Christmas Music:Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
En 1944, dans une comédie musicale intitulée Meet Me in St. Louis, la chanteuse et actrice américaine Judy Garland prêtait à sa voix à une toute nouvelle song of Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Écrite conjointement par Hugh Martin, compositeur de pièces de théâtre et de films, et Ralph Blane, parolier, cette chanson se vit considérer au départ comme étant dépressive, et engendra par le fait même quelques critiques. Effectivement, en écoutant certaines paroles, dont notamment celles-ci “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, it maybe your last“, que l’on peut traduire par “Passe un très joyeux Noël, il pourrait s’agir du dernier“, laissaient présager un message d’adieu.
Although Hugh Martin initially resisted making any changes to the song, he was forced to face the facts. After much criticism, he eventually altered the lyrics to make his work more optimistic, resulting in a new version. This version was recorded by Frank Sinatra and later became a traditional Christmas carol. Judy Garland's version was nonetheless quite successful, especially when the singer performed it for troops fighting during World War II at the Hollywood Canteen. Some soldiers were so moved that it brought tears to their eyes.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas has subsequently been covered by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, The Jackson 5, The Partridge Family, Chicago, Neil Sedaka, Barbara Streisand, and Christina Aguilera. Then, in 2001, Hugh Martin, who had become an occasional pianist for several church ministries, composed a completely new version, which he titled “Have Yourself A Blessed Little Christmas.”
Youtube video
Youtube video
Youtube video
Words
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yuletide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.
