“Mistletoe” by Jake Scott carries a deeply romantic and festive theme, using the backdrop of the holiday season to describe the protagonist’s emotional connection with a desired individual. The most consistent motif seen throughout the song is the mistletoe, a universal symbol of affection and ritualistic holiday expressions of love. With the continual reference to it, the lyrics stress that emotional bond and intimacy take precedence over traditional seasonal activities.
The song explores the idea of being so consumed by love that the world, in all its seasonal beauty, seems to fade into the background, rendering cliched holiday indulgences insignificant compared to the allure of spending time with a beloved person. Traditional holiday symbols like the winter snow, festive lights, roasting chestnuts, reindeer-studded skies, and a visit from Santa are acknowledged, but are firmly placed secondary to the allure of the loved one’s face.
The lyrics also emphasize the protagonist’s preference for interpersonal connection and the simplicity of being in the presence of a loved one. Instead of asking for material gifts, the lyrics emphasize the powerful sentimentality of ‘the miracle of love’, equating it to the miraculous event followed by the Wisemen, which implies that love is to be valued above material possessions.
The recurrent use of the term ‘shawty’, a term of endearment, establishes a comforting sense of shared familiarity and warmth with the listener and possibly signifies a youthful, playful aspect to this romantic relationship.
Lyrically, the song incorporates the warmth, cheerfulness, and the magical romance associated with the holiday times, skillfully blending traditional holiday iconography with a poignant love story. It touches on the themes of fascination, longing, and prioritizing love and connection above all else, delivering a modern, relatable holiday romance narrative. In essence, “Mistletoe” paints a picture of a love that is as comforting, enchanting, and joyous as the holiday season itself.