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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
James Brown
James Brown
Performer
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
James Brown
James Brown
Composer
Nat Jones
Nat Jones
Composer
Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis
Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis
Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
James Brown
James Brown
Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I've wanted so many things, I've wanted them so
But you experience the wants when you live in the ghetto
But now I understand what it means to be a man
So there's one thing I'd like to know
[Verse 2]
I've been good, Lord have mercy, so good you know
Well, why do I have to suffer so?
Santa Claus, Santa Claus
Please, please, please, don't make me, don't make me suffer so
[Verse 3]
Christmas comes but once a year
Oh, won't somebody please, please, please
Bring me some Christmas cheer?
I need a Christmas cheer
Santa Claus, please, please don't make me suffer so
Can't take it no mo'
[Verse 4]
Mama's been sick, oh Lord, papa has too
What I want please was just to fool me and you
And my brothers too
[Verse 5]
I went to the welfare, but I waited a little too long
And the little I had when I started
Couldn't know it was all gone
[Verse 6]
Lord, I've been good, oh, so good I know
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Tell me, do I have to suffer so?
Now Santa Claus, Santa Claus
Please, please, don't make me suffer so
Oh Lord, do you hear me?
[Verse 7]
Mama has been sick, God help her, papa has too
I found out what I once believed, just to fool me and you
I went to the welfare, but I wanted a little, a little, a little, a little help
HEY, I just can't, I gotta help myself, but wait a minute
[Verse 8]
It seems, seems that I waited a little too long
When I was there, do you believe?
I found out it all got over, I ain't got nobody
But Santa Claus, you're my last hope
Please, Lord have mercy
Don't make me suffer so
[Verse 9]
When I, when I realized I ain't got nobody
No, no, give me your helpin' hand
Give me your helpin' hand
I'll take anything
Written by: James Brown, Nat Jones
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