written by John Rox
recorded by Jane Krakowski on the album "A Very Ally Christmas"
also recorded by Gayla Peevey

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,
Only a hippopotamus will do.
Don't want a doll, no dinkey tinker toys
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy.

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use, a dirty chimney flue,
Just bring him through the front door,
That's the easy thing to do!

I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs.
Oh what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see a hippo standing there.

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceruses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too...

Mom says a hippo would eat me up, but then,
Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian!

There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage,
I'd feed him there and wash him there
And give him his massage!

I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs.
Oh what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see a hippo standing there.

© 1950