v.1
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door, that's the easy thing to do

Chorus:
I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes
To see a hippo hero standing there

v.2
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too

Instr. Brk. 8b
Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian

Instr. Brk. 8b
There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

Rpt. Ch
Rpt. v.2