“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has become one of the most beloved holiday classics, but its iconic, comforting melody and lyrics weren’t always as joyful as we know them today. The transformation of this melancholy Christmas tune is thanks, in part, to the legendary Judy Garland, who helped reshape its somber tone into something more uplifting. Here’s how the actress, known for her ability to evoke deep emotion, made the song a timeless symbol of holiday cheer.
In the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, Garland played Esther Smith, a vibrant young woman who faces the heart-wrenching news that her family will be leaving their home in St. Louis and moving to New York City just before Christmas. Trying to comfort her little sister, played by Margaret O’Brien, Garland’s character sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as a way to cheer her up during this tough time. But the song’s original lyrics, penned by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, were a far cry from the hopeful tune we know today.
Garland’s first impression of the lyrics was far from positive. The original opening line read, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas; it may be your last. Next year, we may all be living in the past.” As Garland read these words, she was taken aback. According to biographer John Fricke, Garland’s response was blunt: “I cannot sing that.” She feared that singing such a morose lyric to her younger on-screen sister would make her seem insensitive, even callous. “The audiences will think I’m a monster singing that lyric to that little girl,” Garland remarked, showing her deep understanding of the power of words.
Not willing to let the song’s sorrowful tone detract from its emotional impact, Garland made it clear she wouldn’t sing those original lines. Martin, who had written the song with Blane, was tasked with reworking it to make it more palatable for the scene. While initially resistant to the change, actor Tom Drake, who played Garland’s love interest in the film, pushed Martin to take another shot at rewriting the lyrics. “You stupid son of a bitch! You’re going to foul up your life if you don’t write another verse of that song!” Martin recalled Drake’s colorful words. This push from Drake was the catalyst that led to a major rewrite.
The new version, which Garland performed in Meet Me in St. Louis, became much more hopeful: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas; let your heart be light. Next year, all our troubles will be out of sight.” This adjustment maintained the song’s melancholy undertones but added a much-needed note of optimism. The song was no longer a lament for a future fraught with uncertainty, but rather a comforting wish for happiness in the present moment.
While Garland’s version was the first to introduce audiences to this now-iconic Christmas tune, it wasn’t until Frank Sinatra recorded the song in 1957 that it became a true holiday classic. However, Sinatra, too, felt that the song’s lyrics could be brighter. He asked Martin to rewrite the line “Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” and the result was a much more festive, hopeful lyric: “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.”
Sinatra’s version, which became widely popular, turned the song into a celebration of the present rather than a meditation on the future. His adaptation of the lyrics is now the most recognized and has since been covered by countless artists.
Despite Sinatra’s changes, the original version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” remains a favorite among some fans. Singer James Taylor, for one, has expressed admiration for the original lyrics, calling them a “much better lyric” for their emotional depth. Nevertheless, it is the more uplifting version that has cemented the song’s place as one of the most-played holiday tunes of all time, ranking as the 11th most popular holiday song.
Since its debut, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has been covered by a range of artists, from Billie Eilish to Jason Kelce, and its message of joy, despite hardship, continues to resonate. Martin himself once shared that his favorite version was Garland’s, but he also appreciated the renditions by Sinatra and Mel Tormé, who added a new verse of his own.
Liza Minnelli, Garland’s daughter, shared with PEOPLE that the song remains her favorite Christmas carol, describing it as a “family tradition” that brings both laughter and tears. The enduring nature of the song, passed down from generation to generation, is a testament to its timeless appeal.
What makes “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” so special is its evolution. The song started with a deeply reflective, even somber tone, yet with a few revisions, it became an anthem of hope, resilience, and the power of family and togetherness. Judy Garland, in her compassion and artistry, helped steer this beloved Christmas classic into its place in our holiday soundtrack. Whether you enjoy the melancholic original or the optimistic version that came later, the song’s journey from sadness to joy is a reflection of our own evolving understanding of what Christmas—and life—truly means.
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