What's This?

In the song "What's This?" from the beloved film "The Nightmare Before Christmas," Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon the magical world of Christmas Town. The lyrics capture Jack's amazement and curiosity as he encounters the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of Christmas for the first time. The song is a whimsical exploration of Jack's fascination with the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and traditions that starkly contrast with the dark and eerie world he is accustomed to.

Jack's repeated exclamations of "What's this?" highlight his sense of wonder and disbelief as he observes the colorful decorations, snowflakes, and cheerful people singing songs. The imagery of children throwing snowballs instead of heads and building toys instead of causing mayhem underscores the stark differences between Halloween Town and Christmas Town. Jack is particularly struck by the warmth and happiness that permeate the air, a stark contrast to the fear and darkness of his own world.

As Jack continues to explore, he is captivated by the festive traditions, such as hanging mistletoe, roasting chestnuts, and decorating a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. These new experiences fill him with a sense of joy and fulfillment that he has never felt before. The song culminates in Jack's realization that he has discovered Christmas Town, a place that embodies the spirit of joy, love, and togetherness. This discovery ignites a desire within Jack to bring this newfound happiness back to Halloween Town, setting the stage for the rest of the film's enchanting story.