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If We Make It Through December
Phoebe Bridgers Lyrics


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If we make it through December
Everything's gonna be all right, I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine

Got laid off at the factory
And their timing's not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I've been working hard
Wanted Christmas to be right for my girl
I don't mean to hate December
It's meant to be the happy time of year
And my little girl don't understand
Why we can't afford no Christmas here

If we make it through December
Everything's gonna be all right, I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine

Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine

Overall Meaning

Phoebe Bridgers's song "If We Make It Through December" is a cover of Merle Haggard's original song from 1973. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been laid off from his job at the factory just before Christmas. The man is struggling to make ends meet and can't afford to give his daughter the Christmas she deserves. Despite his hardships, he remains hopeful that if he can just make it through the cold and bitter December, things will get better. He has plans to move to a warmer town, possibly even California, in the summertime.


The lyrics are a poignant reminder of how difficult the holiday season can be for people who are struggling. It highlights the contrast between the joy and happiness often associated with Christmas and the stark reality for many families who are unable to afford the luxuries of gifts and festivities. The song also touches on themes of hope, resilience, and the power of looking forward to a better future.


Overall, Phoebe Bridgers's rendition of the song captures the heartache and hope in Haggard's original lyrics. By slowing down the tempo and adding her signature melancholy sound, she brings a new depth of emotion to the song. It's a beautiful rendition that feels both timeless and contemporary.


Line by Line Meaning

If we make it through December
Despite the hardships and challenges that December brings, if we can persevere and endure, things will eventually turn out all right.


Everything's gonna be all right, I know
Despite the uncertainties and difficulties, I have faith that everything will work out in the end.


It's the coldest time of winter
December is the coldest month of the year and the difficult weather adds an extra burden to the already tough situation.


And I shiver when I see the falling snow
The sight of the falling snow further intensifies the feeling of coldness.


Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
Despite the current struggles, there is hope for a better future and a plan to escape the difficult winter weather.


Maybe even California
California represents a place where dreams can come true and a brighter future can be achieved.


Got laid off at the factory
The singer has lost their job at the factory, a major source of income.


And their timing's not the greatest in the world
The timing of the layoff is particularly bad and adds an extra layer of difficulty.


Heaven knows I've been working hard
The artist has been putting in a lot of effort and hard work.


Wanted Christmas to be right for my girl
The artist wants to provide a good Christmas for their daughter despite the financial difficulties.


I don't mean to hate December
Despite the current hardships, the singer does not want to hate the season that is supposed to be happy and joyful.


It's meant to be the happy time of year
December is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration.


And my little girl don't understand
The singer's daughter is too young to understand the financial difficulties and why they can't afford Christmas presents.


Why we can't afford no Christmas here
The financial struggles have made it impossible for the singer to provide a traditional Christmas experience for their family.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Merle Haggard

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Desmndfrancis

[Chorus]
If we make it through December
Everything's gonna be all right, I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine

[Verse]
Got laid off at the factory
And their timing is not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I've been working hard
Wanted Christmas to right for my girl
I don't mean to hate December
It's meant to be the happy time of year
And my little girl don't understand
Why we can't afford no Christmas gear

Chorus]
If we make it through December
Everything's gonna be all right, I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine
Maybe even California
If we make it through December, we'll be fine



All comments from YouTube:

@MarinaAndTheDevil

Christmas depression hits different 😍

@kylier1973

yeah fr tho at least theres good music for it tho

@sarah5885

There's just something special about knowing it's the most loving time of year for others but nobody loves you and you're really fucking lonely 🥰 And then New Year hits and you realize you did once again nothing worthwhile this year 😍I hate December 😘

@elrancho8700

do you OWN youtube ? like how do you get top comment every time when its not even having a lot of likes

@MarinaAndTheDevil

@@elrancho8700 honestly my comments actually get deleted most of the time

@user-vs3ei6lv3s

You are everywhere, I swear. I’m your biggest fan lol first saw your comments in middle school and I’m 19 now 🥰🥰

4 More Replies...

@copper4045

She did it again. She broke my heart into a million pieces and then sewed it back together again, in under four minutes.

@dynamopirate470

That's how you know she's a good artist.

@nirvana454

This is a Merle Haggard song, but she absolutely nails it.

@pen2199

Hope you're listening now

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