We aren’t much for parades (or clowns), so apparently we missed Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings con-joining with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts to perform Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects from a float in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.   Thankfully, the only reason to watch that parade is now available in the form of an animated video for the song.

It’s been a tough time recently for Ms. Jones who has been going through cancer treatments after successful surgery earlier this year (our prayers for continued healing and good news for Ms. Jones!).  Watch below and listen to this ode to Jones’ persevering mother.   The song’s lyrics follow the video.

“When I was a child, I used to wonder
How Santa put my toys under the tree
I said, “Mama, can you tell me how this can be
When there ain’t no chimneys in the projects?”

Ain’t no chimneys in the projects (not in the ghetto)
Not in the projects
Ain’t no chimneys in the projects

Mama sat me down and said, “Baby, Santa Claus does magic things.”
As soon as you’re asleep, a chimney will appear
And in the morning you will see all he brings.
Don’t you worry that there ain’t no chimneys in the projects.”

Ain’t no chimneys in the projects (not in the ghetto)
Not in the projects
Ain’t no chimneys in the projects

Now I’m all grown and I see
It wasn’t Santa who got that magic done
Mama, now I know you were the one
There ain’t no chimneys in the projects

Ain’t no chimneys in the projects (not in the ghetto)
Not in the projects
Ain’t no chimneys in the projects”