Top End Christmas Song: Darwin comedians sing untraditional Christmas carol

A group of Darwin comedians have got together and recorded a spin on a traditional Christmas carol — with references to iconic parts of the territory. WATCH THE VIDEO

A SPECIAL rendition of Jingle Bells specific to the Territory has been recorded by a group of Darwin comedians.

‘The Top End Christmas Song’ was created as a carol that is “more relevant to our warm climate”.

Band member Nicole Stevens said the choir was formed at the birthday party of a fellow music enthusiast.

Larrakeyah Elder Richie Senior Fejo, Darren McCallum, Nicole Stevens, Melissa Bury and Paul Seden.

“The choir sort of started at a drunken karaoke night a few weeks ago,” she said.

“So far we’ve got one song under our belt, with many more planned.”

With references to Litchfield National Park, Howard Springs and Uluru, Nicole said they wanted to include more than just the Top End. The lyrics were written by Nicole and Darren McCallum who bounced ideas back and forth before presenting the final version.

“It took about a week to lock in the final lyrics,” Nicole said.

As well as providing a seasonal update to traditional carols, Nicole said they wanted to provide a hip new version.

The choir recording their Christmas song parody.

“We wanted to show you can be cool and do Christmas Carols,” she said.

“We’re comedian not singers — so keep that in mind when you’re listening to the song,” she said.

The Top End Christmas Song lyrics

(To the tune of Jingle Bells)
“Dashing down the track, in a dodgy commodore,  Swerve to miss a croc, I think somebody swore
Thunderstorms in sight, giving us a fright, We’ve just been told by the ABC there’s a cyclone due tonight

Oh Nitmiluk, Nitmiluk, Litchfield National Park, Edith Falls, bush chook calls, pythons in the dark
Oh Nitmiluk, Nitmiluk, Litchfield National Park, Edith Falls, bush chook calls, pythons in the dark
Cane toads in the pool, bats are in the air, Gotta get our double jabs cos Covid’s everywhere
Head to Kakadu, escaping from the rut
Suddenly we see that Jim Jim Falls is shut

Magpie goose, magpie goose, plovers love to swoop, we just got outta Howard Springs and now we’re cutting loose OI
Magpie goose, magpie goose, plovers love to swoop, we just got outta Howard Springs and now we’re cutting loose OI

Down in Alice Springs, Christmas bells will ring
The weather’s heating up and Santa needs a swim
Head over to the Todd with his perspiring bod
But Santa Claus – oh no!- you forgot to pack your togs

Uluru, Uluru big mob kangaroo, Santa’s working up a sweat when he visits you
Uluru, Uluru big mob kangaroo, Santa’s working up a sweat when he visits you

Boxing Day test match, chilling on the couch
Leftovers in the fridge, leftovers in my mouth
Eaten too much food, kids are fighting too
Novelty of Christmas gifts has worn off far too soon

Humidity, humidity, get me out of here, sitting in a pool of sweat someone drank my beer

Now this song has been done, we’ve had lots of fun
There’s only one thing left to say — Merry Christmas everyone

Originally published as Top End Christmas Song: Darwin comedians sing untraditional Christmas carol