The Paris, IL, native was visiting Nashville for the first time early in his sophomore year at Chicago's Elmhurst College. He was at the Station Inn, an historic bluegrass/country venue where many of the greats of both worlds have played. His cousin Terry, a veteran of Dolly Parton's band and now a member of the Grascals, was playing with a band called the Sidemen, and a mesmerized Brett was in the crowd.
"There was something so real and truthful about the songs they were playing," he says. “What happened next came as a shock.”
"He asked me to come up on stage and told me to pick a song to play with the band," says Brett. I said, 'Amarillo By Morning,' and when I heard that fiddle intro, chills shot up my spine. I sang it for the crowd there and it was a magical experience. That was the point where I thought, 'This is it. This is something I've got to do.'"
By the start of the next school year, he had transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and begun the round of writers' nights and writing appointments that led him eventually to a record deal.
The talent that let him turn that dream into reality—the depth of his writing and the sheer power of his smoky and expressive baritone—are both apparent in his first single. "Raymond" is the poignant tale of a nursing home employee mistaken by a patient with Alzheimer's for her deceased son, who was killed at war. It is a song whose inspiring reaffirmation of their mutual humanity is affecting listeners deeply. The single rings true for Eldredge as his Grandmother currently struggles through the disease.
"There are a lot of things I'll play live where people will say, 'I like that,' or 'That's a really cool song,'" Brett says, "but when I do this one, I get the chance to tell people how special a thing it's been in my life, and it always touches someone. A lot of people know someone with Alzheimer's and people react in a really emotional way to it."
Brett has earned a reputation as much for the strength of his writing as for his world-class voice. He and co-writer Pat McLaughlin landed a song called "I Think I've Had Enough" on Gary Allan's latest album, Get Off On The Pain, and one of his frequent collaborators is Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry stalwart Bill Anderson.
"He's one of my favorite people to write with," says Brett. "I love the fact that he believes in country music so much, because it's something I really believe in. My dream, as I find my place in country music, is one day to be an Opry member."
Brett heard all kinds of music growing up, and became a particular fan of the classic pop singers he heard in his grandfather's car.
"I heard a lot of Frank Sinatra, who is still a favorite of mine, and Ray Charles and Bobby Darin," he says. "When my mother convinced me to sing 'Mack The Knife' at a talent show, I got hooked on singing in public."
That was in Paris, a town of 9,000 with "cornfields and factories and lake right in the middle." Brett, his older brother and his parents—a traveling grain salesman and a nurse—lived on the lake and, says Brett, "We were on the water every day, from the time I was so little they could pull me on water skis in a paddle boat until I left for college at 18." Sports were a big part of his life, and he played basketball, baseball and football in high school.
He also sang everywhere he could, often the Big Band music of Sinatra, earning spending money and learning to work a stage. His appreciation for country music became a passion when he turned 16 and he and a friend rode around listening to a Brooks & Dunn greatest hits album.
"There was something about it that just struck me," he says. "I couldn't get enough of it. Ronnie Dunn is one of my favorite singers of all time—I love the soul in his voice—and one of the main reasons I got into this in the first place."
Brett spent two years in Chicago, where his older brother lived, performing with a school jazz band and with a Big Band around the region.
"One of the coolest gigs," he says, "was at the Field Museum, I was singing in front of a 12-piece band under this huge Tyrannosaurus Rex statue near some mammoths. It was quite the experience."
Then came that fateful visit to Nashville and his transfer to MTSU. He studied classic country stylists like Ray Price and George Jones, and later Vince Gill, absorbing everything he could.
"I was driving back and forth Nashville every day from Murfreesboro, which is thirty miles away," he says. "I had a guitar Terry had given me, which was originally a gift from Dolly, and I'd pretty much lock myself in my room and make myself learn songs. I would play writers' nights all around Nashville. There might be two people, there might be 40 or 50. I'd go play my songs and see what people liked and what they didn't. I'd screw up royally in front of them, but I learned."
He earned a degree, which, he says, "made Mom and Dad happy, and then I moved on to what I really wanted to do.
A staff writer for hit producer/publisher Byron Gallimore heard him at a writers' night and introduced him to Byron, who signed him.
"I wrote for about two years, developing my craft and writing with everyone I could. In the beginning, Byron just let me kind of find myself, because that takes a while. As you write more you starting homing in on what you sound good on. Eventually, Byron said, 'You've got something here' and we went in and started cutting songs. We did a showcase, and Carole Ann Mobley from Warner Music Nashville said, 'We've gotta sign this kid'. Mobley and Craig Kallman then signed Brett to Atlantic Records, making him the first official signing for the new imprint.
As he worked with his band tightening his show, he was offered a particularly gratifying gig.
"I opened for Blake Shelton at The Ryman and it was the coolest experience. I flew back from this house gig and all of a sudden I'm thrown into playing the Mother Church of Country Music, something I always dreamed of doing. I was operating on almost no sleep, but stepping out on that stage where everybody who's anybody in country music has been meant the world to me."
He remains active in sports, playing basketball and volleyball and playing on an intramural softball team in Nashville, and rooting for the Cubs and Bears. Meanwhile, he is dedicated to improving his craft.
"As a songwriter," he says, "my aim is to portray a little bit of me and my life along with the stories of other people and turn them into something that can really touch somebody's heart and soul. We sit down on Music Row every day and write songs and every once in a while a song like ‘Raymond’ comes from such a real place. I hope it's that real to other people and that I can make them feel the way I felt when I wrote it and when I sing it."
Judging from audience reaction, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you, "be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year
It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings
And gay happy meetings when friends come to call
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
Scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year, oh
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
Scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
Long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time
Yes, the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
Of the year
The lyrics to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Brett Eldredge capture the essence and joy of the holiday season. The song celebrates the Christmas spirit and all the festivities that come along with it. It emphasizes the happiness and cheer that permeate the air during this time of year.
The opening lines, "It's the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, 'be of good cheer'," set the tone for the song. It showcases the excitement and anticipation felt by both children and adults. The jingle belling of the kids and the encouragement to be of good cheer reflect the joyful atmosphere of the holiday season.
The lyrics also highlight the joyous moments shared with loved ones and friends. The second verse says, "With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings when friends come to call, it's the hap-happiest season of all." The mention of holiday greetings and happy meetings embodies the spirit of togetherness and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones. It reminds listeners that the holiday season is a time to be surrounded by those we care about and cherish.
The song also references traditional Christmas activities such as parties, caroling, and storytelling. The line "There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow" captures the festive atmosphere and the joy of participating in these timeless traditions.
Overall, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is a cheerful and uplifting song that encapsulates the joy, cheer, and togetherness of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the most wonderful time of the year
This is the time of year that brings the greatest joy and happiness.
With the kids jingle belling
Children are ringing bells and spreading the joyous spirit of the season.
And everyone telling you, "be of good cheer"
Everyone is reminding you to stay positive and have a good attitude.
It's the hap-happiest season of all
This season is the absolute happiest time, filled with joy and excitement.
With those holiday greetings
People are exchanging warm greetings and good wishes for the holidays.
And gay happy meetings when friends come to call
Friends gather together in joyful and merry gatherings.
There'll be parties for hosting
There will be gatherings and events to host and enjoy.
Marshmallows for toasting
The sweet treat of marshmallows toasted over a fire brings warmth and delight.
And caroling out in the snow
People singing Christmas carols joyfully amidst the snowy scenery.
Scary ghost stories
Taking pleasure in sharing eerie and thrilling ghost stories.
And tales of the glories
Stories recalling the wonderful and glorious moments of past Christmases.
Of Christmases long, long ago
Reflecting on the nostalgic memories of Christmas from many years ago.
There'll be much mistletoeing
Engaging in the tradition of kissing under mistletoe, fostering love and affection.
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
Feelings of warmth and love will be felt when surrounded by cherished family and friends.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, oh
Reaffirming that this is truly the most joyous and magical time of the year.
Long ago
Deep in the past, referring to the nostalgic memories shared earlier.
Yes, the most wonderful time
Emphasizing that this is indeed the most incredible and delightful time of all.
It's the most wonderful time
Reiterating that this time of year is filled with the utmost joy and delight.
Of the year
Referring to the year's end holiday season which brings unmatched happiness.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie Pola, George Wyle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lesliedavis7551
Awesome job brett Edlredge on the. Video love the back and white
@Pureheart_gentlesoul
Hello Leslie..
@leigheisenahuer1422
Wow amazing and ever so talented. Thank you.
@diannhance3402
Brett-hello from Tuscola IL!
@eileenking4699
Thank you Sir for such beautiful music.
@lisamarie6985
Oh my goodness! Such a tease! The official, we know better! So good B!
@msstruggles2545
Just love your voice and my favorite holiday all in one
@Pureheart_gentlesoul
Hello
@MsSusieq1960
I just love it when you sing Christmas music, your voice is beautiful.
@Pureheart_gentlesoul
Hello Susan..