My favourite Christmas songs are carols but this song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, is an exception. I was listening to
Bryn Terfel singing this on his Christmas CD during the week & it made me think of the most famous version of the song,
this one by Judy Garland in the movie,
Meet Me In St Louis. The Judy Garland version is very melancholy, it's not a cheery, happy song in the context of the movie. Judy Garland's character is comforting her little sister, played by Margaret O'Brien, as they contemplate leaving St Louis. It always brings tears to my eyes.
The music was by Hugh Martin & the lyrics by Ralph Blane.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
Love the Judy Garland movie but have not seen it for ages. Lovely song isn't it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been a long time since I saw the movie. It used to be on TV quite often but they don't seem to play those old movies as often these days.
DeleteThat is a lovely movie - the Trolley Car Song in particular really captures what is so classic about those musicals. And Merry Christmas, Lyn - a lovely carol to celebrate indeed.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Vicki. It suddenly feels like Christmas, doesn't it? I did lots of Christmassy things at the weekend - wrote my cards, made the pudding, put up the tree - & it's hard to believe it's just over two weeks away.
DeleteI found I was singing this to myself rather than reading it. An absolute classic.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those songs that gets into your head & doesn't let go.
DeleteThe Judy Garland version always makes me cry. Think those words would be especially poignant in the context of the time. Film was released in 1944.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about that Margaret. Of course, that just makes it more moving.
Delete