Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland to Michael and Evelyn Braxton. The youngest of the Braxton's six children, Tamar started singing as a toddler. Evelyn, herself an opera singer, recognized her children's talents when one day, Tamar, sang "Can you please get me some toilet paper!" Evelyn quickly started training her girls, and eventually enrolled them in singing lessons. The Braxton children also would eventually enter in their church choir, where Michael Braxton was pastor.
Brought up in a strict Christian household, secular music was initially frowned upon, causing the children to sneak and sing along to Soul Train when the parents were out of the house. They would soon start harmonizing, forming a girl group. Tamar says of this period "I was always the highest note." Her voice was in sharp contrast to her older sister's husky contralto. One day, A Toni was pumping gas at a local gas station while singing along, when she caught the attention of a producer. He heard her sing and was amazed, and decided to pull the five sisters into a group; he envisioned a female version of the Jackson 5. They released a single on Atlantic Records in 1990 as "The Braxtons," and caught the attention of producers Antonio "L.A" Reid and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. The two had just started a then fledgling record label, LaFace, with Arista Records. The guys passed on the group, as they had just signed a new trio named TLC, but they were looking for a solo female artist and loved Toni's voice. So the girls talked it over, and Toni decided to embark on her now famous solo career.
The sisters worked as backup singers for Toni (you can see them in Toni's video Seven Whole Days). Eventually, the girls (minus Toni) would release an album for Atlantic, to which the group was still signed, in 1996 entitled So Many Ways.
In 1999, Tamar first explored her gospel side on T.D Jakes Love Songs album. Later, Tamar would meet up with Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, a rapper/producer (also famous for bringing Blu Cantrell to national attention) based in Atlanta, Georgia. She recorded her solo debut album, Ridiculous, so named because of the many different musical styles on the album. The album would be retooled and released by Dreamworks as Tamar on January 18, 2000. It was lead in by the first single for the album, "Get None" with guest appearances by Jermaine Dupri and rapper Amil and featured the second single, If You Don't Wanna Love Me. The singles failed to gain significant radio & video airplay and ultimately the album didn't sell well, and Tamar was dropped from her contract,it is also worth noting that tamar proved that she could do the whistle register on money can't buy you love on tamar's deut album.
Tamar sang for the Kingdom Come soundtrack, with Toni Braxton appearing in the movie as Juanita Slocumb. Currently she sang background for Toni's album More Than A Woman (released 2002),and 2005 album Libra and resides in Atlanta. She also negotiated a new contract with Tommy Mottola's Casablanca Records, and is working to record a new album. She also sang backup in her sister Toni's famous headlining show in Las Vegas entitled, "Toni Braxton: Revealed" but has been replaced by singer Sparkle. She is currently working on a new album and her own record company with fiance, producer Vincent Herbert.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Tamar Braxton Lyrics
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Let your heart be light,
From now on our troubles
Will be out of sight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on our troubles
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
On the highest bough,
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
The lyrics above are from Tamar Braxton's cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a classic holiday song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song's lyrics convey a sense of hope and optimism, encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday season and let go of their troubles.
The opening line, "Have yourself a merry little Christmas," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is urging the listener to embrace the holiday season and all the joy that comes with it. The next line, "Let your heart be light," suggests that the listener should try to let go of any burdens or worries they may be carrying, and simply enjoy the spirit of the season.
The lyrics go on to reassure the listener that their troubles will soon be out of sight and miles away, suggesting that the holiday season is a time for putting aside our worries and focusing on the positive. The line "Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore" further emphasizes this idea of nostalgia and tradition, urging listeners to remember the happy times of the past and celebrate them in the present.
The final lines of the song offer a message of hope and togetherness, suggesting that as long as we're able to spend time with loved ones and hang a shining star on the highest bough, we can have a merry little Christmas no matter what the future holds.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Christmas.
Let your heart be light,
Relax and enjoy the festivities with a happy and light heart.
From now on our troubles
Will be out of sight.
Let's forget about our worries and enjoy the holiday season.
Make the Yule-tide gay,
Let's celebrate and make the Christmas season lively.
Will be miles away.
Our problems will be far from our minds as we enjoy the holiday season.
Here we are as in olden days,
We are gathered together for Christmas, just like we used to be.
Happy golden days of yore,
Remembering the happy memories of Christmases past.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Our loved ones are here with us on this special occasion.
Through the years
We all will be together
If the Fates allow,
If destiny permits, we will all be together for Christmases to come.
Hang a shining star
On the highest bough,
Let's adorn our Christmas tree with a shining star on the topmost branch.
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
Let's enjoy the present moment and have a merry Christmas now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind