Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last…
And….
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more.
Judy Garland found the words too depressing, so Hugh Martin changed them for the film, though the song ended on the lines….
Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,
and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
With apologies to traditionalists, that closing always struck me as not just depressing but predictable.
The prettiest and perhaps most meaningful line in caroling only made it to the song in 1957, when Frank Sinatra asked Martin to brighten the words in keeping with the mood of Sinatra’s album, “A Jolly Christmas,” then in the works.
And so Martin bestowed the gift of....
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
Try singing without raising your eyes to some starry beyond as your voice ascends the phrase.
I confess that each year I try to hang such a star if only in a metaphorical sense (my wife prefers an angel atop the tree) and this is what I'd prescribe for you.
Go ahead, it’s not too late, hang one shining star upon the highest bough.... And... you know….
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