Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Mark Harris Lyrics


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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, yeah

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

Merry Christmas

Through the years we all will be together
If the Lord allows
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

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

Have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Light the fire, trim the tree




Come and spend a little time
Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mark Harris's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" speak of hope and joy during the Christmas holiday. The first verse suggests that the listener will have a merry Christmas and encourages them to let their heart be light. The second verse adds to this idea by saying that the Yuletide (the Christmas holiday period) should be gay and that any troubles will be miles away. These verses encourage listeners to have joy and peace surrounding them during the holiday season.


The third verse reflects on memories of the past and the happy times that were once enjoyed. These memories can be shared once again with faithful friends gathering near once more. The fourth and final verse brings the song's message back to the present and the future, suggesting that if the Lord allows, all will be together in the years to come. The final message encourages listeners to have a merry little Christmas and to spend time with loved ones.


"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was originally written in 1943 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis." Interestingly, the original lyrics were much darker and melancholic, reflecting the sadness and uncertainty of the times during World War II. Judy Garland, who sang the song in the movie, requested that the lyrics be changed, leading to the more uplifting version we know today.


Line by Line Meaning

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish for yourself to have a happy holiday season


Let your heart be light
Try to feel happy and carefree


From now on Our troubles will be out of sight
Believe that things will get better and problems will disappear


Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate Christmas with joy and festivities


Our troubles will be miles away, yeah
Put aside worries and enjoy the holiday season


Here we are as in olden days Happy golden days of yore
Enjoy being together with loved ones as in past Christmases


Faithful friends who are dear to us Gather near to us once more
Be happy to have close friends and family to spend time with


Through the years we all will be together If the Lord allows
Hope to continue traditions and gatherings in the future, if possible


Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Symbolize hope and good wishes for the future


And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy the present moment and have a happy holiday


Light the fire, trim the tree
Engage in traditional holiday activities


Come and spend a little time
Spend time with loved ones during the holiday season


Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Hope for happiness and joy during the holiday




Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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