Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music.
Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences. Songs she has recorded range from jazz standards to MGM/RKO musicals of the 1930s-1950s and Brazilian rhythms such as "Começar de novo".
Monheit released her debut album, Never Never Land in October 2000 and it became an instant success. This was followed shortly by her second album, Come Dream With Me (May 2001) and her third, In The Sun (October 2002).
Her fourth album, Live at the Rainbow Room, was released in December 2003. A similarly-titled DVD was released to complement the CD.
Her fifth album, Taking a Chance on Love, was released in September 2004. It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's traditional jazz chart and entered Billboard's top 100 pop chart the first week it was released. The album included the song Over the Rainbow, which had been included in her previous release recorded at the Rainbow Room, and also in the soundtrack for the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The Taking a Chance on Love DVD was released in March 2005 and contains performances from the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, UK. Monheit released her sixth album, The Season, in October 2005. Her first holiday-themed album, it debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's jazz chart. Monheit told jazzreview.com that it was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's holiday album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.
The singer recently signed a recording contract with Concord Records. Her most recent album, Surrender, debuted at #1 on Billboard's jazz chart.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Jane Monheit 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 Jane Monheit's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a song that encapsulates the warmth and joy of Christmas. The song begins by urging listeners to "have yourself a merry little Christmas" and to let their "heart[s] be light." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about forgetting about one's troubles and focusing on the happiness and warmth of the holiday season. The line "from now on, our troubles will be out of sight" is especially poignant, as it speaks to the hope and optimism that many people feel during the holidays.
The song goes on to describe how Christmas brings people together, whether it's through memories of olden days or gathering with faithful friends. The lyricist paints a picture of a warm and cozy gathering, where loved ones come together to enjoy each other's company. The final verse is a reminder that even if circumstances change, if we are fortunate enough to be able to stay connected with those we love, we will always have a merry little Christmas.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to the spirit of Christmas, and it reminds us of what is most important during the holiday season: spending time with our loved ones, letting go of our troubles, and embracing the joy and warmth of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
I hope you have a small but joyful Christmas
Let your heart be light
Think positive and be happy
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
We will forget our problems and enjoy the moment
Make the Yuletide gay
Make the Christmas season bright and happy
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
We will distance ourselves from any negativity and focus on the good things
Here we are as in olden days
We are here like we used to be, bringing back memories of the past
Happy golden days of yore
Happier times from long ago
Faithful friends who are dear to us
The friends who are important and loyal to us
Gather near to us once more
Come close to us again
Through the years we all will be together
We will all remain together over the years
If the fates allow
If it is meant to be
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Put a bright star up high as a symbol of hope and joy
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy Christmas in the present moment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind