SWV (Sisters with Voices) is an American R&B vocal trio from New York City,… Read Full Bio ↴SWV (Sisters with Voices) is an American R&B vocal trio from New York City, New York whose members are Cheryl (Coko) Gamble, Tamara (Taj) Johnson and Leanne (Lelee) Lyons. Formed in 1988 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1990s. The group disbanded in 1998 to pursue solo projects and reunited in 2005. SWV has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
SWV 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
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

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

Overall Meaning

SWV's version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a holiday classic that encourages listeners to enjoy the season's simple pleasures with loved ones. The song's opening lines set the tone for the entire song, as the singer requests that we remember the Christmas season as an opportunity to be happy and forget our troubles. The lyrics nostalgically evoke a time when things were seemingly better and friends and family are closer together, painting an idyllic seasonal scene. The next stanza continues with themes of happiness and togetherness, encouraging the listener to make their Yuletide gay and banish worries.

The middle section of the song focuses on the idea that we can recapture the happiness of past times and that if we're lucky, we'll be surrounded by the people who matter most to us for years to come. The potent reminder that time is fleeting makes the final encouraging lines all the more poignant - hang a shining star upon the highest bough and have yourself a merry little Christmas now. All the previous emphasis on love, hope, and togetherness are encapsulated in these final lines, completing the song's message of comfort, hope, and happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish yourself a joyous and pleasant Christmas season

Let your heart be light
Relax, be carefree and enjoy the festive season

From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Let's forget our worries and have a stress-free holiday season

Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate and enjoy the cheerful spirit of Christmas

Here we are as in olden days
We are gathering together as we used to in the past

Happy golden days of yore
Recalling the fond and joyous memories of the past

Faithful friends who are dear to us
Being surrounded by our loved ones who are loyal and precious to us

Gather near to us once more
Our loved ones have come closer to us to enjoy the festive season together

Through the years we all will be together
We will remain united with each other for many years to come

If the fates allow
Dependent on what destiny has in store for our future

So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Place a bright and radiant star on the top of the Christmas tree