Vic Garcia's Blog

The song lyrics were revised throughout the years. At first many folks including Garland, were put off by the song because it was too depressing. Here is the original draft:

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Pop that champagne cork
Next year we may all be living in New York
No good times like the olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more
But at least we all will be together
If the Lord allows
From now on, we’ll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Though he initially resisted, songwriter Martin made several changes to make the song more upbeat. For example, the lines “It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past” became “Let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.” Shortly after Garland’s performance, Frank Sinatra recorded it for his Christmas album. He asked Martin to revise the lyrics changing the line “Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow” to “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough”. Martin made several other alterations, changing the song’s focus to a celebration of present happiness, rather than anticipation of a better future.

Eventually, you have the version that we hear covered by dozens of singers on the radio. Personally, I love Chris Martin’s version, do check it out. It’s just Chris and his piano, sung very gently and not hiding his british accent. If this song doesn’t make you wanna huddle up near the fire with a loved one, then something is wrong. Have yourself a Merry little Christmas now!