The Nightmare Before Christmas - Jack Lament (Lyrics)

Jack Lament
A song from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Directed by Henry Selick
Turn On the Subtitles for the Lyrics (and Enjoy)
Lyrics
There are few can 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 see 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 a 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 Mister 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

[@daret9056]

Jack's lament really epitomizes the idea that you can have everything (fame, fortune) and still feel empty.

[@Shadywolf09]

Also, it's a way for people who are depressed to feel a connection with a character. Jack putting on a show and being who everyone knows him to be and taking off that mask when he's alone, which is a depressed, tired Jack. As a person who suffers from severe depression, I put on a mask in public, but when alone I'm just miserable.

[@jessi1494]

@@Shadywolf09 Thank you for sharing, hope you’re feeling better 🧡

[@trashc4nn]

I think everyone can relate to this a bit. Every person has felt this way at some point. I think it’s great how the experiences of the movie lead him back to being proud of his talents and achievements. Great movie, better message to young people.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

@@Shadywolf09I feel you dude, I have been felling not well and full of anxiety, self doubt, low self esteem and a want for things to be different.

[@Shadywolf09]

@jessi1494 Still have the mask, still perform a happy face..but still depressed. Not as miserable as a I was, but you know, depressed.

[@nukacolanut9274]

“Jack...I know how you feel...” Sally is literally one of the sweetest characters in any animated movie that I’ve ever seen. Such a doll!!! 😆😆😆

[@katiehaines7410]

Wazowski's Apprentice omg this was actually made with figures! I thought it was animated too!

[@fvckme1929]

Shes scary yet so Innocent

[@teethdotjpeg]

Quite literally, in fact.

[@olykarini61]

I don't think she ever scared anyone. I mean she'd never scare a fly!

[@Spongebrain97]

I always thought it was neat how she's a creation but she's more aware of her surroundings than most of the people in halloween town

[@alondrita3107]

The line: "But who here would ever understand that the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin would tire off his crown? If they only understood, he'd give it all up if he could." Gave me so many shivers. Being a ruler isn't all sparkles and riches, which really makes me feel so much pity for jack. Imagine not being able to step down, living the same thing EVER DAY for the rest of your eternal life.

[@amandapike2477]

The thing that he was truly missing in his life was love, real love, not just fan praise, but someone who he could truly connect with on a personal level and at the end he finally realized he had that.

[@amandasmith6801]

Hay jack i i know how you feel

[@soggysocks1238]

I reached that part of the song as soon as I started reading the quote

[@tayshay90]

I know how you feel jack so sad 😔😭😭😭😭

[@brendonwertz5592]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate Danny Elfman's work on this film? He wrote the music AND played the voice of Jack so well

[@ark8848]

Only the singing voice of jack though, they hired a voice actor who could sound like Elfman so no one could really tell they were too different people

[@ogcolumbinakinnie6556]

@@ark8848 No, Danny Elfman did the speaking voice, because the musician they hired to play Jack was a terrible speaking-actor and they couldn’t get someone else on short notice so Mr. Elfman stepped up

[@sesshyandenvyfreak]

@@ogcolumbinakinnie6556 Danny Elfman is the singing voice of Jack Skellington

[@alexiaNBC]

Danny Elfman did the singing. Chris Sarandon (notable for Fright Night) did the actual voice acting.

[@ogcolumbinakinnie6556]

@@sesshyandenvyfreak Y’all I just looked it up and realized I’ve been lied to my whole life, holy-

[@Lore-my4cs]

Now that I’m older, I can can actually hear and understand the lyrics. And it makes the song SO MUCH BETTER

[@Animus5134]

Same here 🥺

[@angiesworld8038]

Same here. 😊

[@akjack7237]

me to

[@UkjentDimensjon]

Were you deaf as a child? How'd you get your hearing back?

[@bobjepsen8537]

Omg same

[@adoor2194]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the orchestra they are so amazing

[@dannyflint5746]

Its computerised

[@elly-nobu9558]

Danny Flint lol maybe some are computerised but it’s played by the orchestra. Can’t you hear the flutes,violins and trumpet sounds in here? There’s even some drums and stuff

[@futarack1]

@@dannyflint5746 is that a fact

[@asterbunny555]

Yes omg easily one of my favorite songs of Jack and the emotion is amazingly shown, and favorite scenes

[@sneakyhomecook233]

Danny elf man baby’s

[@omnagia8335]

I love how he has one line about his empty tears before gently hugginh himself. I can only imagine him feeling so empty, a few tears rolling down his face as he lifts his legs onto his chair and curls into a ball. Not to mention he has to put on a smile for his townsfolk, and can't even THINK about letting them down, because it's not an option. It's not something he could even imagine, because it never crosses his mind he would or could let them down. He just does his effortlessly makes them happy. No wonder he feels so lonely. The big scary skeleton gentleman cries.

[@olykarini61]

Ok......????

[@Spongebrain97]

I wonder he he became the leader of the town to begin with

[@dawnholmes2741]

@@Spongebrain97 My theory is that in his life he had a big imagination that got him killed because they didn't understand his ideas. But in Halloween Town his big ideas were wonderful so they made him their leader. Yet his ideas slowly drained away because nothing new came to Halloween Town.

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Me: *hugs the screen* Don't feel sad, Jack.

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Well, good thing he has Zero by his side. Dogs are too loyal, even ghost dogs. What did we do to deserve dogs??????

[@TheTJSparkes]

“Jack...I know how you feel...” Sally is an angel 🤧

[@futarack1]

I was scrolling comments and read this at the same time it was at that part sYncHRoNiSiTy

[@tylermcintyre1454]

Tyler Mac yes

[@ZBoy-rc8zf]

1:33 my fav part begins

[@fartspoo4244]

ZBoy2000 everybody agrees.

[@Jager113]

Same with me. I cried with happiness at this scene.

[@Jager113]

Also 2:56 is good

[@braidendoesstuff855]

Yep

[@kekekaka3017]

@Just a Megumin fan Don't be a dick

[@SmoothCriminal69]

1:33 I played Jack in a school play once, when I had to sing this song, someone started crying after finishing this line. I'll never forget it.

[@yellowgetbright]

Lucky.. I wanted to find an excuse and perform this in front of everyone.

[@greentoesbstatus4325]

That's so cool! I bet you did amazing!

[@jennb9730]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️

[@ravenscarlettanis13]

I sang this at an open day at one of my old schools

[@valeriagarcia199]

can we just take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness of the voices and how catchy the songs are ?

[@c.nelson3747]

I'll appreciate it with you. Danny Elfman is one of the all time greats for me.

[@zoeysavino709]

Danny Elfman is the greatness of music composing

[@zellyu8559]

I sing them to myself all the time

[@Whooshta]

I just love that it's Moira from Schitt's Creek.

[@babybayless3588]

Not to mention Danny Elfman loved Jacks character so much, he didn’t trust anyone else to sing or understand his struggles as well as he could himself so he is Jacks singing voice.

[@jeddicus9916]

This is probably my favorite song from this movie. So much emotion is packed into this song, and it sets up the whole movie so brilliantly. Im usually not a fan of musical movies, but this is one of, if not the best one ive ever seen

[@superharleepla1172]

Same, I'm too good with musicals but damn, this is one of the best movies ever.

[@squaeman_2644]

Pink Floyd's "the Wall" is incredible aswell!

[@helluvagooddrawer2027]

I religiously hate muicals but this just flows right

[@Deadnickers]

David Bowie labyrinth is the best

[@helluvagooddrawer2027]

@@squaeman_2644 pink floyd movie?

[@legendofzeldafan-nk9bv]

I also like the part when he sings "and I grow so weary of the sound of screams".

[@legendofzeldafan-nk9bv]

I love how he says "weary".

[@emalia7446]

I get shivers at 2:56 like ohmygod this is such an underrated song + scene in the movie. The designer part of my brain is crying when I watch this

[@faithtinywishes8232]

Yesyesyesyesyesyes!!! ITS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@legendofzeldafan-nk9bv]

I love the part when jack sings a longing that I've never known. it's very sad, yes, but, still, I love that part.

[@shaylachartrand5095]

“The fame and praise come year after year, does nothing for these empty tears.” I get how you feel dude.

[@kazmiller7195]

You famous? Lmao

[@Thoth0333]

@@kazmiller7195he’s sigma

[@mxgross]

0:32 I always loved Jack's ghost dog Zero. Who ever came up with the idea of a ghost dog with a red, shining nose was a genius.

[@Nemesismoon706]

Its not red, its a 🎃 😂

[@zoeysavino709]

A Jack O Lantern nose

[@legendofzeldafan-nk9bv]

this song is very sad, but beautiful.

[@emilybrooke7136]

legendofzeldafan 3762 I agree

[@dreamguardian8320]

Agreed.

[@akjack7237]

right

[@iancasey704]

Indeed sad but he's being honest about his feelings.

[@xtrullorgd3435]

Lyrics: Jack: There are few who deny, at what I do 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 charm, 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 a master of fright, and a demon of light And I'll scare you right out of your pants! To a guy in Kentucky, and 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, The Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin Would tire of his crown? If they only understood, He would 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. Sally: (spoken) Jack, I know how you feel...

[@disc1142]

“And since I am dead I can take off my head” Great now gaster uses it

[@faithtinywishes8232]

And recite Shakespearean quotations

[@hm3drake99]

Still one of the BEST Halloween movies.

[@dreamguardian8320]

Or Christmas, depending which holiday you would like to watch this movie on.

[@thedoctor1263]

@@dreamguardian8320 both each year on Christmas and Halloween

[@mattmysterious866]

The Best*

[@djco8919]

And one of the best Christmas movies.

[@emilybrooke7136]

Danny Elfman's voice is amazing

[@huntercool2232]

This song really does explain that even if someone is extremely good at something and their talent for it is unmatched it doesn’t necessarily mean that it makes the person who is gifted with it happy. I myself have seen this before and people really do get tired with being praised for the same old thing over and over again.

[@victoriacc3762]

Can we take a moment and appreciate Danny Elfman’s singing voice as Jack.

[@jenniferholder5728]

It’s a coming of age story, which is why I think it’s popular with young adults, and also adults that had it during their coming of age time.

[@shaunbuford8986]

2:49 has to be my favorite line of this whole song

[@michaelabrewer9478]

Zero is so precious following Jack up that hill 🥺

[@1234567anapaula]

Jack's existential crisis are so relatable!

[@seanhudson7328]

1:21 is still my favorite after 20 something years.

[@mcmayona]

This Comment: 27 Today: 29

[@Lonelystarsays]

"Oh, somewhere deep inside of these bones an emptiness began to grow" jack.. I know how u feel

[@RubyDragoness.]

I understand how he’s feeling like doing the same old thing over and over again and you get tired of it cause it’s not that exciting anymore

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Strange how Rudolph doesn't get that feeling.

[@LivingDeadGoth89]

There's a jack and sally filter on snapchat this year and I'm so happy

[@adoor2194]

IM SORRY WHAT NOW> *gets mah but on to snapchat*

[@gabbythomas4168]

This came out when I was little and I was terrified of it in the best way possible. But growing up the lyrics to this song, the feeling of longing for something more out there, it still hits hard even now. Truly beautiful.

[@jpesci9019]

The lyrics are so meaningful and the song is so good its addictive. I love Halloween and Christmas because it feels the appropriate time to sing this song

[@charlzoid2989]

I love this movie so much ❤

[@dreamguardian8320]

Me too.

[@ringdingdongy]

I am in love with Danny's voice 🖤🖤🖤

[@Addibaddii]

I love jack so much. He is so relatable and iconic

[@mintielive_4572]

honestly looking back at this movie now that im a bit older i can relate to jack so much throughout this movie and danny elfman did such a great job bringing him to life along with the composition of the music

[@saulamaral574]

The music is very ethereal, haunting and very mysterious, Jack's lamenting song is one of my favorites, Danny Elfman has a great voice?

[@TheTJSparkes]

“Sally...you’ve come back...” Why does that scare me?

[@charlieclover5051]

I remember as a kid I would question the line "To a guy in Kentucky I'm Mr Unlucky" turns out they just needed a rhyme

[@emilyhadley9089]

*to have died in Kentucky, I'm Mr Unlucky

[@emilyhadley9089]

It's implied that in his mortal life he died in a beautiful country but he's unlucky now because of his eternal role as the Pumpkin King

[@ark8848]

@@emilyhadley9089 your correction is incorrect in the official lyrics it’s “To a guy in Kentucky” so the assumption you have made is useless

[@BillyTheDisneyGuy2008]

@@emilyhadley9089 Nani?

[@thatgirlcc5553]

@@emilyhadley9089 nope

[@deadizbetter]

Where my 2020'ers at?!

[@frog9524]

Here!

[@jessicagivens5690]

Right here ✋

[@puffy3003]

Yeeyee!

[@Feldraum]

Right here mate!

[@gabrielbragagnolo5953]

Here

[@ACgaming142]

3:29Jack I know you feel

[@FreshZCORD]

Always love the Shakespeare's line

[@dawnholmes2741]

"And since I am dead I can take off my head, to recite Shakespearean quotations."

[@mayavultaggio1856]

There is something about this part that is soooooo perfect sounding with the music and jacks amazing voice and emotion all i can say is wow

[@dreamguardian8320]

Jack and his song make me think of myself, wishing things were better. For example, I grew up enjoying many 2D animated movies, including ones made by Disney and Don Bluth. But now we have nothing but 3D and live remakes. I wish we had 2D animation back, for I find it to be the true magic of creation.

[@rodolfobejaranomoreno406]

"No animal no man can scream like l can" I love that part

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Rudolph: Aw, Jack.... Do you need a hug? Jack: I'd appreciate it. Rudolph: Here. *Gives Jack a hug* Jack: *crying in Rudolph's chest* Rudolph: Shhh.....it's okay, I've got you. Later: Jack: *sighs* finally! Rudolph: *nose lights up* Jack: W-what does that mean??? Rudolph: It happens when I'm happy.

[@juliecq0320]

😍 that voice

[@castlenovelist97BOOKS]

Even years later, people are still returning to this movie. I think this is one of those movies that will keep living.

[@HearseBoy]

Jack: and I'll scare u right outta ur pants... Me: ok

[@BroomPusher2024]

Most Disney Rennaisance Movies: Local Rich Girl wants something new in life Nightmare Before Xmas: Local Dead Man wants something new in life

[@cuaderno6223]

"And I'm also quite well known in England and Frrrrrrrraaaance"

[@user-qk2jo1qj9s]

One of the best movies in human history ♥ I love Tim Burton the greatest director ♥♡

[@BiS0urApple]

UGHH HIS VOICEEEE! ✨😭👌

[@torasvlogs6942]

The older you get the more relateable this becomes. This is an I want song but it's not for an I want to live somewhere else song like part of your world, or I want a drastic change in my life. This is about artist burnout. Even people who are experts in their art, and made it their passion can get bored from what they do becoming so routine that they just want something refreshing in their life. A new routine, a new piece of art to work on, etc. As a cosplayer I can feel the same way, it's costumes, the community shit-talking, trying to look out for creepers, and trying to one-up each other. And you can feel extremely burnt out from it from time to time. Even outside of cosplay artists just feel burnt out but their audience just wants more of the same no matter how they feel.

[@madrazz8888]

Did you know Danny Elfman himself sings this? He sings all of Jack's songs. Chris Sarandon does the talking for Jack.

[@misscatlover8036]

This is so good! I’m so grateful Tim Burton made this amazing movie!

[@Megaspinosaurusrex]

tim burton created the character and the concept, but henry selick is the one who directed the movie

[@misscatlover8036]

@@Megaspinosaurusrex I never knew, thanks for telling me

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

@@Megaspinosaurusrex Well, they should BOTH get credit, since Tim Burton is the one who came up with the idea.

[@jasmine_hazbinhotel8291]

1:33 gave me shivers down my spine. “Oh somewhere deep inside of these bones, an emptiness… began to grow. There’s something there, far from my home. A longing that I’ve never known.” Like his voice is so angelic-

[@99cabbix34]

The best lyric: "And since I am dead, I can take off my head"

[@emmastraub6842]

I love how Sally eyes get bigger when she sees Jack showing how much she loves him

[@Northdracula]

My childhood heroes, Jack Skellington, and Sally 🎃🌹

[@adoor2194]

I’m obsessed with this movie

[@rosepatterson951]

This was my oldest kid's favorite movie, we watched it so many times, I know it all off by heart

[@Nate-Great-Fate]

I usually watch this movie for the music. It's just TOO GOOD!!! Great character work, Halloween-Christmas worthy songs, and a happy ending!

[@bethanyjones9359]

love this movie so good and so are the songs

[@huntercool2232]

This song is literally the definition of having everything and yet having absolutely nothing.

[@joezilla0250]

0:36 - 3:26 There are few who'd 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 the 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 a 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 Mister 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

[@ccurran07able]

RESPECT

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Tigger: What's wrong, Jack? Jack: I don't wanna talk about it. Tigger: Just say it. Jack: You've felt a similar feeling to how I feel right now, haven't you? Tigger: Oh, why'd ya have to remind me?? Jack: Yeah, so lonely & sad... Tigger: You're gonna make me cry!! Jack: *hugs Tigger* 😭 Tigger: *hugs Jack* 😢

[@asmartistenthusiast3469]

Saw this movie when I was 6 years old and cried because it scared me. 2 years later I watched it again and have loved it ever since. I am 30 now.

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

I didn't get scared when I first saw this movie.

[@asmartistenthusiast3469]

@@Eeveeismypatronas ....Well done?

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

@@asmartistenthusiast3469 Yeah, because it's a Disney movie. Disney keeps my inner child alive.

[@asmartistenthusiast3469]

@@Eeveeismypatronas no its not a Disney movie its a Burton movie

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

@@asmartistenthusiast3469 YES IT IS A DISNEY FILM!!!

[@built_bad.-.4029]

2:00. Can you hear that xylophone? Ik it’s not a xylophone but it’s something similar. It’s so subtle but it adds such a heartwarming sound to the music

[@scolipede1549]

I think that's a glockenspiel

[@nathaniel_pardue]

Still would like to hear from that guy in Kentucky after all this time.

[@amandasmith9819]

- And I'll scare you right out of your pants - Jack Skellington 1993

[@rionachreid5863]

Smoothest pick-up line ever

[@MochaSugar50658]

I love that KZbin put this into my “alternative rock” playlist

[@PrimalElf]

Every songs from this movie are masterpiece's

[@dannyflint5746]

Pure genius from danny elfman

[@MinecraftYoshi99]

0:32 Zero !

[@heydude1301]

This song gives me chills

[@cuaderno6223]

Sally: *ah yes, i shouldn't leave him alone. I'll take this free concert.*

[@BIG_Starr128]

This is my favorite song from the movie

[@EmileLN]

Apart from me, who's here because of Geoff castellucci😂?

[@spes8002]

Me. 😊

[@Krazin4250]

I can't believe I just found this out, the one that sing this beautiful song is the same person that sing the onigo boingo song "I love little girls"😟

[@abrialwoodford6712]

Don't tell me he is dead jack's the pumpkin king.

[@Morrisseys7thFriend]

This will never not be my favorite movie of all time.

[@sonia.magnolia]

I'm here listening to this in September because the year is going by so fast I feel like I'll miss Christmas before it even begins

[@sonia.magnolia]

Also, I just noticed this has 69 dislikes :,D

[@audreygallagher6549]

Omg I’m so excited my bestie has NEVER seen this movie( so ashamed) so this Friday we are doing a Halloween movie marathon!!! Yay! She’s gonna love it:)

[@mcmayona]

Sorry I’m late but still, Good 4 U

[@Blanca07860]

B O N E D A D D Y

[@kikilina26]

1:34 best part

[@faithtinywishes8232]

This and the other piece at 2:55 are my favorite scenes in cinema. Everything is placed so perfectly, it’s breathtaking

[@C0AST3R_GH0ST]

I love this movie so much. These songs though. Yes.

[@castlenovelist97BOOKS]

Sally seemed like the sweetest soul ever. Whoever voiced Sally really wanted to do it because the voices were so good for Sally's character! I appreciate this movie in more ways than anyone knows. She seems so cute and calming.

[@sarahreaume6659]

Catherine O Hara was her name she was in Home Alone and BeetleJuice

[@leeschut7000]

2:26 is my favorite

[@JoshuaMalow]

1:33 my favourite part

[@yelenanovikoff2077]

2:16 Me: *OMg ItS TOm HIdDlEsToN*

[@Eeveeismypatronas]

Genie: Hm.... Jack: What is it, Genie? Genie: Well, YOU have this.... Rudolph has "No Bed Of Roses"...and Tigger has "Someone Like Me". I'm the only one out of all 4 of us who doesn't have a sad song about my life... Rudolph: Well..... Tigger: Just wait, you'll make one up eventually. I'm sure of it.

[@NadiaAnaya]

I love watching the nightmare before Christmas it's my favorite movie every time that movie comes on tv I get excited 😁

[@Donut_Fox1]

Jack felt that he wanted something new, but what he really wanted was someone to share love in his heart

[@Say_Shin]

Jacks Lament makes me really take in that Jack, while being a crowned King, is simply an artist. An artist who has become burnt out and tired from the constant and repetitive work that he does. If it wasn’t so morally abhorrent, he may actually like Oogie Boogies position. Oogie gets variety and difference in the way that he gambles peoples lives. How long will they hold? Will they scream? Cry? If it wasn’t utter madness, it would be almost enviable

[@charityhobson5838]

this song is one of my favorite from this movie

[@hotpocket7680]

Favorite Disney song!!!

[@katica455]

Wow this is amazing😊