The Killers, Kimmel Re-Gift Holiday Classic ‘Joel the Lump of Coal’

The Killers broke out one of their Christmas classics on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday, performing a cheery rendition of “Joel the Lump of Coal,” with co-writer Jimmy Kimmel dutifully joining in as Santa Claus.

The charming holiday cut tells the story of the titular lump of coal in the North Pole whose dreams of being a Christmas gift are dashed when he discovers he’s destined to end up under the tree of a naughty kid. Killers frontman Brandon Flowers delivered the track with characteristic theatrics, mixed with some extra holiday spirit, while Kimmel — in full Santa regalia — nailed his role, chiding Joel with a hearty, “Ho, ho, you stupid lump / You’re just the thing to teach this brat / That Santa ain’t no chump.”

The Kimmel performance was prompted by the release of the Killers’ new holiday song, “Dirt Sledding.” The rockabilly-tinged track is the group’s 10th Christmas tune since starting the tradition in 2005. “Dirt Sledding” also marks the conclusion of their unofficial “Santa” trilogy, along with 2007’s “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” and 2012’s “I Feel It in My Bones.”

Proceeds from “Dirt Sledding,” like the Killers’ previous Christmas singles, will be donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS via (RED). The track is available to download via iTunes.