I do believe you have a very nice website here. I came across it searching for the bass line to the song "Christmas Wrappings". Unfortunately I haven't been able to find it anywhere so I will be learning it myself, however slowly. Perhaps I will post it on my own website if I'm able. My website is of my former band The Durangos, http://www.angelfire.com/rock2/thedurangos  

I have listened to Christmas Wrapping for years now and could never figure out those damn lyrics. Well, I just found your site and got the lyrics - wow, so that's what they've been singing all these years!

Thanks.  

always good to hear christmas rapping, my favourite christmas song.this time last year i saw a west indian band in an antiguan casino cover the song! sad that patty died so young. at least she'll always be remembered this time of year by waitresses fans.  

Nice site..My husband heard the Christmas song for the first time this year 2001, and wanted more info, so I said I would get it for him. You made it very easy..Thanks

MM  

Love "Christmas Wrapping" and came here to put faces to the music. Thanks.  

hy i am 13 years old i live in Toccoa,G.A. i like riding bikes playing with my friends and hanging out at the mall
i love shoping my father is a president of a bank a car selsman and a oner of two adoring kids well thanks for you coroperation, and i hope i talk to you again!!!








 

It might be interesting to note that "No Guilt" was the B-side on the original Ze 7-inch single of "Boys Like" before the latter was widely re-released as a Polydor single in the U.S.
In Boston and throughout much of New England "No Guilt" became a pretty big hit with heavy airplay on WBAI and some other rock stations while "Boys Like" was largely ignored. It became a very sought-after 45 and was pretty hard to find in Boston although I eventually wound up with a couple of copies--one of which I still keep on my home jukebox.  

I had no idea that Patty Donahue died...I work at an 80's radio station here in Seattle (96-5 The Point), so that's certainly handy to know...we always play their Christmas song this time of year. Didn't know they're from the Akron, OH area, either; I grew up not too far from Akron in Pittsburgh, PA. Did my undergrad at Ohio University in Athens.  

>Message posted on 12/4/01, 1:00 AM by Dan Bridge of Azusa >CA , USA
>Thank you for posting the lyrics to Christmas Wrapping. >Let's all pray that Eminem or Snoop Dog doesn't try to >cover it.

Even worse...The Spice Girls covered it this year and their version sucks terribly. Noone will ever be able to capture those lyrics like Patty did. Fer God's Sake boycott the "Now THAT'S what I Call Christmas" CD!!

Great site btw!
 

I was looking for songs to put on a Christmas/Pop compilation CD, and I stumbled across something called "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses. Since I'd enjoyed my two previous exposures to The Waitresses as a young boy in the 80's (I'm now 24)--the terrific single "I Know What Boys Like" and the theme to "Square Pegs"--I was intrigued and downloaded this song.... Needless to say, I've chosen it for the closer of my Christmas CD, and it just may be on its way to becoming my new favorite Christmas song. (Incidentally, there were moments of the song that were vaguely familiar to me, so it's quite possible I had enjoyed this song as a child as well, but haven't heard it in years--and thus had forgotten about it.) Anyway, I came here looking for info about the song and the band. Great site (the lyrics to Christmas Wrapping are much appreciated), but it's a real shame that Patty Donahue is no longer with us--and that the only Waitresses CD available in the U.S. is the "Best Of" collection, especially since I've heard wonderful things about the debut album... bummer. Anyway, "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Couldn't miss this one this year!" Keep up the good work.  

I wait all year to hear " Christmas Wrapping " during the
holiday season. It is a very cool song,lyricly, emotionally and musical arrangment wise, THANKS.  

Thank you for posting the lyrics to Christmas Wrapping. Let's all pray that Eminem or Snoop Dog doesn't try to cover it.  

since I posted last(and this will be the last,likely)I have been reminded by people AROUND THE WORLD,what it was to be a witresses fan or a personal friend. This is the now world, lets look for those girls who have the charisma and viewpoint and performance agility to take us forward. They ain't named Brittany and they do exist in each of our towns, let's see if we can't find them and support them, and maybe enjoy their contributions without sending them off into tragedy. I personally. see em everyday. bye
 

This time of year always makes me think of Patty....After spending so much of our youth together, we never managed to reconnect. Always missed her....still do.  

Hey There! The is such a dandy website! Well, I say that you and your girls put some pictures on the website of waitresses and stuff, huh? Well, that's it! Bubye.  

Thanks for putting the site together - I half remembered the lyrics to "no guilt" and I found them her (great song).

I'm going to track down the record or CD...  

I have always dug your band i wish you would still tour in the u.s.a. again  

I saw these guys at a little one day appearance they did on Long Island. Must have been 1982 or 83, at Suffolk Community College. I saw Patty outside during a break, having a smoke. I was so close I could have touched her. She looked right at me. I wanted to say hi and introduce myself, but I was a shy kid, and I just kept walking. I’ve been kicking myself over it ever since. I was/am totally infatuated with her. Today I just found out she passed away. I can’t find the words to describe how I feel. Still love the music, though…  

Patty always comes to mind during the run up to the holidays. I think in a sense Butler keeps her memory alive , by doing what he does, or at least did. Patty wasn't much of an artist or a performer on purpose. She was oddly artistic everyday and that made her a difficult friend. Afterall, what does one say to a person from Akron who seems to be coming from the left bank. Happy holidays, as we will all enjoy her songs, oxer and over again.  

I loved the Waitresses back in the 80's and I think that it's very sad that Patty Donahue passed away at such a young age. I play Christmas Wrapping every December and I still think that it's one of the best Christmas songs ever recorded.  

I have loved the waitresses since I was little and I recently rediscovered them in my 20's.  

Glad to find your site. I got to know Patty briefly before
she knew she had cancer. I met Chris Butler about a year
and a half ago where he performed (drums, not guitar) at a
benefit concert.  

this band was way cool man like totally far out!!!!!!!!!!
yeah
wank on! I`m out
luv and ya know it  

I just found out today that Patty had died. Too bad. I liked her style!  

Hi,
I found this while looking for a job but this was much more entertaining!!!
I'll be back again soon!!!
lots of love SAM
-x-  

I think that the site that you have put together is pretty
cool, I love the Waitresses were so cool, I love patty donahue's vocals were exellent, and the band jammed, I just wish that they would re-release their first album.

anyway I am glad that you put it together.  

I was just reading the other submissions after putting mine in and saw that Chris Butler did most..all? of the lyrics. I wasn't aware of that. Please pardon my ignorance. Just wanted to put credit where it was due. Chris, you're a genius. Probably the smartest person I wish I knew! Thanks for your music, you have no idea how it how it helped me fit in a world I didn't fit in. You couldn't have found a better woman to put those lyrics into action.  

Ouch. It's bittersweet to see Patty pictures. My stomach has a pit in it. If I were Elton John she would be my Marilyn Monroe. Most famous people pass on and I think, Gee, that's too bad. I'm surprised at how saddened I am to this day. The Waitresses is an experience that only very few seem to understand and enjoy. Especially where I'm from. I think my brother, his wife, and myself are the only ones in this area that has even heard of them. There's no other band like them. So thank you SOOOO MUCH for this website. It's nice to know somebody can appreciate true art! What makes me really sad is if anything ever happens to Britany Spears there'll be an international day of mourning. Where ever you are Patty, it's gotta make more sense than this place! Bless you for your courage, determination, and intellect. My condolences to the band, and thanks once again for keeping The Waitresses and Patty Donahue alive.  

i was wondering how many different movies featured the music of the waitresses...i know last american virgin did-that's where i first heard of the waitresses-i am a spice girl fan too and they covered christmas wrapping-great stuff  

great great song...if anyone knows where i can get my hands on the guitar tabs for this song, lemme know!!!!!!  

Let's not forget Chris Butler wrote most of the really righteous music, plus the really hard guitar parts he did. He is still alive. Unusual for most legends. What a Bro!  

I found "Bruiseology" in a cutout bin many years ago, picked it up out of curiosity. I was a bit amazed. Not that they were not more successful, but how good the music was. (I tend to like unpopular music)  

VH1 just showed a "Pop Up Video" show which included "I Know What Boys Like." They mentioned that Patty was never without a cigarrette during the 300 minute filming of the video. I was saddened to see on your site that she died from lung cancer not long ago at a fairly youg age.

Thanks for the site.  

Back again... Loved the videos! Great Job... Wish it all could be on CD... Still the best band in the world!  

Thank you for your wonderful site devoted to the great music of the waitresses. They truly were one of the best 80s bands. I still miss them. Your work brought back memories..  

i want to work  

Thank heavens there's a website for this fabulous band.  

HOLY S**T! A Waitresses site! I was looking for pics, and I come onto this. Glad to know someone out there knows who they are! Thank you!

 

I think I found ut about the waitresses backwards but that i did is cool enough, I found the "wasn't tomarrow wonderful" lp at a thrift store... I knew "i know what boys like" BUT "no guilt" sums up me in one song!!
and "it's my car, i'm gonna do the drivin'" her whiny voice in "i quit!" totally awesome influence... I'm 22 so at thier early 80's peak I was a child.. I missed square pegs but I'm scoring all 8 episodes on EBAY... Look there people for thier stuff!! There's a waitresses appearance i can't wait to see + devo.. (yeah!) The waitresses are soooo punk rock may they be forever heard!!  

I overheard someone playing "I Know What Boys Like" today and it brought back so many flashbacks. Now I'm desperate to get ahold of my favorite Waitresses album. Can anybody help me?  

I know what boys like...great song...my theme! Awesome website.  

I still love The Waitresses after all these years and now my teenage daughter is starting to really like them as well. The lyrics are so cute and fun for girls to sing with. They rule the pop charts for chics!  

hello  

I met Patty in the 80's in the St. Marks Bar & Grill on first avenue. I bought her a drink. She was even better
looking in person! Thanks for the site.  

I am looking for a new job in the denver co area,
any sugestions?  

yes maaaaan! the waitresses! i'm 13 and just got into them after hearing "christmas wrapping" on the radio during christmas, then seeing "i know what boys like" on tv. this got me interested. it's too bad that there's only one website about this great different individual 80s band on the internet world. i have to say, the organ part in the middle of "a girl's gotta do" is the best piece of musical recording i've ever heard! yeah well if anyone ever wants to im me i'm britgirls76. byebyes!  

Love the web site it is awesome keep up the good work  

Chris Butler;

You actually wrote the world's Longest Pop song? How funny!

Hey, the compilation album is missing Redland which I thought was great. You should get all the songs either on Napaster or else re release your albums.

Bummer about Patty. Way too young. Good looking too.

I had anothyer thought and maybe I told you this one already but have you ever considered touring with the waitresses again? You ought to consider asking Chritina Amphlette of the Divinyls to sing. She'd fit the character well and she has an interesting voice. Also if a band like the Dickies can make a go of it, I KNOW the Waitresses would do well. I'd pay to see that show!

Dave  

I first saw Patti, and yes, in the "I Know What Boys Like..." video Patti is almost all I remember, 'cept for a crazy goo-goo eyed dude grinning at the lyrics, about 1981 or 2 on the new MTV. As a guy I always knew what guys want ... and Patti told it so well. I'm devastated that Patti is dead, another victim of the bastard nicotine industry. I been goofing with Napster for a few months and the first song I downloaded was Christmas Wrapping. A great Christmas song. Long may the Waitresses be remembered and heard. Peace to all ...................  

Hey guys...whats up? I wanted to sign the guestbook cuz i wanted to shre wit everyonr that i am the waitresses numbre uno fan! And just to let yous know..." I know what boys like...i know what boys want..i got what boys like...i got wut boys want!"  

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just bought the "Best of..." CD after Christmas 2000 (almost 20 years late!) I finally got tired of trying to catch the lyrics to this, my favorite, Christmas song. Still couldn't quite figure them all out. Thanks again.  

this table cloth pattern gives me a flash back from a place i worked at for six years.  

this table cloth pattern gives me a flash back from a place i worked at for six years.  

Loved them!!!defined the 80's for me  

Great site folks. Good graphics with interesting materials and everything loads fast on your server. Good job to all. Will visit again. Thanks.  

alright a waitresses site. cool.  

where can i buy  

i would like to know if you can give me tips on being a waitress. i have to be on at school because we a putting a resturant together.
Thanks 4 your help!!!!  

I hung out with Chris Butler's brother and had a good close-up view of the Waitresses. My best memory is hearing part of the "B" side of "I Know What Boy's Like" 45 recorded at Electric Ladyland Studios in NY.

They were a talented group. Chris and Mars have moved on to better things. What a shame that Patty didn't get the opportunity to grow! Long live the Akron sound!  

I have been searching for this song for the past 18 years. I never paid attention to the title or who performed it, but I could never forget the melody and the feeling. This song really helped me cope with my divorce. Now after all these years of searching I have found it once again...  

Glad to have found your site! I have love LOVED the Waitresses since I was a little girl, and had dreamed of a reunion (until 1996, that is). My one-woman quest to educate everyone in the coolness of the Waitresses continues- all of my friends have gotten Greatest albums for Christmas in the past few years. Glad to see someone else shares my affection for this music!  

Like Rich (below), I had heard the song but knew nothing else of them. Thanks to you I now know more.  

If the government assumes that we automatically recieve a 15% gratuity on each ticket, I beleive that they should regulate this as a law at each restaurant. I have been a waitress for over 20 years and I am exhausted with the way that we are expected to put our professional standards at risk in hopes that the customer is knowledgeable and couteous enough to respect the governments standards.  

If the government assumes that we automatically recieve a 15% gratuity on each ticket, I beleive that they should regulate this as a law at each restaurant. I have been a waitress for over 20 years and I am exhausted with the way that we are expected to put our professional standards at risk in hopes that the customer is knowledgeable and couteous enough to respect the governments standards.  

Great, smart, witty, and biting--a great collection of fantastic music in a short amount of time!  

I saw the Waitresses at Toad's Place, New Haven February 15, 1982. They were great. We pogoed to Christmas Wrapping that night as that was there encore!!! I love the fun their music creates.  

I have loved this band even when my Musical listening skills were undeveloped and at odds with the incredible complexity of their records! The one collection on CD, and one live cd, are NOT suffient accolades, to my mind, of the band and their musical legacy. Get those guys at Polydor on the phone & demand some Satisfaction of Reissue! You know we can't rule the world, 'cause we don't have the parts!!!!  

like many i heard christmas wrapping and thought who sung that ? didn't think much more except to find out that it was was by a group called the waitresses. very very distinctive stuff, intriguing vocals. learnt only when looking further on the www that the lead vocalist died some while ago. bloody sad.  

Sooooo I learn of Patti Donahue's untimely death a week before Christmas while I'm listening to an mp3 of "Christmas Wrapping" (relax! I own it on 2 different media...). A downer for sure.

Every year, I look forward to December, just so I can listen to "Christmas Wrapping" (so I don't ruin it by listening to it in July) as it has become my "meaning" of Christmas (if there is such a thing) and I suspect that it will have meaning for many, many years to come. It will always be my "White Christmas", so I guess that makes Patty my Bing.

I have WAY too many memories of the 80's and the Waitresses are only among the good ones. Merry Christmas to all.  

just got to sign in to show some sort of appreciation for what has to be the greatest xmas song ever!! no one i know appears to have heard of it really in england, and it will probably be played just the once (if i'm lucky) this year. here's hoping anyway, love guy xx.  

I discovered the Waitresses when i first heard Christmas Wrapping over the speakers at my work and i thought "hey, this sounds really cool! it's not cheesy like most xmas songs, and it has a hilarious sarcastic edge to it" (and i just love to be sarcastic! :P ). 'course i didn't know the name of the band or the song at the time, so it was quite a pleasant surprise when i heard the song only days later on BBC Radio 1 (www.bbc.co.uk/radio1) on the John peel show (he plays a lot of obscure stuff). i don't normally listen to his show, so i was pretty lucky! anyway, with a name to put to the song i was able to start tracking down over material from this cool 80s band (not a genre i normally listen to, either!) And now i'm here, writing this wee message and saying "someone form a Waitresses tribute band! Please!! Now!!" Christmas magic's brought this tale, to a very happy ending!
merry crimbo all! *^*^*^*^*^*  

What a pleasant surprise. The Waitresses were my first live
concert at Perkins Palace in Pasadena, CA, in about 1981.
What a shame about Patty. She's missed. Chris is a great
lyricist but it was Patty who brought his words alive.  

I just heard "Christmas Wrapping" for the first time on Cox cable digital music plus at work. I said to this guy, (pointing to the speaker), "The Waitresses". They were unmistakable.

I have Bruiseology, Wasn't Tommorrow Wonderful & some EP's on vinal. This band was desperately cool.

Before hearing the "Chrismas Wrapping" song, I had already put a link to this site on a new page in a new site called "The Flamin' Wong Hot Links". This is so eerie, it's freaky.

Anyone interested can check out the Wong at: http://home.pacbell/cvreddy

Or, if the HTML stuff will work then you can just click here:

<a href="http://home.pacbell.net/cvreddy" target="_top"><img src="http://home.pacbell.net/cvreddy/linkbnr.jpg" border="0" width="308" height="108" Align="absmiddle" alt="The Flamin' Wong"></a></P>

I still am very sad over the untimely death of Patty Donahue. I only just found out when the guy who heard "Christmas Wrapping" with me told me.
 

Patty's dead?! What a drag!  

I'm a Radio DJ....we love this song and I thought I'd check out this site for some info.  

Great site for a great band. I bought their Christmas Wrapping 45 maxi-single when it first came out. In a more perfect world Patty would still be with us and The Waitresses would be huge. Thanks.  

I love technology. . finally got to d/l my fave christmas song. .by the waitresses of course. .( used napster what else?)
Thanks for this site. . :)  

".......that Christmas magic brought this tale to a very happy ennnnnnnddingggggggggggg"  

Hello there, Just want to say Great and informative Web Site. I was just making a christmas CD and was thinking of songs to put on it and Wham! I use to love that Waitresses christmas wrapping song and then said Hey! I still do, then i wondered I wonder what happened to them and did a search and well you know the rest cause i'm here signing your guest book. Thank you for this wonderful web site.

Take care
Eddie  

By far...the best rock and roll christmas song ever! "You mean you forgot cranberries to?!?!?!" Happy Holidays everyone!  

does anyone know the tabs for "i know what boys like"?? If you do can you tell me where to get them? THANKS !!!!  

Beth, My boyfriend thinks your the best thing that has happend to radio. He asks me everyday if I listened to you. My response is always yes. Then he goes on to tell me abuout what ever happend that day. We like you because you tell it like it is. Not many people do anymore. You go girl!!! Besides you piss off alot of men who dont think women should say what they think, or even be in any position to. Keep up the good work!!  

In the process of shooting a TV special on waitress around the world.
For more information, please E-mail.  

I know Patty didn't write the lyrics but she is who made them work so well- I would LOVE to read an interview with Patty Donahue. Aren't there any out there?
Also, I love your site! I've enjoyed it very much and it's now on my "favorites list". I'll check back for more info! Thanx!!!!  

i like the site, i really do. get more info, other wise i love it. you should start another site for nothing but 80's music.  

Thanks. Nice site. very informative  

My goals are to find a cure for irony, make a fool out of God, and to give Chris,Patty, and co. the long-overdue credit they deserve; their song catalog laid out my entire spiritual biography and they broke up when I was 13. As a 30-year-old working class joe the songs make more & more sense w/ each listen.