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.
The Christmas Song
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is going to be spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said, many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you
Mmm have a Merry Christmas now
To you
Merry Christmas to you
Brett Eldredge's The Christmas Song is a classic holiday tune that brings together all the magical elements that we associate with Christmas. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos. The imagery in these opening lines is meant to evoke a feeling of warmth, joy, and coziness. It conjures up the image of a family gathered around a fireplace, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying each other's company, while outside the world is covered in snow.
The next verse talks about the various symbols of the season, including turkey and mistletoe, which are staples of any Christmas celebration. Tiny tots, with their eyes all aglow, find it hard to sleep knowing that Santa Claus is coming to town. The chorus of the song is a simple message, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, from kids aged one to ninety-two.
The Christmas Song is a wonderful example of a traditional Christmas tune, that captures the spirit of the holiday season. It is a song that is easy to sing along to, conjuring up images of warmth, love, and togetherness. The song has been covered by many artists, but Brett Eldredge's version is a welcome addition to the Christmas playlist.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Enjoying the warmth and comfort of a cozy fire, roasting chestnuts and feeling the holiday spirit
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Feeling the cold winter air and experiencing the fun and playful side of the winter season
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Listening to beautiful Christmas songs and sharing the joy and happiness of the season with others
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Dressing warmly and embracing the traditions and customs of different cultures during the holiday season
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional holiday symbols that help create a festive and joyous atmosphere for all to enjoy
Help to make the season bright
Contributing to the overall festive spirit of the holiday season, bringing light and happiness to everyone's lives
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children filled with wonder and excitement, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Feeling the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Eve, making it difficult to fall asleep
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believing in the magic and wonder of the holiday season, anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and his gifts
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus bringing happiness and joy to children by delivering toys and treats to celebrate the holiday season
And every mother's child is going to be spy
Children eagerly searching for Santa Claus and his reindeer in the night sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the magic of the holiday season
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Wondering about the incredible abilities of Santa Claus and his magical reindeer, flying through the sky on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts around the world
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
Sharing a message of love and good wishes for the holiday season, hoping to bring joy and happiness to all
To kids from one to ninety-two
Sending a message of peace and love to people of all ages, encouraging everyone to embrace the spirit of the holiday season
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Recognizing the familiarity and tradition of the message of peace and love during the holiday season, and emphasizing the importance of sharing this message every year
Merry Christmas to you
Sending warm wishes of happiness and joy for a wonderful holiday season
Mmm have a Merry Christmas now
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement for the holiday season, hoping that everyone will have a wonderful time
To you
Sending warm wishes of love and joy to all
Merry Christmas to you
A final wish for a joyful and happy holiday season, filled with love and warmth
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paris Watson
Your Christmas voice can't be exchanged for any amount because it shines brightly with your love of the season, Brett. Oh,I'll agree all your music is great, but your Christmas music stands alone reminding us all that the crooners of the 30's--50's arent gone. They're alive and well in Brett Eldredge!!! Thank you Brett for your beautiful voice and for sharing it with all of us again this Christmas and hopefully for many, many more !!!!!!!
Paris Watson
SOrry, forgot my little note and disclaimer: the above comment was not posted by Paris Watson but by his wife Ali. Thank you..
Rita Souza
Fico tão feliz em ouvir sua voz, Brett você é meu ídolo supremo, será que algum dia haverá espaço no seu coração para uma fã que te ama intensamente aqui no Brasil? eu espero que sim, te amarei nesta e em todas as outras vidas... 💚🐕🎄😘💔👏👏👏👏👏👏
Leandro Rodrigues
Melhor cantor!
Que bom ver que não é só eu aqui no Brasil que sou fã hahaha ❤🇧🇷
DisneyDreamer
All your songs are great but your christmas ones can’t be beat!!
Joyce Wayman
Love his singing 🎤 🥰
Andrea Turnage Savoie
Marcel, my husband of over 28 years passed away December 1st, 2020, and this was his favorite song at Christmas time! Thank-you for sharing it. May God Bless you at Christmas!
Vay Star
So refreshing to hear a beautiful song by a beautiful person. ♥️
Shelly Baker
I need to go to one of your shows. I love your voice. You are so talented. Merry Christmas!
Luisa Herrera
Que lindo y que voz preciosa