4 POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE SHAPED BY WARTIME
We are often unaware of the rich history behind many of the popular Christmas songs that we listen to today. The hope, longing, and resiliency experienced by people going through tough times in history may have inspired some of these joyous songs, and we might not have any clue of their origin until now.
These popular Christmas songs are always played during this season because they have the ability to bring people together and give inspiration during the most trying circumstances. They have words that touch the hearts of families waiting for their return, as well as melodies that console soldiers who are far from home.
Popular Christmas Songs Tied to Wars
Warm memories, desires for peace, and the joy of the season are typically evoked by Christmas music. However, there are strong links between heartbreaking war stories and many of these holiday carols. The American Society of Composers created a list of the most popular Christmas songs ever, and almost half of them are inspired by World Conflict II and the years following the conflict. Here are some of the songs on the list:
1. I'll Be Home for Christmas
This was the most requested song at USO performances abroad during World War II. Kim Gannon wrote the lyrics from the viewpoint of a deployed service person during that period. His words resonated with a war-torn generation before becoming the most-recorded Christmas tune ever.
2. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," popularized by Crosby and Frank Sinatra, is another song that is rooted in war and conflict. The poem was published in a young people's journal in 1864 by Longfellow, a fervent New England abolitionist and pacifist during the Civil War whose entire family backed the Union cause.
Although the song talks about a world full of tragedy, it ends on a positive note by hoping for peace on earth and goodwill to men. The original poem that it was based on delves deeper into the realities of living in a nation that is ripping itself apart.
3. White Christmas
One of the most well-known and cherished carols, "White Christmas," also made it to the list. It was written by World War I veteran Irving Berlin, and this Christmas carol was first performed by Crosby a few days after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The appeal of the song was particularly strong among American military personnel.
Thousands of servicemen bought copies of "White Christmas" on victory discs. These are durable records that Soldiers could take to the front lines, and they demanded the song be played on American Forces Network radio.
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Much like "White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has no lyrics related to war, but it was a huge hit during World War II. The song was known to move soldiers to tears when she sang it at the Hollywood Canteen during the conflict. The song remained popular among servicemen decades later.
During the Vietnam War, Connie Stevens, an actress and singer, traveled with Bob Hope on USO tours. Stevens presented a moving performance to motivate 2,700 Sailors aboard a Navy ship while they were flying overhead.
Anti-War Messaging in Christmas Music
When you listen to popular Christmas music, you'll likely hear the phrases "peace," "joy," and "love." Perhaps the lyrics will even be heard in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" or Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas." Both of these overtly anti-war Christmas tunes were played on radio stations in the past and are still featured on Spotify playlists worldwide.
Christmas and peace have always been closely related, and this is shown throughout history. The Christmas truce of World War I, in which German and British forces established a ceasefire on Christmas Eve, is among the most well-known instances of this.
As they emerged from the brutal conflict of the trenches and savored a brief period of calm, music, and peace, they put down their guns and united in singing one of the most popular Christmas songs, "Silent Night, Holy Night." The song gave people involved in the horrors of World War I a place to live in peace for a moment.
Christmas music has always been used to support anti-war sentiments because the holiday itself stands for harmony and peace, two ideals that are closely related to the demand that wars end. When people feel hopeless and powerless, Christmas songs can at least bring attention to global concerns of violence and fear in order to demonstrate support for those who are struggling.
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