Joel, the Lump of Coal lyrics

Some time ago, at Santa's place

Up in the old North Pole

There lived a lump of anthracite

Whose parents called him Joel

Joel, Joel, the lump of coal

Happy as a lump can be

He just wants to keep Santa warm

And make the elves cozy

But Santa Claus had other plans

For Joel one fateful day

"Joel, you're just the lump I need

Come join me on my sleigh"

Joel, Joel, the lump of coal

Heart leapt up with joy

"I'll soon be Santa's present to

A lucky girl or boy

We'll laugh and play together

And hold each other tight

Snuggle under clean white sheets

When we go to sleep at night"

Then Santa's elves all laughed at Joel

"You're in for a surprise

You're not a special Christmas gift

You're just a booby prize

What kid would ever want you?

You're filthy as can be

Now you have to go and live

With one who's been naughty"

"But I make heat," poor Joel cried

"And electricity"

"You pollute the air

With CO2 and mercury"

Joel, Joel, the lump of coal

Fell down upon his knees

"I don't wanna live with a naughty kid

Don't make me, Santa, please"

But Santa laughed his jolly laugh

"Ho, ho, you stupid lump

You're just the thing to teach this brat

That Santa ain't no chump"

So off they flew and, before he knew

Joel was in a sack

He cried and yelled to Santa Claus

"Why don't we just go back?"

And then came Christmas morning

And, much to Joel's surprise (Much to Joel's surprise)

He saw a boy with the saddest face

And tears were in his eyes (Tears were in his eyes)

He picked Joel up and held him

And said "You can be my friend (Hey man, let's be friends)

I would've liked some presents but

You're what Santa chose to send (Santa chose to send)

It's true, I've been a naughty boy

And maybe that's a sin (Maybe that's a sin)

If this is how Santa treats the kids

I'm just glad that I'm not him"

Joel, Joel, the lump of coal

Knew what he must do

He said "Now I know the reason why

I got sent to you

Cause when a person hurts inside

It turns him hard and cruel

But I know how to make your pain

Into a precious jewel

So take me in your hand, young man

And squeeze with all your might

Let's turn your pain and anger

Into something that shines bright"

Then Joel, Joel, the lump of coal

He gave his life away

So that one good naughty little boy

Had a diamond on Christmas day

• Artist:The Killers
• Album:Don’t Waste Your Wishes (2016)