Saddle Creek also released Letting Off the Happiness in November 1998, a ten-track record that boasted a much more focused and clear sound than the previous album. According to the Saddle Creek press release, it features members of Lullaby for the Working Class, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Of Montreal. It was predominantly recorded in the Oberst family basement in Omaha on an analog eight track reel to reel; with some work also done at keyboardist Andy Lemaster's Athens, GA studio. Although almost all of the tracks feature a full band, June on the West Coast is performed with only acoustic guitar and vocals. Padraic My Prince gives a dramatic fictional account of the death of Oberst's imagined baby brother.
In 2000 Bright Eyes released Fevers and Mirrors, a demonstration of the immense improvement in production quality and musical vision of the band. New instruments such as flute, piano, and accordion were introduced into the song arrangements. After An Attempt to Tip the Scales, a mock radio interview takes place. The mock radio interview features Todd Fink of The Faint doing an impression of Conor Oberst while reading a script that Oberst wrote. The man interviewing is Matt Silcock, a former member of Lullaby for the Working Class. In this interview, the fake Oberst intentionally presents a strange, contradictory explanation of his attitude towards his music. The interview acknowledges criticisms of his lyrics as overblown and insincere, which had begun to appear as the popularity of the band increased, but responds by stating that the lyrics are meant for personal interpretation. In a 'real' interview with KittyMagik.com, Oberst stated about the mock one: "It was a way to make fun of ourselves because the record is such a downer. I mean, that's one part of who I am, but I also like laughing and fucking around."
2002 saw the release of Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground, and since then Oberst has released an almost constant stream of new material on collaborative EPs, split singles, tribute albums, and charity records. He ventured into the studio with Nebraska folk-pop outfit Tilly And The Wall, co-producing their debut album Wild Like Children and released it on his newly established record label, Team Love.
January 2005 saw the release of two albums: I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, which is a country-tinged mélange of Conor’s finest acoustic songs, featuring guest vocal appearances from Emmylou Harris and Jim James of My Morning Jacket; and Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, which is a more produced, electronic album featuring cameo appearances by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
One single from each album, Take It Easy (Love Nothing) from Digital Ash and Lua from I'm Wide Awake took the top two slots on Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, the first time for any artist since 1997.
As had become expected of Bright Eyes recordings, the albums feature an array of talented comrades including members of Rilo Kiley, Tilly And The Wall, Cursive, Now Its Overhead, The Good Life, Azure Ray, The Faint, The Bruces, Neva Dinova, The Postal Service and Audrye Sessions.
In October 2006, Bright Eyes released a compilation of rare tracks called Noise Floor: Rarities 1998-2005.
Bright Eyes released their sixth studio album called Cassadaga on April 9, 2007, preceded by an EP entitled Four Winds on March 6, 2007.
A further 25-30 tracks have been recorded in Portland, Oregon and New York City, with another session planned in Omaha, Nebraska. Some of these tracks had already been performed at live shows.
On February 15, 2011, the band released their seventh studio album, The People's Key.
On June 22, 2020, they released Down In The Weeds Where The World Once Was, their first album on Dead Oceans after a long history with Saddle Creek.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Bright Eyes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas night.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Make the yuletide gay.
From now on, all troubles will be miles away
So, have yourself a merry little Christmas day.
The first verse of Bright Eyes' rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a comforting reminder to let go of worries and allow oneself to enjoy the season. The lyrics encourage listeners to have a merry Christmas and to let their troubles fade away. The repetition of "have yourself a merry little Christmas" creates a sense of warmth and familiarity, giving the impression that this song is a familiar beacon that can guide one through the holiday season.
In the following verses, the song transitions to nostalgia for the past and the joy of coming together with friends and loved ones. The "olden days" and "happy golden days of yore" conjure images of simpler times where one's heart was light and full of hope. It is no wonder that the singer desires the presence of "faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more."
The final verse then returns to the present, recognizing that time passes and people change. However, despite these variables, the song remains optimistic in the hopes that everyone will be together this Christmas. The final lines suggest hanging a shining star upon the highest bough, a symbol of hope and togetherness. In the end, the lyrics of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing loved ones, finding moments of hope, and allowing oneself to experience joy during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Wish yourself a happy and joyful Christmas celebration.
Let your heart be light
Try to keep your emotions positive and cheerful.
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Forget about all the worries and enjoy the festivities.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas night.
Hope you have an enjoyable and memorable Christmas evening.
Here we are as in olden days,
We are reminiscing the good old days of Christmas time.
Happy golden days of yore.
We remember the happy and prosperous Christmas time in the past.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
We cherish the presence of our faithful and valuable friends.
Gather near to us once more.
We long for the gathering of our beloved friends again.
Through the years
During the course of time.
We all will be together,
We will be united and connected to each other.
If the Fates allow
If things go according to what is destined to happen.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
Place a brilliant star upon the tallest tree branch.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.
Enjoy this Christmas moment to the fullest and be happy.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Wish yourself a happy and joyful Christmas celebration.
Make the yuletide gay.
Make the Christmas season cheerful and fun.
From now on, all troubles will be miles away
Leave behind all the worries and move forward with happiness.
So, have yourself a merry little Christmas day.
Wish you a joyful and exciting Christmas day.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sam Pomerantz Publishing
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind