The Christmas Blues
Bob Dylan (Holiday) Lyrics
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The streets
Are white with snow
The happy crowds are mingling
But there's no one that I know
I'm sure that you'll forgive me
If I don't enthuse
I've got the Christmas blues
I've done my window shopping
There's not a store I've missed
But what's the use of stopping
When there's no one on your list
You'll know the way I'm feeling
When you love and you lose
I guess
I've got the Christmas blues
When somebody wants you
Somebody needs you
Christmas is a joy of joys
But friends when you're lonely
You'll find that it's only
A thing for little girls
And little boys
May all your days be merry
Your seasons full of cheer
But 'til it's January
I'll just go and disappear
Oh Santa
May have brought you
Some stars for your shoes
But Santa only brought me
The blues
Those brightly packaged
Tinsel covered
Christmas blues
Oh Santa
May have brought you
Some stars for your shoes
But Santa only brought me
The blues
Those brightly packaged
Tinsel covered
Christmas blues
The Christmas Blues by Bob Dylan (Holiday) is a song that speaks to the sadness and loneliness that can be felt during the holiday season. In the first verse, Dylan describes the traditional scenes often associated with Christmas, such as jingle bells and snow, but juxtaposes them with the feeling of being alone in a crowd. He then apologizes for his lack of enthusiasm, recognizing that he is suffering from what he calls the "Christmas blues."
In the second verse, Dylan tackles the materialism often associated with Christmas, describing his window shopping and lack of gift recipients. He then explains that his feelings of loneliness are due to experiencing love and loss, suggesting that Christmas joy is only for the young and innocent. In the final verse, Dylan expresses his hope for happiness for others, but acknowledges that he will remain hidden away until the holiday season is over.
The Christmas Blues is a poignant reminder that while the holiday season is often associated with cheer and celebration, it can also be a difficult time for those who are alone or experiencing hardship. Dylan's simple, yet beautifully crafted lyrics capture the sentiment of those who are struggling during this time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
The jingle bells are jingling
The sound of the bells is ringing cheerfully
The streets
The roads in the town
Are white with snow
The snow covers the city and the streets are like a white sheet
The happy crowds are mingling
People are joyfully gathering together in groups
But there's no one that I know
Despite the happy people, the artist does not recognize anyone
I'm sure that you'll forgive me
The singer asks for forgiveness in advance
If I don't enthuse
If the singer does not show enthusiasm
I guess
It seems that
I've got the Christmas blues
The singer is experiencing sadness during Christmas
I've done my window shopping
The artist has wandered the stores and looked through the windows
There's not a store I've missed
The person has examined every shop without exception
But what's the use of stopping
However, there is no benefit in pause
When there's no one on your list
Since nobody is present on the singer's list
You'll know the way I'm feeling
The feelings of the persona will be apparent to you
When you love and you lose
When you love someone and you don't have them anymore
I guess
It appears that
I've got the Christmas blues
The artist is experiencing sadness during Christmas
When somebody wants you
When someone wants you in their life
Somebody needs you
When somebody requires your presence
Christmas is a joy of joys
Christmas should be a joyful time
But friends when you're lonely
However, when you don't have friends, and you're alone
You'll find that it's only
You will perceive that it is just
A thing for little girls
Something that is meant only for young girls
And little boys
As well as boys
May all your days be merry
The singer wishes that your days are full of joy
Your seasons full of cheer
The seasons should also be filled with happiness
But 'til it's January
But until the month of January arrives
I'll just go and disappear
The artist will just disappear without telling anybody
Oh Santa
The singer is addressing Santa Claus
May have brought you
Probably has given to you
Some stars for your shoes
The reference to stars is calling attention to Santa's magical abilities
But Santa only brought me
However, Santa has only given
The blues
A feeling of great sadness
Those brightly packaged
Tightly wrapped with bright colors and sparkles
Tinsel covered
Decorated in a shiny, metallic material
Christmas blues
The feeling of deep sadness that can occur at Christmastime
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: SAMMY CAHN, DAVID JACK HOLT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind