Chris Young - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote the song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'?

   The song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' was originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. It was first published in 1943.

2. Which film featured Judy Garland's iconic performance of this song?

   Judy Garland's iconic performance of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' was featured in the 1944 film 'Meet Me In St. Louis.'

3. What significant change did Frank Sinatra request for his version of the song?

   In the 1950s, Frank Sinatra asked for a more uplifting version of the song for his album 'A Jolly Christmas.' The lyric 'Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow' was changed to 'Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.'

4. Which two popular artists' versions dominate airplay of this song?

   The versions by the Carpenters, released in 1978, and The Pretenders, released in 1987, dominate airplay of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.'

5. What is notable about Linda Ronstadt's version of the song?

   Linda Ronstadt's version from her 2000 album 'A Merry Little Christmas' uses both the original 'muddle through' lyric and the updated 'hang a shining star' lyric, highlighting both the song's original melancholy and its more hopeful revision.

6. Why did Judy Garland refuse to sing the original lyrics of the song?

   Judy Garland refused to sing the original lyrics of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' because they were too sad. She felt that singing such dark lyrics to a young Margaret O'Brien would make her come across as a sadist.