Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Charlie Byrd 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
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
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
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
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
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
The lyrics to Charlie Byrd's song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" depict the spirit of Christmas and the joy it brings to people's lives. The first verse encourages people to let go of their troubles and worries during the holiday season, and to instead focus on happiness and joy. The second verse reminisces about the olden days of Christmas, where friends and loved ones would gather together and celebrate the season. The third verse expresses hope for the future, that the fates will allow everyone to be together once again, and that a shining star will guide them towards a merry and joyous Christmas.
What makes the lyrics of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" so powerful is the way in which they blend nostalgia, hope, and joy. The song speaks to the heart of what Christmas is all about - bringing people together, cherishing memories of the past, and looking forward to a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wishing you a joyous and cheerful Christmas celebration
Let your heart be light
Make sure that you are free from stress and anxiety and enjoy the festive season to the fullest
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Let's forget all our worries and troubles and focus only on the happiness and excitement of Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
Make this Christmas a joyful and merry occasion
Here we are as in olden days
We are reminded of the happy memories of Christmas celebrations from the past
Happy golden days of yore
Nostalgic memories of the joyous Christmases from the bygone days
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Our closest companions who bring love, happiness and warmth to our lives throughout the year
Gather near to us once more
Come together and share the festive spirit with us once again
Through the years we all will be together
Looking forward to many more Christmas celebrations together in the years to come
If the fates allow
If it is in our destiny to be together, we hope to celebrate many more Christmases with our loved ones
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Decorate the Christmas tree with the brightest star as a symbol of hope, joy and new beginnings
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Let's enjoy this beautiful moment of Christmas together and bask in the happiness and cheer of the festive season
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Tratore
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tim Meyer Music
so lovely.....thanks once again for this superb transcriptions (and the chord diagrams) Merry Christmas to all.
François Leduc
Merry Christmas!
vecernicek2
Thank you!! If you would make the version Ted Greene played at a guitar show, would be awesome as well!
vecernicek2
@François Leduc Didn't know that! Thanks!
François Leduc
The version played at this Guitar Show is the exact same as the sheet available on his website, here : https://tedgreene.com/teaching/default.asp You will find it in the Christmas section
rillloudmother
Charlotte Byrd was so great. He reminded me of my grandpa.
Bob DiMarzio
you a blithering nincompoop ?!
Marnick Postma
It's quite similar to the Ted Greene Arrangement actually. I got it if you want it;)
El canal de Reyes Manuel
👍👍
james jackovich
More Charlie, bosa nova