An Old Fashioned Christmas
Year: 1978
Written By: Sammy Cahn, Jimmy VanHeusen/Richard Carpenter, John Bettis
The Carpenter
siblings released 2 festive collections, one of which 'An Old
Fashioned Christmas' came after Karen's death in 1984. 'An Old
Fashioned Christmas' was first released on the earlier album,
'Christmas Portrait' (1978) and was written by Richard Carpenter
and John Bettis.
'An Old Fashioned
Christmas' has the distinction of featuring Richard rather than
Karen Carpenter on lead vocals and as such it gives the piece an
uniquely un-Carpenters sound (it sounds quite Beach Boys' in
places). Karen took an active part on backing vocals, however, and
this pleasant alternative gives the piece a magical feel. In fact
'An Old Fashioned Christmas' has the ring of fantasy about it,
Richard's vocals shine brightly amongst a flurry of rich musical
activity that culminates in him being joined by a celestial choir
(the OK Chorale). I can't help feeling that this song needs to be
brought back to prominence because it has all the hallmarks of a
forgotten classic.
Frank Sinatra also
recorded a song called 'An Old Fashioned Christmas' in 1964 for his
'12 songs of Christmas' LP (Jim Reeves had an album of the same
name) with Bing Crosby and Fred Waring. This was a slow affair but
lacked none of Sinatra's dynamic delivery and as you'd expect the
production was as pristine as ever.
While you yourself
may pine for Christmases of yore, it may be of some comfort that
folks way back in the 1960's, like Sinatra, were doing the same
thing! Perhaps in 20 years you'll be wishing you could travel to
the Christmas you are currently celebrating, so celebrate away.
An Old Fashioned Christmas Lyrics
The Carpenter's Version
How I miss that Old Fashioned Christmas!
Carols being sung by the tree,
Window's candlelight shining bright for the whole world to
see
Children's eyes of sweet expectations
Wondering what each present will hold
Lying in their beds and impatient
On long Christmas Eves of old
It used to be that all the family would gather for this one
night
It used to be that special feeling shared together knowing
Christmas was here one night a year
How I miss that Old Fashioned Christmas!
Memories that last through the years
Call me sentimental; Don't mind if you do
I send an Old Fashioned Christmas to you!
Sinatra's Version
Give me an old fashioned Christmas, an old fashioned
Christmas,
Family faces, wide open spaces, covered with snow,
Right now my mom there in the kitchen, basting the Christmas
bird,
You'll have to take my word, you can't find that at the
automat.
An old fashioned fireplace, give me an old fashioned
fireplace,
My heart remembers smoldering embers, warming your glow,
I'd trade that whole Manhattan skyline, the shimmering steel and
chrome,
For one old fashioned Christmas back home.
An Old Fashioned Christmas Christmas Videos (Click to Play)
Rate Different Artist Versions of An Old Fashioned Christmas
| Artist Name | Current Rating | Your Rating | Preview |
|---|
| Frank Sinatra | | | |
| Carpenters | | | |
| Plácido Domingo | | | |
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