A quote from Tiny Tim, taken from a recording of the song, explaining the genesis of one of the most bizarre songs of his canon:
“This song [was] not made to make fun of anybody. This was not made for sadistic humor. It’s hard to explain: this song was written in [1980], just lying [in bed] at two...
Oh - this is Santa Claus, saying I won't be around this year: I'm a bit sick!
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
And he won't be 'round to spread his Christmas cheer
The reindeer all look blue
They know what he's going through
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
He won't be yelling out, "Ho, ho, ho, ho!"
But he'll be screaming out, "No, no, no, no!"
He's lying sick in bed
Call the doctor there instead
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
Each season, he is full of pep and vim
But now the AIDS have got the best of him
The nurses all look sad
'Cause Santa's got it bad
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
Oh - this is Santa Claus saying, I won't be here this year! I'm sick in bed with the AIDS! Oh, but I'll be back next year, next year! Don't cry for me, a doctor will cure me!
There'll be no jingle bells upon his sleigh
From everyone he's got to stay away
Twelve months to wait, and then
He'll soon be 'round again
But
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
Oh... I'll miss you all - but I'll see you next year!
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
And he won't be 'round to spread his Christmas cheer
The reindeer all look blue
They know what he's going through
But Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
There'll be no jingle bells upon his sleigh
From everyone he's got to stay away
Twelve months to wait, and then
He'll soon be 'round again
But
Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
I said, Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
I said, Santa Claus has got the AIDS this year
Santa Claus Has Got the AIDS This Year was written by Tiny Tim.