Tag Archives: Wintersong

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 8

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 8A

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today is a unique day in music. It is the birth anniversary for Jim Morrison-born in 1943-and the day we lost John Lennon in 1980. He & The Beatles helped start The British Invasion in the mid 1960’s while Morrison & The Doors basically ended it with the release of their debut album in January 1967. Two immense iconic & legendary performers who were so much alike yet so different in their approaches to music, life and love.

JM

Jim Morrison circa 1969. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of ways Lennon offered not only those things but hope as well was through his holiday message delivered through song in 1971. The world was changing through politics, culture and war and in need of something that could put everyone on the same page. And 53 years later, with the world sadly in the same dark place, Lennon’s voice still offers some light. Thank you, John. You are missed. Every. Single. Day.

John Lennon

John Lennon circa 1969. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Several other artists have covered today’s song including Sarah McLachlan who included her version on her 2006 holiday album, Wintersong. In the spirit of Lennon’s original, she also included a child’s choir on backing vocals courtesy of the Children’s and Youth Choirs of the Music Outreach Program at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SarahMcLachlanWintersong

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

John Lennon & Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band with The Harlem Community Choir: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (1971, written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono).

Sarah McLachlan: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (2006, written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 13

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Welcome back to the countdown!!!

How apropos to have a vintage caroler image in a music post!!!  I love her sweet face!!!

day 13

                                                Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

On day 7 of the countdown I shared a “new” original Christmas song performed by a male vocalist.  Today I want to share one by a female singer.  Not just in the interest of equality, but because her song is just stunning.  It is beautiful, evocative, haunting and heartbreaking.  Oh, and stunning.  Did I mention that already?

The song is clearly about a lost love but it is not made clear whether that is due to a break up or a death.  However, given lyrics like “When silence gets too hard to handle and the night too long” added to the slow tempo, the solo piano & vocal arrangement and I believe it is about someone who is gone.  To be clear, songs that hurt my heart are not really what I want at Christmastime.  Life has already made the season bittersweet all on its own for many of us.  But art is pain and this is art at its very best-so beautiful that it hurts but it also hurts because it is so beautiful.  At least that is how this song makes me feel.  And that is why I believe it ts too gorgeous not to share.

sarah

Sarah McLachlan:  “Wintersong” (2006, written by Sarah McLachlan).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!