old Santa Claus" by Sia

"My Old Santa Claus" by Sia explores the theme of loneliness and heartbreak during the Christmas season. The lyrics depict the narrator waking up without her loved one, symbolized by the snow falling from the sky. This image sets the tone for her melancholic state, as she watches the snow and sheds a tear. The repetition of "Babe, I woke up" emphasizes her longing for the person who is no longer by her side. She expresses her difficulty breathing and the emptiness she feels without them, likening their presence to the air she needs to survive. The reference to the Christmas tree further emphasizes her loneliness, as she wonders who will help her carry on this traditional symbol of the holiday. The lyrics suggest that the narrator regrets letting her loved one leave and wishes they could be together again.

The chorus introduces the motif of Santa Claus as a symbol of comfort and companionship. Sia refers to her loved one as her "old Santa Claus," highlighting the role they played in bringing joy and happiness to her life. Without them, she feels a chill in her heart, further emphasizing her longing for their presence. She pleads for them to come back and laments the realization that she needs her "old Santa Claus" to feel complete.

In the second verse, the lyrics question the irony of Christmas being associated with happiness and cheer, while the narrator experiences profound sadness. Sia suggests that if Christmas is represented by the colors green and red, symbolizing joy and love, then why does she feel so blue? This juxtaposition between the festive season and the narrator's emotional state reflects the dissonance she feels. The repetition of the query "Why am I so blue?" emphasizes her confusion and highlights that the happiness often associated with Christmas is absent from her life.

The song's conclusion reaffirms the narrator's solo state, acknowledging the loss she has experienced. She sees the footsteps in the snow left by her loved one, reminding her of the love they once shared. The repetition of "No, no, no" suggests her denial of their absence and her desire for them to return. Ultimately, the lyrics convey the narrator's yearning for her loved one's return during the Christmas season and her inability to find true joy without them.