The song "If You See Rudolph" by Gretchen Wilson tells the story of a person who is faced with a dilemma during the Christmas season. The protagonist finds themselves in two different situations where they come across Rudolph the reindeer - once with their young sister Suzi, and another time while out hunting. In the first verse, the lyrics describe the joy and togetherness of Christmas as family and friends gather around the Christmas tree. The protagonist expresses their excitement about seeing Rudolph in the magical jingle bells and sharing the holiday spirit. However, in the second verse, the story takes a turn. The protagonist reveals that they were planning to sneak out of the house but were caught by little Suzi, their younger sister. Suzi's innocent blue eyes question the protagonist about what they would do if they encountered Rudolph. She wants assurance that Rudolph will be allowed to continue his duties of helping Santa Claus deliver presents instead of becoming a trophy on someone's wall. In the chorus, the protagonist ponders on the significance of Rudolph's role and the responsibility Rudolph carries with his bright antlers. They promise Suzi that if they ever come across Rudolph, they will let him continue his important task, ensuring he doesn't end up being hunted and mounted on someone's wall. Later in the song, the protagonist shares another encounter with a buck while out hunting. They are about to take a shot when they notice something unusual - something that reminds them of Rudolph's glowing nose. Filled with thoughts of preserving Rudolph's legacy and the lessons learned from little Suzi, they decide to spare the buck and let it roam free. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the importance of letting Rudolph fulfill his role in helping Santa Claus and protecting him from harm. The protagonist makes a plea to others, promising to respect and spare Rudolph if they ever come across him. In the final lines, the protagonist reflects on not wanting Rudolph to end up as a trophy on their wall this year or in the future. They hope that others will share their sentiment and let Rudolph continue his important journey in spreading joy and delivering Christmas gifts. Overall, "If You See Rudolph" conveys a message of compassion, empathy, and the understanding of the significance of Rudolph's role during Christmas. It highlights the importance of protecting and respecting the iconic reindeer and preserving the magic and spirit of the holiday season.
