Paul McDonald offers solidarity for anyone in the midst of heartbreak this holiday season with his latest single. Released Friday (November 10), “Maybe This Christmas” finds the talented singer/songwriter, joined by his band, the Mourning Doves, trying to stay strong while carrying the weight of devastating loss.
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They say it’s time to start loving again
And I’ve gotta find someone else I can hold
All I want for Christmas is the peace to move on.
“No one ever writes the sad Christmas song… it’s always ‘Jingle Bells’ or ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’” McDonald shared in a statement. “Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love those songs, and the holidays are a beautiful time with family and friends if you’re in a good headspace. But the holidays can also be devastating if you’ve recently lost someone you love or you’re dealing with personal or family hardships.
“The time of year puts all your struggles under a magnifying glass,” he added. “I wrote this song from that perspective, but with the knowledge that sadness and struggle also holds an underlying hope that things will eventually get better. Life goes on, and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
McDonald’s latest musical offering follows the finale of his One Big Love festival earlier this year. The bi-weekly event spotlighted the talents of creatives from across the globe over a seven-month period. The gifted Nashville-based musician will also serve as a judge for the 2024 American Songwriter Lyric Contest alongside Declan McKenna, Cassadee Pope, Jim Lauderdale, and more.
[RELATED: Introducing the 2024 American Songwriter Lyric Contest Judges]
Next week, he’ll take the stage at The Basement East in Nashville for A Tribute to The Band’s ‘The Last Waltz’ before taking a break for the holiday season. Fans can catch him back on the road in the new year, including a stop at Folk Alliance 2024 in Kansas City this February. You can find more information on his upcoming tour dates by visiting Paul McDonald’s official website.
Listen to “Maybe This Christmas” below:
Photo by Mike Dunn, Courtesy of Big Hassle
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