The Christmas Blues
Jo Stafford Lyrics
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The streets are white with snow
The happy crowds are mingling
But there's no one that I know
I'm sure that you'll forgive me
If I don't enthuse
I guess I've got the Christmas blues
I've done my window shopping
There's not a store I've missed
But what's the use of stopping
When there's no one on your list
You'll know the way I'm feeling
When you love and you lose
I guess I've got the Christmas blues
When somebody wants you
Somebody needs you
Christmas is a joy of joy
But friends when you're lonely
You'll find that it's only
A thing for little girls and little boys
May all your days be merry
Your seasons full of cheer
But 'til it's January
I'll just go and disappear
Oh Santa may have brought you some stars for your shoes
But Santa only brought me the blues
Those brightly packaged tinsel covered Christmas blues
Oh Santa may have brought you some stars for your shoes
But Santa only brought me the blues
Those brightly packaged tinsel covered Christmas blues
The song Christmas Blues by Jo Stafford is a melancholic interpretation of the festive season. The opening lines establish the scene of a bustling town filled with snow and the sounds of jingle bells. However, the mood of the song soon darkens as the singer reveals that despite the festive spirit, they are unable to share in the joy due to a lack of companionship. The absurdity of the crowds happily mingling despite the loneliness of the singer serves as a depressing contrast to the supposed cheer of Christmas.
The lyrics express the isolation and despair one can feel when they are alone during the holiday season. The singer has done all they can to immerse themselves in the festivities, from window shopping to being surrounded by crowds of people, but nothing can fill the void of having no one to share it with. The line "When somebody wants you, somebody needs you" reinforces the feeling of not being wanted or needed, furthering the sadness of the song. The final verse sums up the song with a bitter knowledge of the difference between the idealistic portrayal of Christmas versus the reality the singer is experiencing.
Line by Line Meaning
The jingle bells are jingling
The sound of jingling bells can be heard
The streets are white with snow
Snow has covered the streets and made it white
The happy crowds are mingling
People are enjoying the festive season with company
But there's no one that I know
The singer is alone and doesn't see any familiar faces
I'm sure that you'll forgive me
The singer expects to be forgiven for not being enthusiastic about Christmas
If I don't enthuse
If I do not express excitement or joy
I guess I've got the Christmas blues
The singer is feeling sad and melancholic during the festive season
I've done my window shopping
The singer has gone window shopping
There's not a store I've missed
The singer has not missed any store while window shopping
But what's the use of stopping
The singer finds no purpose in stopping and making purchases
When there's no one on your list
When there is no one special to buy gifts for
You'll know the way I'm feeling
You can relate to the singer's feelings
When you love and you lose
When you lose someone you love
I guess I've got the Christmas blues
The singer is feeling sad and melancholic about Christmas
When somebody wants you
When someone desires to be with you
Somebody needs you
When someone depends on you
Christmas is a joy of joy
Commonly seen as a time of happiness and festivity
But friends when you're lonely
Friends are meaningless when you are alone
You'll find that it's only
You'll discover that Christmas is just
A thing for little girls and little boys
Something that is only enjoyed by children
May all your days be merry
Hope you have joyful days
Your seasons full of cheer
Hope you have cheerful seasons
But 'til it's January
Until the new year
I'll just go and disappear
The singer will go away and avoid Christmas festivities
Oh Santa may have brought you some stars for your shoes
Santa may have given you wonderful gifts
But Santa only brought me the blues
Santa only brought the singer sadness and melancholy
Those brightly packaged tinsel covered Christmas blues
The sadness of Christmas is wrapped up in bright packaging
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY CAHN, DAVID JACK HOLT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maggie Koch
Finally, a classic jazz song that captures what it feels like to be sad around Christmas.
JB Webb
Wonderful, beautiful voice
antonio c filho
lindas cançoes
kunekune
Great song for a quiet house at Midnight - Thanks for posting!
Sealed Chamber
This my jam.
Alan Fox
My mum had lung cancer and lung disease combined so this Christmas is a sombre mood for me this year
myboylollipop09
Thanks!