"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a familiar holiday song, yet one that doesn't often receive much attention.  It was made popular by Judy Garland in the 1944 musical, "Meet Me In St. Louis."  Judy's rendition of the piece is among her best, but it doesn't express the original character of the piece.

The Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane song was a war time composition, and reflected some of the severe trials of the time and hopes for a brighter future.

The last verse, in the original setting reads:

Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Judy Garland did not like the feeling the song created, as "Meet me In St. Louis" is generally an upbeat production set in 1903.  She changed the words to create a brighter mood:

Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow,
Hang a shining star on the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

A pretty sentiment, but not the same thing.  Regretfully, I can't share Judy's vocal with you, as it's still under copyright.  Enjoy the message in any case, and remember the original message in these trying times.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane: 1944
Original Lyrics

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away

Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more

Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Please start the player if audio does not begin automatically
Click Here if you encounter problems with the audio