Christmas Songs that Aren't Annoying!!!

I'm continuing the Christmas theme I've had going lately. Only 11 more days!

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”

I like the Death Cab for Cutie version. It’s a mellow version, more melancholy and less hyperactive. The Mariah Carey take on this song is probably the most popular. It’s a little too happy for me…

Best Lyric: Pretty lights on the tree, I’m watching them shine. You should be here with me. Baby please come home.

“The River”

Joni Mitchell is a goddess. This song is a classic any time of the year. It’s a melancholy, wistful song. Who hasn’t wished there was a river they could skate away on? Especially this time of year. Christmas isn’t happy for everyone and this song will help you make it through.

Best Lyric: I'm going to make a lot of money, then I'm going to quit this crazy scene.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Listen to the Judy Garland version. ONLY the Judy Garland version. She has the superhuman ability to sound both strong and fragile when she sings. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll find this isn’t a happy song. It’s a song about getting through a hard time and looking forward to future happiness.

Best Lyric: Through the year we all will be together, if the Fates allow.

All these songs are complex. They’re lyrically interesting, at least more so than “Jingle Bells.” Emotionally they’re not your typical sugar encrusted carols. It’s hard to sustain a delusional sugar high for the whole of the Christmas season. It’s ok to want to choke someone with a candy cane. Please refrain from doing so, but it’s ok to FEEL like it. So have fun listening to Christmas songs about real people, dealing with real emotions.