John Legend "Get Ready": A New Christmas Song for Snoopy
John Legend brings new Christmas music to the Peanuts universe with "Get Ready", an original song produced by Raphael Saadiq. The track features Santa Claus, his famous naughty and nice lists, and a festive countdown. It also offers the first musical preview of Apple TV's new Snoopy Christmas special.
John Legend's new Snoopy Christmas song
"Get Ready" arrived on November 4, 2026, through Milan Records. John Legend performs the original track, while Raphael Saadiq handles production. The arrangement combines piano, vocals and big-band brass, giving the recording its jazz-inspired Christmas sound.
The song serves as the lead single from "Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy", an animated holiday special premiering on Apple TV. It also features in the production's official promotional trailer, released alongside the single.
What do the lyrics say about Santa's naughty list?
The lyrics revolve around Santa Claus checking his records before Christmas. Legend sings,
"When the score is tallied, the record's read, the ledger calls your name"
referring directly to the familiar tradition of Santa keeping track of children's behaviour. The next lines ask:
"Will you be merry or instead / Just hang your head in shame?"
The contrast between celebration and embarrassment reinforces the song's naughty-or-nice theme. The countdown becomes more explicit with
"Not much time to get in line"
This detail connects with the special's storyline: Snoopy has just 12 days to improve his standing on Santa's list. The chorus delivers the central Christmas message with a direct reference to Santa getting ready for the holiday.
Raphael Saadiq brings a jazz-inspired sound to Peanuts
Raphael Saadiq's production gives "Get Ready" a distinctive musical character. Legend's piano and vocals lead the arrangement, while the prominent brass adds the energy of a big-band performance.
The sound also fits the musical heritage of Peanuts. Jazz has been closely associated with the franchise since Vince Guaraldi composed the music for classic television specials, particularly "A Charlie Brown Christmas". "Get Ready" is an original composition, not a remake of one of Guaraldi's recordings.
Which other artists feature on the Snoopy soundtrack?
The 14-track soundtrack brings together several established musicians. Alongside John Legend, the lineup includes Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges and Laufey. Composer Jeff Morrow contributes the original score for the animated special.
Washington performs "Trying to Get There", featuring Leon Bridges, while Laufey records the Christmas standard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", produced by Spencer Stewart.
The album also includes "Christmas Time Is Here", the Peanuts classic associated with Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson. The tracklist therefore combines new material with familiar Christmas music from the franchise's history.
"Get Ready" - The official Lyric video
When does the Snoopy special premiere?
The animated special premieres globally on Apple TV on November 13, 2026. Produced by Peanuts and WildBrain, the production draws on Charles M. Schulz's original comic-strip characters.
Its central storyline follows Snoopy as he tries to get off Santa's naughty list before Christmas. With "Get Ready", John Legend and Raphael Saadiq provide the first musical introduction to the special ahead of its premiere.
FAQs
Who sings "Get Ready" from 12 Days of Snoopy?
John Legend performs the original Christmas song, recorded for "Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy".
Who produced John Legend's "Get Ready"?
Raphael Saadiq produced the track, which features Legend on vocals and piano alongside big-band brass.
When was "Get Ready" released?
The single was released on November 4, 2026, through Milan Records. The complete soundtrack follows on November 13, 2026.
Further Reading