The holiday season has always inspired music that warms the heart, and in 1971, teen idol Bobby Sherman delivered a festive gem with “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer).” Released under Metromedia Records, this single captured the spirit of the season with its themes of love, togetherness, and the joy of coming home for Christmas. More than five decades later, the song remains a nostalgic reminder of Sherman’s unique place in American pop culture.
Bobby Sherman: From Teen Idol to Timeless Voice
By the early 1970s, Bobby Sherman had already established himself as one of the biggest stars in music and television. Known for his boy-next-door charm and heartfelt delivery, he became a household name in the late 1960s with hits like “Little Woman”, “La La La (If I Had You)”, “Easy Come, Easy Go”, and the fan-favorite “Julie, Do Ya Love Me.” His voice and wholesome image made him an icon among teens and families alike.
In 1971, Sherman was starring in the TV series Getting Together, a spin-off of The Partridge Family. His presence on both screen and stage ensured his fans were never far from his music. Yet, as musical tastes shifted in the early ’70s toward rock, soul, and singer-songwriter folk, Sherman sought to evolve. His move into Christmas music with “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” showed both strategic thinking and artistic sensitivity.
The Release: A Seasonal Offering
The single was released in November 1971, just in time for the Christmas season. On its B-side, fans found “Love’s What You’re Getting for Christmas,” a complementary track filled with holiday warmth. Together, these songs formed the heart of Sherman’s Christmas Album, which showcased his ability to blend pop melodies with festive charm.
While Sherman’s earlier singles had climbed the Billboard Hot 100, “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” did not achieve mainstream chart success. However, it carved out a niche on seasonal radio playlists and among his devoted fanbase, who embraced the message of homecoming and holiday spirit.
The Song: A Celebration of Togetherness
At its core, “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” is about reunion. The lyrics paint a picture of someone eagerly returning to the place they love most—home—where family, warmth, and joy await. The chorus repeats the central idea:
“Goin’ home, goin’ home, to the place I love so dear / Sing a song of Christmas cheer, ‘cause I’m comin’ home this year.”
This simple yet powerful refrain resonates with anyone who has felt the pull of home during the holidays. It’s a song about belonging, about finding comfort in familiar faces and places.
Musically, the track combines folk-pop sensibilities with subtle Christmas elements. Acoustic guitars and warm vocals create intimacy, while gentle sleigh bells and festive instrumentation give it the unmistakable glow of the holiday season. Sherman’s delivery is heartfelt, giving the song both sincerity and universal appeal.
Themes That Still Resonate
One reason “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” remains appealing is its focus on universal themes. Unlike some holiday songs that lean heavily into religious imagery, Sherman’s single takes a broader approach. It’s not about doctrine—it’s about family, togetherness, and the simple joys of returning home during the most magical time of the year.
That timeless quality makes the song relevant to listeners even today. Whether it’s students traveling home from college, adults returning to childhood homes, or soldiers reuniting with loved ones, the song’s message is one of connection and celebration.
The Strategic Move: Expanding His Reach
For Bobby Sherman and his label, Metromedia Records, the decision to release a holiday single was both creative and strategic. The early 1970s were a transitional period in pop music. Rock bands, singer-songwriters, and soul artists were dominating the charts, while the teen idol wave of the 1960s was beginning to wane.
A Christmas song allowed Sherman to maintain visibility while reaching a broader audience. Holiday music transcends age demographics—appealing not only to teenagers but also to families who wanted wholesome, feel-good music for the season. By leaning into holiday themes, Sherman positioned himself as more than just a teen idol. He became part of the cultural soundtrack of Christmas.
Reception and Legacy
Though “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” never topped the charts, it left its mark in other ways. It became a fan favorite on holiday radio and in personal playlists. For longtime supporters, the single carried the familiar charm of Sherman’s voice, while also giving them something festive to cherish each year.
In the broader history of Christmas music, Sherman’s song stands out as an intimate, heartfelt offering. It may not be as universally recognized as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” but it holds a special place for those who grew up with Bobby Sherman or discovered his music through nostalgic retrospectives.
Why It Still Matters
The power of holiday songs lies in their ability to transport listeners back to moments of joy, love, and nostalgia. For many, hearing “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” recalls not just the holiday season of 1971, but also the innocence and optimism that Bobby Sherman represented.
At a time when the world was rapidly changing—with shifting cultural landscapes and evolving music scenes—Sherman’s Christmas single provided comfort and familiarity. It still does today. The themes of longing, reunion, and cheer remain evergreen.
Conclusion: A Hidden Gem of Holiday Pop
Bobby Sherman’s “Goin’ Home (Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer)” may not have dominated the charts, but it represents a beautiful chapter in the story of holiday music. It reflects a moment when a teen idol sought to bridge his youthful pop success with broader, timeless themes of home and togetherness.
For fans old and new, the song is more than just a seasonal track. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about decorations, gifts, or even traditions—it’s about going home, reconnecting, and celebrating love.
If you’re looking to rediscover the warmth of classic Christmas music this year, take a moment to listen to Bobby Sherman’s 1971 holiday single. You may just find yourself humming along, feeling the joy of homecoming, and singing a song of Christmas cheer.