Greatfather Winter

When I set out to write "Greatfather Winter", I really wanted to create a Winter Veil classic. Only time will tell if I actually achieved that, but it was a goal of mine while writing, recording, and editing. I got the idea for the song last year at this time as I was flying a reindeer over Shattrath. I took some screenshots back then for inspiration because I knew I'd be writing the song this year when those scenes were not available in-game to provide inspiration. I started writing the song several months ago, but the final verse and chorus only came together yesterday, and the video editing was an all-nighter. Fortunately, I use a very simple machinima style with no composite editing or model viewer work, and so I was able to put the video together relatively quickly.

As the snow was starting to fall, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to finish because we frequently lose power during snow storms, and when we lose power, it can be days or weeks before it comes back on. As I was almost finished, the power went out and I thought I wouldn't get it done before Christmas. Fortunately, it was a short outage, and it actually inspired me to stop the minor tweaking I was engaged in when the power went out and wrap it up. Of course, then the power went out 3 more times while trying to upload this. :)

I tried to include hints of other Christmas classics in this video. For example, the line "don't you shoot your eyeballs out" is inspired by "A Christmas Story". There are many other such references and other stylistic references as well. I encourage you to find them and reply here.

Here are the lyrics to "Greatfather Winter". I hope you enjoy!

Listen children young and old
Gather 'round and you'll be told
It's tradition every year
Winter Veil is drawing near
Listen up today's the day
Father Winter's on his way
Bringing with him treats and toys
Giving them to girls and boys

Greatfather Winter won't you bring
Something for my stocking
Something shiny something bright
Some goggles I can use at night
Greatfather Winter don't be late
For that day we just can't wait
So bring us lots of treats and toys
And fill our Winter Veil with joy

See the presents at the tree
A blunderbuss for you and me
Don't you cry and don't you pout
Don't you shoot your eyeballs out
Sip the eggnog try some cake
Find the Greench for goodness sake
Fly a reindeer 'cross the sky
Don't fall off or you might die

Greatfather Winter won't you bring
A Turbo-Charged Flying Machine
Some rocket boots that make me fly
And I just want a motorbike
Greatfather Winter won't you please
We're begging you down on our knees
So bring explosives and a gun
And then we'll surely have some fun

So grab your girlfriend just like so
And kiss her at the mistletoe
If you want some epic loot
Pick her up a winter suit
Buy a pint of Winter Ale
Drink too much and you will fail
Turn yourself into a Gnome
Send a stolen reindeer home

Greatfather Winter won't you bring
A Clockwork Rocket Bot for me
Something violent, something loud
Something to disperse a crowd
Greatfather Winter can't you see
We're excited as can be
So bring us lots of treats and toys
And fill our Winter Veil with joy

[atinyeightton]

I haven't played the game in years but I still need to listen to this every year

[TRSwordsman]

Though shadowlands may have long since laid to rest any future I had in Azeroth, the annual journey back to this video reminds me of the good times. Merry Christmas, Happy Winter veil, and a joyous winter holiday season to all.

[SirChaosS]

i'm here in 2019. so i'd say you succeeded in making a Winter Veil classic. :D

[Jejanim]

"When I set out to write "Greatfather Winter", I really wanted to create a Winter Veil classic."

Cranius has earned the achievement: [Create a Winter Veil classic]!

[Nyghtreaver]

not Christmas time until I listen to this song :)

[Nyghtreaver]

12 years and still the only christmas song that doesnt make me want to claw my ears off

[ice]

"If you want some epic loot pick her up a winters suit!", had to be my favorite line. xD

[debiheeb-koller]

And here we are again! What a great song and video. Thank you!

[torresserg]

I listen to this every year at Xmas time.

[vikingbeserker]

Honnestly I dont see how this isnt a classic, it's beautiful and I've been listening to it each year since Mists

[PastelFurry]

You know I come back to this every year because it has actually become a part of my christmas tradition

[Xadrin]

That time of the year again, indeed. I see this still isn't nearly as popular as it should be. A classic, as far as I am concerned!

[adoukn]

This brings back so many memories, love this song

[ICGvids]

I can’t think about Christmas without thinking about this song.

[soulrel]

It's almost time to listen to this on repeat. Thank you Cranius for my all time favorite Christmas Jam B)

[Norion]

Reporting in 2023, still listening to this gem! ^^

[Mrowa]

This is simply tradition for me now to come here every year. Merry Christmas to you all and we see each other next year!

[TRSwordsman]

This has remained a part of my yearly tradition, as the egg must nog, as the holly must be jolly, I must watch this at least once during December

[supadupasoulja]

Happy Winter's Veil! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤

[Alpha]

Every year on Christmas Day, I come back to this song and listen to it 5-6 times! I love Cranius' work!