Deck the Halls with songs by Garland

Judy wouldn't be Judy unless there was drama. And these songs are dramatic.
The first is from her 1968 appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was her second to last appearance on TV before passing away a year later.


I haven't heard this song before and find it very compelling.  It's represents a sentiment that isn't expressed all that much during the "merry" season (and probably with good reason).   But with statistics that report a huge bump in the amount of break ups just before Christmas, it still seems relevant.


This performance is so poignant on so many levels. If you know anything of her life story and the history of people walking out on her, it's heartbreaking to watch how she reaches deep inside her to deliver such a performance. That she does this while simply sitting in the guest chair on the Johnny Carson Show speaks to her legendary showmanship.


        


"We can be happy anywhere as long as we're together."


One of the most popular Christmas songs, "Have Yourself a A Merry Little Christmas" was introduced to us in "Meet Me in St. Louis", a movie I first remember watching at Queen Street School where the Sisters would find us wholesome Christmas films to watch each year. (they were big on Bing). It was also there that I first saw "It's a Wonderful Life".


If you think the song is a downer now, check out the original lyrics that Judy and director husband, Vincent Minnelli had insisted be replaced.

"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 will 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 Fates allow,
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."

It was changed again when Frank Sinatra released the song changing the line:

"Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow". to "Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,"

I prefer the the "muddle" version. It best represents what I am able to accomplish each Christmas in spite of the best intentions.


Whatever your Christmas tradition, I wish you a very, very merry one.


        
Today's question?…Why do you suppose so many choose Christmas to break up?  - Save on gifts?  - Don't want to bring him/her home to meet the parents?