Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Crouch End Festival Chorus Lyrics

The lyrics to Crouch End Festival Chorus's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" essentially convey a message of hope, optimism and love despite the challenges that one may have experienced throughout the year. The song carries an impression of nostalgia and a longing for the good old days of joy, kinship, and camaraderie. The first stanza encourages one to enjoy the festivities of Christmas, let go of all worries, and brighten the heart with the happiness and light that the season brings. The second stanza builds on this theme of festive cheer, with the additional emphasis on the importance of the company of loved ones as they gather together to celebrate. The third stanza is about the promise of the future, the hope that the coming years will bring continued blessings, joy, and a better life for all.

Interestingly, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" has undergone several changes since it was first recorded in 1944; however, the essence of the song remains the same. The original lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane were considered too melancholy, as they were written during the height of World War II. Judy Garland, who first performed the song in the musical Meet Me in St. Louis, had requested that the lyrics be made more upbeat and hopeful. The songwriter, Hugh Martin, obliged and rewrote the lyrics, resulting in the version that is now popular and widely recognized.