What's this?

Danny Elfman's song "What's This?" from the movie *The Nightmare Before Christmas* captures the wonder and amazement of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he stumbles upon Christmas Town for the first time. The lyrics are filled with Jack's astonishment and curiosity as he encounters a world vastly different from his own. The vibrant colors, joyful songs, and festive decorations are a stark contrast to the dark and eerie atmosphere of Halloween Town. Jack's repeated exclamations of "What's this?" highlight his childlike wonder and excitement as he explores this new and magical place.

The song is rich with imagery that contrasts the macabre elements of Halloween with the warmth and cheer of Christmas. Jack is bewildered by the sight of children playing with snowballs instead of severed heads, and the absence of ghouls and witches. The presence of mistletoe, Christmas trees, and the smell of cakes and pies fills him with a sense of joy and fulfillment he has never experienced before. This discovery ignites a desire in Jack to understand and perhaps even possess the magic of Christmas for himself.

Elfman's composition, combined with the whimsical lyrics, effectively conveys Jack's emotional journey from confusion to fascination. The song serves as a pivotal moment in the film, marking the beginning of Jack's obsession with Christmas and his subsequent attempts to bring its joy to Halloween Town. The contrast between the two holidays is not just visual but also emotional, as Jack feels an inner warmth and happiness that he has longed for. This song encapsulates the theme of discovery and the longing for something more, making it a memorable and enchanting piece in the film's soundtrack.