Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, is both a wonderful and heart-rending song, which brings even the most crusty Scrooge to his holiday senses. Originally, the song was performed in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

by Judy Garland. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo She sings it to her despondent 5 year old sister. Their father has taken a job promotion and he has moved from St. Louis to New York City.

While scores of artists have done this classic, perhaps Garland's rendition is the best. Perhaps, BUT, the tune is bigger than the artist. Nearly all of the interpretations are commendable. MaybeTwisted Sister's slant, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzxLBdkN7OI, pushes the envelope too far for most. But then again, every presentation has its fans. Indeed, a shower singer, off tune and off key, can bang out the emotionality that drives this song. So there.

This Christmas standard was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. In reality, Blane encouraged Martin to write the song and consequently, Martin wrote it alone. Nonetheless, both men are credited for the creation.

Inasmuch as the Christmas season has such importance in the lives of most Americans, ... Merry Little Christmas sets a tone in which the listener invariably relives memories of Yuletides past. Moreover, the yearnings to belong, to love, to give, to be cared and to care for are reignited. Surely, time stands still.

Ok, Ok. A Scrooge can only can so far, so here's a couple more interpretations:

Frank Sinatra, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpPdl0StUVs (yup)

The Pretenders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0ljkkvxGsU (killer)

James Taylor, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqYGtYunJus (Berkshires)

Celtic Woman, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktCc9QPbU7w (wow)

Ella Fitgerald, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWI-EoTfu20 (smooth)

Coldplay, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMF8KZ5Woyw (sweet)

Some people, it is said, listen to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas year round! How silly, Christmas in July!

Original Lyrics

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last,
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, pop that champagne cork,
Next year we will all be living in New York.
No good times like the olden days, happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us no more.
But at least we all will be together, if the Fates allow,
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.


So it goes.