'Twas a long time ago,
longer now than it seems,
in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams.
For the story that you are about to be told...
took place in the holiday worlds of old.
Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from.
If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun.
# Boys and girls of every age #
# Wouldn't you like to see something strange #
# Come with us and you will see #
# This, our town of Halloween #
# This is Halloween This is Halloween #
# Pumpkins scream in the dead of night #
# This is Halloween Everybody make a scene #
# Trick or treat till the neighbor's gonna die of fright #
# It's our town Everybody scream #
# In this town of Halloween #
# I am the one hiding under your bed #
# Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red #
# I am the one hiding under your stairs #
# Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair #
# This is Halloween This is Halloween #
# Halloween, Halloween Halloween, Halloween #
# In this town we call home #
# Everyone hail to the pumpkin song #
# In this town Don't we love it now #
# Everybody's waiting for the next surprise #
# 'Round that corner, man Hiding in the trash can #
# Something's waiting now to pounce and how you'll scream #
- # This is Halloween # - # Red and black #
- # Slimy green # - # Aren't you scared #
# Well, that's just fine Say it once, say it twice #
# Take a chance and roll the dice #
# Ride with the moon in the dead of night #
# Everybody scream Everybody scream #
# In our town of Halloween #
# I am the clown with the tear-away face #
# Here in a flash and gone without a trace #
# I am the "who" when you call "Who's there?" #
# I am the wind blowing through your hair #
# I am the shadow on the moon at night #
# Filling your dreams to the brim with fright #
# This is Halloween This is Halloween #
# Halloween, Halloween Halloween, Halloween #
# Tender Lumplings everywhere #
# Life's no fun without a good scare #
- # That's our job # - # But we're not mean #
# In our town of Halloween #
# In this town Don't we love it now #
# Everyone's waiting for the next surprise #
# Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back #
# And scream like a banshee Make you jump out of your skin #
# This is Halloween Everybody scream #
# Won't ya please make way for a very special guy #
# Our man Jack is king of the pumpkin patch #
# Everyone hail to the Pumpkin King now #
# This is Halloween This is Halloween #
# Halloween, Halloween Halloween, Halloween #
# In this town we call home #
# Everyone hail to the pumpkin song #
# La la la la la la Halloween, Halloween #
# La la la la la la Whee #
Whee!
- It's over! - We did it!
- Wasn't it terrifying? - What a night!
Great Halloween, everybody.
I believe it was our most horrible yet.
Thank you, everyone.
No. Thanks to you, Jack.
- Without your brilliant leadership... - Not at all, Mayor.
You're such a scream, Jack!
You're a witch's fondest dream.
You made walls fall, Jack.
"Walls fall"? You made the very mountains crack, Jack.
- The deadly nightshade you slipped me wore off, Sally. - Let go.
- You're not ready for much excitement. - Yes, I am.
- You're coming with me. - No, I'm not!
Come back here, you foolish...
Ow! Oh. Oh!
Ooh, Jack, you made wounds ooze and flesh crawl.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Hold it! We haven't given out the prizes yet.
Our first award goes to the vampires...
for most blood drained in a single evening.
Our second and honorable mention...
goes to the fabulous Dark Lagoon Leeches.
Nice work, Bone Daddy.
Yeah, I guess so. Just like last year.
And the year before that, and the year before that.
# There are few who deny #
# At what I do I am the best #
# For my talents are renowned far and wide #
# When it comes to surprises in the moonlit night #
# I excel without ever even trying #
# With the slightest little effort #
# Of my ghostlike charms #
# I have seen grown men give out a shriek #
# With a wave of my hand #
# And a well-placed moan #
# I have swept the very bravest off their feet #
# Yet year after year it's the same routine #
# And I grow so weary of the sound of screams #
# And I, Jack the Pumpkin King #
# Have grown so tired of the same old thing #
# Oh, somewhere deep #
# Inside of these bones #
# An emptiness #
# Began to grow #
# There's something out there #
# Far from my home #
# A longing that #
# I've never known #
# I'm the master of fright #
# And a demon of light #
# And I'll scare you right out of your pants #
# To a guy in Kentucky I'm Mr. Unlucky #
# And I'm known throughout England and France #
# And since I am dead I can take off my head #
# To recite Shakespearean quotations #
# No animal nor man can scream like I can #
# With the fury of my recitations #
# But who here #
# Would ever understand #
# That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin #
# Would tire of his crown If they only understood #
# He'd give it all up if he only could #
# Oh, there's an empty #
# Place in my bones #
# That calls out for #
# Something unknown #
# The fame and praise #
# Come year after year #
# Does nothing for #
# These empty tears ##
Jack.
I know how you feel.
Sally.
You've come back.
- I had to. - For this.
Yes.
Shall we, then?
That's twice this month you've slipped deadly nightshade into my tea and run off.
- Three times. - You're mine, you know.
I made you with my own hands.
You can make other creations.
I'm restless. I can't help it.
It's a phase, my dear. It'll pass.
We need to be patient, that's all.
But I don't want to be patient.
No, Zero. Not now.
I'm not in the mood.
All right.
Here you go, boy.
Mornin', gents.
Jack? You home?
Jack, I've got the plans for next Halloween.
I need to go over them with you so we can get started.
Jack, please, I'm only an elected official here.
I can't make decisions by myself.
Jack! Answer me!
He's not home.
- Where is he? - He hasn't been home all night.
Where are we?
It's someplace new.
What is this?
Whoa!
# What's this? What's this? There's color everywhere #
# What's this? There's white things in the air #
# What's this? I can't believe my eyes I must be dreaming #
# Wake up, Jack! This isn't fair What's this #
# La-la-la-la-la-la-la #
# What's this, What's this There's something very wrong #
# What's this, there's people singing songs, what's this #
# The streets are lined with little creatures laughing #
# Everybody seems so happy Have I possibly gone daffy #
# What is this What's this #
# There's children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads #
# They're busy building toys And absolutely no one's dead #
# There's frost in every window Oh, I can't believe my eyes #
# And in my bones I feel the warmth #
# That's coming from inside #
# Oh, look, what's this They're hanging mistletoe They kiss #
# Why, that looks so unique Inspired #
# They're gathering around to hear a story #
# Roasting chestnuts on a fire What's this #
# What's this in here They've got a little tree How queer #
# And who would ever think And why #
# They're covering it with tiny little things #
# They've got electric lights on strings #
# And there's a smile on everyone, so now correct me if I'm wrong #
# This looks like fun This looks like fun #
# Oh, could it be I got my wish What's this #
# Oh my, what now The children are asleep #
# But look There's nothing underneath #
# No ghouls, no witches here to scream and scare them or ensnare them #
# Only little cozy things #
# Secure inside their dreamland #
# What's this #
# The monsters are all missing and the nightmares can't be found #
# And in their place there seems to be good feeling all around #
# Instead of screams, I swear I can hear music in the air #
# The smell of cakes and pies are absolutely everywhere #
# The sights, the sounds They're everywhere and all around #
# I've never felt so good before #
# This empty place inside of me is filling up I simply cannot get enough #
# I want it Oh, I want it Oh, I want it for my own #
# I've got to know, I've got to know what is this place that I have found #
# What is this ##
Christmas Town?
Hmm.
Ho-ho-ho-ho!
Hmm.
- This has never happened before. - It's suspicious.
- It's peculiar. - It's scary.
Stand aside. Coming through.
We've got to find Jack!
There's only 365 days left till next Halloween!
364!
Is there anywhere we've forgotten to check?
- I looked in every mausoleum. - We opened the sarcophagi!
I tromped through the pumpkin patch.
I peeked behind the Cyclops' eye.
I did, but he wasn't there.
It's time to sound the alarms!
Frog's breath will overpower any odor.
Oh!
Bitter!
Worm's wart. Wh-Where's that worm's wart?
Sally!
Is that soup ready yet?
Ah. Coming!
Lunch!
Ah, what's that? Worm's wart!
Mmm!
And frog's breath.
Wh-What's wrong?
I-I thought you liked frog's breath.
Nothing's more suspicious than frog's breath.
Until you taste it, I won't swallow a spoonful.
I'm not hungry. Oops.
You want me to starve.
An old man like me, who hardly has strength as it is.
Me, to whom you owe your very life.
Oh, don't be silly.
Mmm! See?
Scrumptious!
Did anyone think to dredge the lake?
This morning.
- Hear that? Shh. - What?
Zero!
Jack's back!
Yea! Jack's back!
Where have you been?
Call a town meeting and I'll tell everyone all about it!
- When? - Immediately!
Town meeting! Town meeting!
Town meeting tonight!
Town meeting!
Town meeting tonight!
Listen, everyone.
I want to tell you about Christmas Town.
# There were objects so peculiar #
# They were not to be believed #
# All around things to tantalize my brain #
# It's a world unlike anything I've ever seen #
# And as hard as I tried I can't seem to describe #
# Like a most improbable dream #
# But you must believe when I tell you this #
# It's as real as my skull and it does exist #
Here, let me show you.
Ooh!
# This is a thing called a present #
- # The whole thing starts with a box # - # A box #
- # Is it steel # - # Are there locks #
- # Is it filled with a pox # - # A pox, how delightful, a pox #
If you please.
# Just a box with bright colored paper #
# And the whole thing's topped with a bow #
- # A bow # - # But why #
- # How ugly! What's in it # - # What's in it #
# That's the point of the thing Not to know #
- # It's a bat # - # Will it bend #
- # It's a rat # - # Will it break #
# Perhaps it's the head that I found in the lake #
# Listen now You don't understand #
# That's not the point of Christmasland #
# Now pay attention #
# We pick up an oversized sock #
# And hang it like this on the wall #
# Oh, yes, does it still have a foot #
# Let me see, let me look Is it rotted and covered with gook #
Um, let me explain.
# There's no foot inside but there's candy #
# Or sometimes it's filled with small toys #
- # Small toys, do they bite or explode in the sack # - # Do they snap #
# Perhaps they just spring out and scare girls and boys #
# What a splendid idea This Christmas sounds fun #
# I fully endorse it Let's try it at once #
# Everyone, please Now not so fast #
# There's something here that you don't quite grasp #
I don't know. Do you get it?
Well, I may as well give them what they want.
# And the best I must confess I have saved for the last #
# For the ruler of this Christmasland #
# Is a fearsome king with a deep, mighty voice #
# Least, that's what I've come to understand #
# And I've also heard it told that he's something to behold #
# Like a lobster Huge and red #
# When he sets out to slay with his rain gear on #
# Carting bulging sacks with his big, great arms #
# That is so I've heard it said #
# And on a dark, cold night Under full moonlight #
# He flies into a fog like a vulture in the sky #
# And they call him #
# Sandy Claws #
# Well, at least they're excited #
# But they don't understand #
# That special kind of feeling #
# In Christmasland ##
Oh, well.
Hmm.
There's got to be a logical way to explain this Christmas thing.
You've poisoned me for the last time, you wretched girl.
Oh, my head!
The door is open!
- Hello? - Jack Skellington!
Up here, my boy.
Doctor, I need to borrow some equipment.
Is that so? Whatever for?
I'm conducting a series of experiments.
How perfectly marvelous.
- Curiosity killed the cat, you know. - I know.
Come on into the lab and we'll get you all fixed up.
Hmm. Experiments?
Zero, I'm home.
Interesting reaction.
But what does it mean?
You can come out now if you promise to behave.
Sally?
Oh! Gone again!
Hmm.
Oh!
# Something's up with Jack Something's up with Jack #
# Don't know if we're ever going to get him back #
# He's all alone up there Locked away inside #
- # Never says a word # - # Hope he hasn't died #
# Something's up with Jack Something's up with Jack #
# Christmastime is buzzing in my skull #
# Will it let me be I cannot tell #
# There's so many things I cannot grasp #
# When I think I've got it then at last #
# Through my bony fingers it does slip #
# Like a snowflake in a fiery grip #
# Something here I'm not quite getting Though I try I keep forgetting #
# Like a memory long since past #
# Here in an instant Gone in a flash #
# What does it mean What does it mean #
# In these little bric-a-brac #
# A secret's waiting to be cracked #
# These dolls and toys confuse me so #
# Confound it all I love it though #
# Simple objects Nothing more #
# But something's hidden through a door #
# Though I do not have the key #
# Something's here I cannot see #
# What does it mean What does it mean #
# What does it mean #
Hmm. Hmm.
# I've read these Christmas books so many times #
# I know the stories and I know the rhymes #
# I know the Christmas carols all by heart #
# My skull's so full It's tearing me apart #
# As often as I've read them something's wrong #
# So hard to put my bony finger on #
# Or perhaps it's really not as deep as I've been led to think #
# Am I trying much too hard #
# Of course, I've been too close to see #
# The answer's right in front of me Right in front of me #
# It's simple really Very clear #
# Like music drifting in the air #
# Invisible but everywhere #
# Just because I cannot see it #
# Doesn't mean I can't believe it #
# You know I think this Christmas thing is not as tricky as it seems #
# And why should they have all the fun It should belong to anyone #
# Not anyone, in fact but me #
# Why, I can make a Christmas tree #
# And there's no reason I can find #
# I couldn't handle Christmastime #
# I bet I could improve it too #
# And that's exactly what I'll do ##
Hee-hee-hee-hee-hee!
Eureka!
This year... Christmas will be ours!
Patience, everyone.
Jack has a special job for each of us.
Dr. Finkelstein!
Your Christmas assignment is ready.
- Dr. Finkelstein, to the front of the line.
What kind of noise is that for a baby to make?
- Perhaps it can be improved? - No problem.
I knew it!
Doctor! Thank you for coming.
We need some of these.
Hmm.
Their construction should be exceedingly simple, I think.
How horrible our Christmas will be.
No! How jolly!
Oh. How jolly our Christmas will be.
- What are you doing here? - Jack sent for us.
- Specifically. - By name.
- Lock. - Shock. - Barrel.
Jack! Jack!
It's Boogie's boys.
Ah, Halloween's finest trick-or-treaters.
The job I have for you is top secret.
It requires craft, cunning, mischief.
And we thought you didn't like us, Jack.
Absolutely no one is to know about it. Not a soul!
Now...
...tree...
...Christmas Town...
Ow! Hmm.
And one more thing.
Leave that no-account Oogie Boogie out of this!
Whatever you say, Jack.
- Of course, Jack. - Wouldn't dream of it, Jack.
# Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws #
- # I want to do it # - # Let's draw straws #
- # Jack said we should work together # - # Three of a kind #
- # Birds of a feather # - # Now and forever La la la la la la #
# La la-la la la-la La la-la la-la #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws Lock him up real tight #
# Throw away the key and then turn off all the lights #
# First we're going to set some bait inside a nasty trap and wait #
# When he comes a-sniffing we will snap the trap and close the gate #
# Wait, I've got a better plan to catch this big red lobster man #
# Let's pop him in a boiling pot and when he's done we'll butter him up #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws Throw him in a box #
# Bury him for 90 years Then see if he talks #
# Then Mr. Oogie Boogie Man #
# Can take the whole thing over then #
# He'll be so pleased I do declare #
# That he will cook him rare Whee #
# I say that we take a cannon aim it at his door and then #
# Knock three times and when he answers Sandy Claws will be no more #
# You're so stupid! Think now if we blow him up to smithereens #
# We may lose some pieces and then Jack will beat us black and green #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws Tie him in a bag #
# Throw him in the ocean Then see if he is sad #
# Because Mr. Oogie Boogie is the meanest guy around #
# If I were on his boogie list I'd get out of town #
# He'll be so pleased by our success #
# That he'll reward us too I'll bet #
# Perhaps he'll make his special brew #
- # Of snake and spider stew # - Mmm!
# We're his little henchmen and we take our job with pride #
# We do our best to please him and stay on his good side #
# I wish my cohorts weren't so dumb #
- # I'm not the dumb one # - # You're no fun #
- # Shut up, I've got something Listen now # - # Make me #
# This one is real good You'll see #
# We'll send a present to his door #
# Upon there'll be a note to read #
# Now in the box we'll wait and hide until his curiosity #
# Entices him to look inside And then we'll have him! One, two, three #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws Beat him with a stick #
# Lock him up for 90 years See what makes him tick #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws Chop him into bits #
# Mr. Oogie Boogie is sure to get his kicks #
# Kidnap the Sandy Claws See what we will see #
# Lock him in a cage and then throw away #
# The key ##
Sandy Claws, huh?
It goes something like this.
How about it? Think you can manage?
A-one and a-two and a-three and a...
Next!
Fantastic!
Now, why don't you all practice on that? And we'll be in great shape.
Sally, I need your help more than anyone's.
You certainly do, Jack. I had the most terrible vision.
- That's splendid! - No! It was about your Christmas.
- There was smoke and fire... - That's not my Christmas!
My Christmas is filled with laughter and joy...