Day 17
Hayes Carll –
Grateful for Christmas
Learn / Hear More: Series Intro / Archive of Previous Days
“Well, this year, we’re in Houston, let’s all get together
Man, I almost saw snow, can you believe this weather?
Who’s gonna be here? Uncle Frank can’t make it
Since Grandpa died, I don’t know if Nana can take it
Well, this present’s a sweater and the pie don’t taste right
And Dad, and the TV, are startin’ to fight
I wish I had a drink or maybe a dozen
Lord, what I’d give for one good lookin’ cousin”
Man, I love this song so much. I’m a sentimental guy and this song hits me straight in the feels.
Hayes Carll is a terrific songwriter and storyteller and this is one of his best — full of detail, but yet letting the emotional punches sneak up on you.
I’m lucky enough to know these large family gatherings where stories unfold over a number of years. Kids grow up, jokes grow tired, and loved ones pass away. For those of us left to carry on, over time these holiday gatherings become a mix of sweet anticipation, grudging duty, and melancholy remembrance.
I’m not ashamed to say that this third verse gets me every time.
Sigh… I owe some people some hugs. :)
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