Gayla Peevey – Meaning

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of by Gayla Peevey. As of this writing, is ranked 176.

Gayla Peevey’s “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is a playful holiday tune where a child dreams of receiving the most unusual Christmas gift—a hippopotamus—eschewing all other toys or animals in favor of this singular, whimsical wish.

This song feels silly and light, almost like laughing with your best friend about an impossible dream. The music is fun, bouncy, and makes us want to sing along without worrying if the wish could really come true.

We travel through verses that pile on reasons why only a hippo will do—forget dolls or toy trucks or even less adorable creatures like crocodiles; it’s all about the hippo! The chorus paints a vivid picture: creeping down the stairs on Christmas morning, eyes wide with hope, only to spot a big, friendly hippo as the ultimate surprise. There’s even a debate with Mom (hippos eat people?) and Teacher (they’re actually vegetarians!), which makes us giggle at how kids can twist facts just to get their way.

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The song’s cleverness lies in its blend of wild imagination and unfiltered childhood logic—a reminder that sometimes the things we long for most are those that make absolutely no sense. Maybe it’s not really about getting a hippo, but about holding onto wonder and delighting in dreams too big for any garage.