This is my slightly revised and expanded edition of secular pop songs that seize on Christmas in one way or another for their own artistic purposes. Here they are in chronological order of release along with notes that might help place them.
Noel Paul Stookey (Paul of Peter, Paul & Mary) adapted and arranged “A’Soalin” with Elena Mezzetti and Tracy Batteast including Christmas references – using “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” as a counter-melody and lyric. See notes on the song here. This is from the 1963 Peter, Paul and Mary album Moving. …
We know now that Dan Fogelberg’s “Same Old Lang Syne” (1980) was plucked from Fogelberg’s own life. Fogelberg’s old girlfriend waited until Fogelberg’s death to talk publicly about their chance reunion. The year was 1975. The scene was a convenience store in Peoria. The day was Christmas Eve. The snow was falling. …
Best wishes to all our readers celebrating today.
[Lots more at the link above, plus the videos of the songs Scott highlights. No one does music analysis like Scott does, and this Christmas-themed list is a must read. — Ed]
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