What's Christmas Anyway
Darin Lyrics

In these lyrics, Darin reflects on the broken promises and lost dreams that have come to define his Christmas experience. The first verse begins with a nostalgic tone, highlighting the plans and aspirations that were once discussed under the starry night sky, and the intention to buy gifts. However, all these promises have been shattered, leaving him with a feeling of emptiness and questioning the true significance of Christmas. The repetition of the phrase "But hey, what's Christmas anyway?" suggests a sense of disillusionment and uncertainty about the holiday's true meaning.

The second verse describes a scene of mundane activities associated with the Christmas season. Darin mentions driving downtown and looking at shop windows, enjoying traditional desserts like cream and apple pie, and watching movies in the afternoon. Yet, despite these seemingly cheerful activities, the loss of the promised happiness taints everything. Again, Darin poses the question "Hey, what's Christmas anyway?" as a way to interrogate the meaning behind these activities that have lost their joy and purpose.

The chorus delves deeper into Darin's conflicting emotions. On one hand, he acknowledges that Christmas has the potential to be wonderful, beautiful, incredible, and magical. These adjectives reflect the common perception of the holiday as a time of joy and enchantment. However, the second part of the chorus expresses the consequences of the broken promises and shattered dreams. The repetition of "Don't you know you threw it all away?" implies that someone, perhaps the person who made the promises, has caused this disillusionment. Emotionally confused, Darin admits his inability to find the right words to articulate his feelings, leaving him even more uncertain about the significance of Christmas.

In the final verse, Darin reflects on the bittersweet nature of wanting something so desperately, represented by the act of wishing upon a star. He ponders the hypothetical possibility of having just one more day with the person who broke his heart, emphasizing his longing and the pain caused by their absence. The repetition of the question "But hey, what's Christmas anyway?" once again demonstrates his confusion and doubt regarding the holiday's true value.

In summary, Darin's lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment and questioning about the meaning of Christmas. He reminisces about broken promises and lost dreams, highlighting the emptiness that has seeped into his holiday experience. The repeated question "But hey, what's Christmas anyway?" serves as a introspective refrain, as Darin struggles to reconcile his dashed hopes with the traditional expectations associated with the holiday season. Ultimately, the lyrics explore the contrast between the idealized image of Christmas and the disappointing reality experienced by the songwriter.