I ADORE Judy’s performance of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Really, what was so bad about the lyrics that Frank Sinatra had them changed for his recording of it?
I CAN’T STAND the “from now on” etc lyrics and most people sing that version. I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear somebody singing the words that are in MMISL.
This isn't an ordinary Christmas song. Its lyrics pertain to a very sad time for the Smith family, so the song is about a sense of loss. As an Xmas pop standard, the slight change makes this gorgeous classic less downbeat. Incidentally, Garland sang these different lyrics on her Christmas TV special in 1963.
shareInterestingly, the Sinatra Ultimate Christmas album’s HYAMLC recording has the MMISL lyrics. I was very surprised when I heard it!
shareIt was worse than that! Frank wasn't the only one to screw with the song, Judy Garland also did. Here's the lyrics as originally written before Judy had them lightened for the film>
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 may 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 Lord allows.
From now on, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/original-lyrics-have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas-judy-garland/
On TCM they had an interview with the songwriter where he was talking about those original lyrics.
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