Sad Christmas Songs
In regards to the merriest of seasons, some songwriters have
opted to oppose the traditional feeling of joy and happiness with
songs that tug on our emotional heartstrings. For some, the holiday
season brings sadness at times, which is observed in a few
Christmas songs. These depressing ditties seem to fall into three
separate categories.
The first group is definitely the most obvious of the three.
Lyrically, these songs describe the songwriter's sad feelings for
the holiday. They are often centred around a person feeling lonely
during the holiday. Elvis Presley's rendition of "Blue Christmas"
is one of these songs that first come to mind. The memorable
lyrics, originally recorded by Ernest Tubb, illustrate the longing
pain for someone that he is missing. Many unhappy Christmas
anthems, written by great past artists, fall into this category.
"Merry Christmas Darling" written and performed by The Carpenters,
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Phil Spector and The Eagles'
"Please Come Home For Christmas", all fit the emotional criteria of
this group. Another example of this song type is a melody with a
sad narrative. "Christmas Shoes", by Newsong invokes emotion by
telling a touching story of a little boy and his dying mother.
Some Christmas songs have no mention of anything sad in their
lyrics, but the music itself is depressing. "Have Yourself A Merry
Little Christmas" is a traditional Christmas song that has lyrics
that are comforting. However, when you hear Judy Garland's haunting
delivery, most people can't help but tear up. The same can be said
about the theme from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" titled, "Christmas
Time Is Here". Similar to the previously stated song, the lyrics
are hopeful, yet the downbeat style makes for a gloomy arrangement.
Although this song is about the night that Jesus was born, many
have suggested that "Silent Night" is one of the saddest Christmas
songs of all time.
Lastly, we have tunes that are not made to be sad but remind us
of something that is upsetting. Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home For
Christmas" will forever remind us of the soldiers who were
separated from their families during World War II. Also, Band Aid's
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" still resonates in our hearts as the
song which provided efforts for the 1984-1985 Ethiopian famine
relief.
Many people all around the world experience the holiday season
differently. Whatever your mood, you have the option to pick any
style of Christmas Carol that you relate to the most, where it be a
sad or happy one.