I love Christmas music. I mean, yeah, a lot of it’s based on, well, Jesus, and I don’t worship Jesus as a god (though I do have a lot of respect for his work as a person – talk about a progressive!). But I have fond memories of singing “Silent Night” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (still my favorite of the traditionals). But the season continues to inspires people of all paths to celebrate in their own “seasonal†way. As I said in an earlier post, it’s a powerful time of year. I decided to list some of my alternative favorites in hopes that you, too might find something seasonal that you like, no matter what your faith…
Goo Goo Dolls: Better Days
So take these words and sing out loud
’cause everyone is forgiven now
’cause tonight’s the night the world begins again
Regina Spektor: My Dear Acquaintance (music only)
And a happy new year to all that is living
To all that is gentle, kind, and forgiving
Raise your glass and we’ll have a cheer
Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson: Winter Song (music only)
I’ll be your harvester of light
And send it out tonight
So we can start again
Dave Mathew Band: Christmas Song (decent recording of a live version)
When Jesus Christ was nailed to his tree
Said “Oh, Daddy-o I can see how it all soon will be
I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene
Instead I fear I spill the blood of my children all around”
The Killers: A Great Big Sled (gotta say, the video is just strange, but I like the song!)
I wanna roll around like a kid in the snow
I wanna relearn what I already know
Just let me take flight dressed in red
Through the night on a great big sled
I want to wish you merry Christmas
For all the bad girls out there…
Meiko: (Maybe Next Year) X-Mas Song (music only)
I don’t think Santa’s coming this year ’cause I’ve been a bad
A bad girl
I’ve made my bed now I’m lying in it without a care
A care in the world
And, of course, the awesome…
Dar Williams: The Christians and the Pagans (The video isn’t great, but her intro, in which she discusses Sarah Palin and calls witches “a good municipal addition†is pretty much awesome.)
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.
What are your favorite seasonal songs?
5 comments
JeninCanada says:
Dec 10, 2010
I LOVE “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” because it really speaks to me; c’mon all you faithful folks (whatver that faith may be), raise up your voice and sing loud in honour of what you hold dear.
Emerald Rose has a great one called “Santa Claus is pagan too” that I adore.
Jax says:
Dec 10, 2010
Ooh! I’ve never heard the Emerald Rose; I’ll go looking for that! And I agree on “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” I love the words and the way the voices join together in the chorus when it’s sung in parts, like different ideas blending into this glorious whole. Yay music!
Amanda says:
Dec 17, 2010
I’ve been doing a “Holiday Music that Doesn’t Suck” series — a Youtube link or two per day throughout the holiday season — on Facebook. My favourites from the list are Jethro Tull’s “Ring Out, Solstice Bells”, any version of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (but especially Sarah MacLachlan’s), Wyrd Sisters’ “Solstice Carole” (hard to find, but oh so rewarding), and Carly Simon’s “The Night Before Christmas”. Well, also Emerald Rose’s “Santa Claus is Pagan Too”, but Jen (through whom I found this blog) already mentioned that. 🙂
Jax says:
Dec 18, 2010
Fun! I’m going through YouTube and listening. Thanks!! The Wyrd Sisters is just gorgeous; I’m going to have to track that down. But I think my fav line has to go to “Just you wait ’til Beltane then we’ll see who’s having fun,” from Santa Claus is Pagan, Too. HAHAHAHAHA
Kristina says:
Jul 31, 2011
I agree wholeheartedly. I really love the big choirs singing Christmas carols. Oooh and Celtic Woman. Most of the things they sing are beautiful.