According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Have Yourself a Merry Little Chr...
She & Him 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
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
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
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
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
In She & Him's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," the lyrics offer a nostalgic longing for simpler times and the comfort of loved ones during the holiday season. The opening lines set the stage with a directive to let go of burdens and embrace the joy of the season. The song then continues with a repetition of this sentiment, as the singer emphasizes the importance of keeping the holiday mood cheery and light, so that troubles and worries can fade away.
The second verse shifts the focus to the happy memories of the past, with references to old-fashioned festivities and cherished friends reuniting once again. Building upon this almost wistful tone, the singer reflects on the passing of time and the hope that the future will bring everyone back together. The final few lines of the song add a hopeful touch with the encouragement to imagine a bright and shining future, where good fortune is symbolized by a "shining star upon the highest bough."
This song is known for its sentimental and celebratory nature, but it has a complex history. Originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane in 1943 for the musical Meet Me in St. Louis, the original lyrics had a darker, more melancholic tone. The song was later reworked with new lyrics by Martin himself, at the request of Judy Garland, who sang the song for the movie adaptation of the musical. The line "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow" was changed to "Hang a shining star upon the highest bough," making it a more uplifting and hopeful message for audiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wishing you a happy and joyful Christmas
Let your heart be light
Take a break from all problems and be happy
From now on
Starting from this moment
Our troubles will be out of sight
All our worries and problems will disappear
Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate Christmas with full joy and cheer
Our troubles will be miles away
All our problems and issues will be distant and insignificant
Here we are as in olden days
We are gathered together like we were in the past
Happy golden days of yore
Remembering the happy and joyful moments from the past
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Grateful for our trusted and close friends
Gather near to us once more
Come together and be close to each other again
Through the years
Over time
We all will be together
We will remain united and connected
If the fates allow
Depending on what happens in the future
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Put up a bright star for everyone to see
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy your holiday season and have a great Christmas!
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Tratore
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@millykoh392
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
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
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
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
@bnguyennn
I can't even begin to explain how much in love I am with this rendition. It makes me so happy.
@sophiahopper3861
Can I just say she has the perfect voice for Christmas music? :-)
@MariesNotes
I say this all of the time! Her voice is the embodiment of Christmas xx
@thelandofobscuremememateri8000
Sophia Hopper JOVIE!!!!!
@joecoolberry911
Baby it’s cold outside
@juliannatrure6319
There is just something about her voice that tickles my heart and makes me feel happy.
@Jerryduraso
Love it. This song is so much better with just the little music in the background and the soft singing. She did awesome at not over forcing the melody like most do. Its so much more personal like this.
@momsthehost
Here from 2020.
Thanks for capping the year <3 we made it.
@joeandrosahopkins
This jazzy little number hits all the right notes and then some! Zooey has the voice of a chanteuse from yesteryear and you can imagine the stage lights penetrating the smoky air and the tinkling of cocktail glasses as she sings. I love how they captured such an authentic vintage musical vibe while staying fresh with the arrangements. Bravo on a job well done :)
@ZoeMacK1
😊