"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is a Christmas song that was originally written and composed for the 1966 animated special '' Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!''

History

The lyrics were written by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, the music was composed by Albert Hague, and the song was performed by Thurl Ravenscroft. Because Ravenscroft was not credited in the closing credits of the special, it is often mistakenly attributed to

Boris Karloff William Henry Pratt (23 November 1887 – 2 February 1969), known professionally as Boris Karloff () and occasionally billed as Karloff the Uncanny, was a British actor. His portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in the horror film ''Frankenstei ...

, who served as narrator and the voice of the Grinch in the special but was not a trained singer. Until Ravenscroft was publicly credited, Tennessee Ernie Ford was also speculated to be the voice behind the song. The soundtrack to the special won the Grammy Award for Best Album for Children at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards. The song has been incorporated into most other adaptations of the story. In the 2000 live-action film,

Jim Carrey James Eugene Carrey (; born January 17, 1962) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. Known primarily for his energetic slapstick performances, he has received two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for BAFTA Awards and ...

performs the song in character as the Grinch, singing about himself. The stage musical adaptation included the song in the score, among several other original numbers composed specifically for that production. The 2018 CGI animated film features a substantially updated version of the song from

Tyler, the Creator Tyler Gregory Okonma (born March 6, 1991), known professionally as Tyler, the Creator, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has been cited as an influential figure in alternative hip-hop during the 2010s. Tyler beca ...

featuring an orchestral arrangement by

Danny Elfman Daniel Robert Elfman (born May 29, 1953) is an American film composer, singer, songwriter, and musician. He came to prominence as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the new wave band Oingo Boingo in the early 1980s. Since scoring his ...

. The song was also covered by New Jersey alternative rock band the Whirling Dervishes. Writer Chris Jordan of the ''Asbury Park Press'' called their version "wonderfully depraved in the best of holiday ways" and noted that their version became a "Jersey" classic. The song was used in the 2021 miniseries ''Hawkeye'' episode 5 end credits. Other artists who have recorded versions include Cee Lo Green with Straight No Chaser, Bob Malone, Mojo Nixon,

Aimee Mann Aimee Elizabeth Mann (born September 8, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released ten studio albums as a solo artist. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects, often d ...

Pentatonix Pentatonix (abbreviated PTX) are an American a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, consisting of vocalists Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Matt Sallee, and Kevin Olusola. Characterized by their pop-style arrangements wit ...

, Jordan Smith, Misfits, Kidz Bop Kids,

Darius Rucker Darius Carlos Rucker (born May 13, 1966) is an American singer, musician, and songwriter. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, which he founded in 1986 at the University of South Carol ...

, That Handsome Devil,

Burl Ives Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (June 14, 1909 – April 14, 1995) was an American Folk music, folk singer and actor with a career that spanned more than six decades. Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his o ...

Lindsey Stirling Lindsey Stirling (born September 21, 1986) is an American violinist, songwriter and dancer. She presents choreographed violin performances, in live and music videos found on her official YouTube channel, which she created in 2007. Stirling per ...

with Sabrina Carpenter,

Dweezil Zappa Dweezil Zappa (born Ian Donald Calvin Euclid Zappa, September 5, 1969) is an American rock guitarist and occasional actor. He is the son of musical composer and performer Frank Zappa. Exposed to the music industry from an early age, Zappa develo ...

, Deanna Kirk, Rachel Platten, k.d. lang and Dailey & Vincent.

Charts

''Glee'' cast version

Thurl Ravenscroft version

References

External links

Lyrics to "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (TV version)

{{Authority control American Christmas songs Works by Dr. Seuss 1966 songs Christmas novelty songs Songs about fictional male characters Songs written for films Music based on short fiction Tyler, the Creator songs The Grinch (franchise) Music based on works by Dr. Seuss