Choosing December’s song
I was searching through some Christmas Music to decide which song I wanted to cover for December when I came across the original version of this song. It’s from the movie “Meet me in St. Louis” sung by Judy Garland. I really enjoy the first lyrics. They have a bit more emotional tension than I feel the later versions have. For instance:
Original – “Someday soon we all will be together. If the fates allow. Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow.”
Later arrangements – “Through the years we all will be together. If the fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.”
The message
The lyric differences are subtle, but to me the first lyrics bring the message that sometimes and for some, the holidays can be a difficult time. They are full of joy and love of course, but with a slight feeling of sadness, especially when missing loved ones. We have always really enjoyed our holidays, but we often have this underlying sorrow for the pain and suffering that our sons have to go through, especially our older son Eli. And we can’t help but wonder sometimes if it will be his last Christmas with us in this life.
Eli’s Experience
There are periods of time, becoming more and more frequent that Eli experiences pain and even more often, discomfort, in his progression with GM1 Gangliosidosis.
I’ve come to believe now that Eli and Evan are having the life experience they are meant to have. This is their journey, their path. And it comes with suffering at times. As a mother, you just want to help your child to be comfortable and happy, but that is not always possible. I try to help him, but despite my best efforts, he struggles.
Like a Tree
Unfortunately, suffering and sorrow is going to happen for all of us. I know Eli’s spirit is strong and becoming stronger through all of this. Just like a tree has deeper roots and grows taller in more difficult weather conditions, our character strengthens and our roots deepen as we face the storms of life.
So….have yourself a merry little Christmas…..no matter what you are going through!
Love, Marilee
Here is the original version of the song:
You have brought up a very wonderful details , thankyou for the post. Leilah Noam Murphy
Wow Mare, that. Was. Beautiful. The differences in lyrics are so poignant, and your thoughts made me cry! One of the hardest thing hinges I’ve had to do through my experience is accept that I can’t take away the pain my children experience. Harper has had a significant amount of pain too, sometimes regular, and it’s agonizing to watch. But in the end, I have to let go and accept that I can only do so much, and that it is her journey. Thank you for your thoughts!
Thank you so much Mim! We are both going through this together. It’s good to remember that we are not the only ones who have suffering children, although super easy to forget. Thank you for your thoughts!
I shouldn’t be surprised that you’re getting better. Practice does make perfect. Voice, emotion, note choices and melody variations, all of it just right. Well done.
Oh, how kind. Thank you. I am trying!
You sang this so beautiful. You have amazing talent. Thanks for sharing it!!!
I appreciate the compliment, thank you for listening!