It seems like any time 20th Century Christmas songs come up, “White Christmas” is held up as the standard by which all others are measured. I don’t doubt that by all-time sales it is, but I wonder if it is still the most bought, most requested, most covered, and most beloved song, or if it’s just become one of those truisms everybody repeats because they know it’s true because they’ve heard it so many times, etc.
Personally, I’d place it around #9 or #10, but not #1. “White Christmas,” is not even my favorite Bing Crosby Christmas standard, since “Silver Bells,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” have, imnsho, lovelier music and better lyrics. Even “Happy Holiday,” which debuted in the same movie (“Holiday Inn,” not “White Christmas”) is a notch more likeable. Of course, that’s just the list in my head, but it makes me wonder if anyone’s done a scientific poll or has some numbers to back the continued assertion that “White Christmas” is the most popular Christmas song of all time.
Perhaps it’s the nostalgia factor? That and it’s one of those soft, cozy, dreamy tunes that make you feel all, oh, I dunno, warm and fuzzy? It’s like the musical equivalent of comfort food, if that makes sense.
I didn’t ask why people like the song at all, just if it’s really the most popular song of all time. Because more or less all Christmas music would be soft and cozy, war and fuzzy. And I am not among those who hate Christmas music – I quite like a lot of the not-that-religious stuff.
Oooh. The Christmas Song. I would accept that as the best Christmas song more readily. I actually prefer Mel Torme’s version to Nat’s, though their both nice. After all, Mel wrote it.
Little trivia about the song White Christmas…it was originally “just a song” in the film Holiday Inn…but became such a mega-hit, there was actually another film made, “White Christmas” to capitalize on the song.
I think the reason the song still sells well is, as mentioned, the nostalgia factor - no matter what your age. Most likely as a kid you heard the song at some point in a happy period of childhood - with the Christmas tree and gifts and family, etc. and now, whenever you hear it, no matter how old you are, the song brings you back to those days.
The song has just the right touch of melancholy to make it both a sad, and happy memory.
According to ASCAP, The Christmas Song is the most-played copyrighted Christmas song on the radio. White Christmas is #5. In between are Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- which, as Entertainment Weekly recently pointed out in a interview with the songwriter, changed from a somewhat-sad-but-optimistic song into a totally happy one at the request of Frank Sinatra*- and two other upbeat oldies, Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (the two oldest songs on the list).
*The unusued original lyrics were even sadder. “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last. Next year we may all be living in the past…”
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Every year I hear it and then can’t get it out of my head for the next hour or two. In fact I’ve done it to myself just now just typing this. Arrgh!
Same goes for The Waitresses’ classic Christmas Wrapping.
My personal list of “Christmas Classics” would also include Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas, the Ronettes’ version of Sleigh Ride and of course, John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War Is Over).
Also the Kinks’ song Father Christmas.
Father Christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
We’ll beat you up if you don’t hand it over
Give all the toys… to the little rich boys
For some reason, I cant listen to this song this year. Its not only one of my favourite Christmas songs; its one of my favourite songs, period.
But this year, I always change station whenever its played. Cant explain why. Its been a bittersweet ol’ year for me… maybe that has something to do with it. So, this year, I’ve really loved listening to Slade’s “So here it is, Merry Christmas” or Paul McCartneys “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time” (Note; High Probability that these are not the actual titles… I’ve always just known them to hear, rather than their names").
Now see, I adore the movie White Christmas, but my favorite song is not the title tune, but rather Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep). I LOVE that song.
I don’t find Frank’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little…” at somewhat wistful… Maybe Judy Garland’s version was even more somber, but Frank’s isn’t “totally happy,”
just a bit brighter.
Bah, that’s what I get for editing a post and not reading it carefully before posting. I do find Frank’s version wistful, not at all “totally happy,” just a bit less somber than Garland’s.
I personally think Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is the best christmas song. I checked acclaimedmusic.net for all songs with “christmas” in the title, and this one was the second highest rated, the highest rated being Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Let me cast my vote for “Little St. Nick” by the Beach Boys. Better harmonies than any of the others, and a catchy little tune as well. It’s about the only Christmas song I can stand by the end of the holiday season.
I forgot to add that the only reason “White Christmas” might crack the top ten is because I love the Drifters version. It’s the one playing in this brilliant cartoon that’s been making the rounds:
