Thanksgiving is over and families across the country are decorating for Christmas. It’s also finally time to crank up some holiday music. However, not everyone wants to hear the same Yuletide standards all month long. So, why not tap into the deep well of original Christmas songs from some of country music’s best songwriters?
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It seems like every country artist has recorded a few Christmas songs or a holiday album or two. Hearing their interpretations of classics is fine and all. However, they truly shine when they turn their songwriting prowess to capture the magic of the holiday season.
“Christmas in Prison” by John Prine
John Prine had a way of perfectly capturing the human condition with his songwriting. He was the kind of writer who could make listeners laugh, cry, and think in the space of a single song. “Christmas in Prison” from his 1973 album Sweet Revenge is a perfect example of this ability. He captures the joy and wonder of Christmas while also showcasing the loneliness and longing felt by those behind bars during the holidays.
Don’t let this classic song escape you when it comes time to put together a country Christmas playlist.
“Merry Christmas from the Family” by Robert Earl Keen
Country singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen had an issue with all the Christmas songs he’d heard over the years. None of them fit the kind of holidays he had while growing up in Houston, Texas. “Where it was most likely 85 degrees and 95 percent humidity.” So, he wrote the humorous holiday classic “Merry Christmas from the Family” and included it on his 1994 album Gringo Honeymoon.
“Merry Christmas from the Family” plays out like a Texan version of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation complete with Christmas light mishaps and a dysfunctional family.
“Santa Claus and Popcorn” by Merle Haggard
When it comes to original country Christmas songs, it’s hard to beat Merle Haggard’s “Santa Claus and Popcorn.” The song first appeared on his 1973 album Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present and appeared on future holiday releases.
In “Santa Claus and Popcorn,” Haggard nails all of the magic of the season. He sings about the secular parts of the celebration including decorating, Santa, and gifts. However, he doesn’t gloss over the holiday’s religious roots. We celebrate ‘cause a king was born / With Santa Claus and popcorn.
“Come on Christmas” by Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam wrote “Come on Christmas” and used it as the title track from his 1997 holiday album. It’s a slow, sad song that is likely relatable to many listeners. The lyrics see Yoakam waiting for the joy of Christmas to blot out his lonely days and empty nights.
“Come on Christmas” might not be the best song to put on while decorating the tree with the family. However, if you’re looking for the perfect song for a holiday slow dance, this is the one.
Featured Image by Gary Miller/Getty Images
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