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.
