“Mistletoe” by Cimorelli brings together festive imagery and emotion to evoke a feeling of warmth, love, and holiday cheer. At its core, the song is about choosing to prioritize romantic love amidst the traditional activities and cheer of the holiday season.
Through various festive metaphors and evocative imagery, the song narrates how the singers might ideally participate in all the jolly holiday traditions – engaging with the lively city lights, participating in the winter snow, and taking part in family gatherings around the fire. They express how despite the allure of these merriments, their heart lies elsewhere. There is a longing to spend time with the person they love under the mistletoe, a symbol commonly associated with romance during the holiday season.
Throughout the song, the theme of distraction is touched upon – the singers find themselves unable to fully be present in traditional holiday activities, entranced by their feelings of love. Thus, the song presents a somewhat bittersweet dichotomy, wherein the joyous atmosphere is tempered by the weight of romantic emotions.
An important message that the song conveys is the romanticization of simplicity. Instead of wanting extravagant presents, the singers emphasize the emotional connections they desire. The lyrics hint that ‘a kiss beneath the mistletoe is a gift as precious as any tangible gift and that it signifies a ‘Merry Christmas’ of its own.
Toward the end of the song, there’s an open call for their love to show affection under the mistletoe, creating an exciting suspense infused with hope and expectation, adding to the alluring charm of the holiday season.
Thus, “Mistletoe” by Cimorelli encapsulates the feeling of love, longing, and holiday cheer in a melodic narration that is as rich in emotion as it is in narrative depth.