Judy's voice and screen presence always inspires me to cry. May she look down on us and know that she inspires us still. Merry Christmas everyone here to listen in 2024.
The song was written specifically for this scene in the movie. That's why it has a melancholy tone. But the movie also came out on November 22, 1944. Allied troops were approaching Germany and the Battle of the Bulge would happen 24 days after it came out. No one knew if their loved ones fighting the war would come back. The battles in Europe and the Pacific were long from being over. It really made this song resonate for so many people. It's still a wonderful song because Christmas is a propitious time on the calendar. It comes at the end of the year and no one knows what the next year will hold or who will be around for next Christmas to celebrate with.
There have been songs wrote during wars and seems they are more enduring. Love Christmas but it also brings back memories of happier times when all my family and friends were around. Today Christmas went too fast ppl had to leave early and 60 degrees is too warm. Use to colder weather and I wondered where I or anyone else would be next Christmas. One day at a time is all I can handle anymore.
her vocal power at that point does make me cry. when i hear a lot of instrumental at that point in cover versions I think negatively of the singer. also the song was so dark that even Judy Garland was like we need to make this more happier this is being sung to a little kid! web.archive.org/web/20190920013041/www.chicagotribune.com/columns/mary-schmich/ct-met-have-yourself-a-merry-christmas-mary-schmich-20171215-story.html
Let this singing of Judy Garland be a lesson to those contemporary singers who tend to oversing this song. Judy Garland was famous for her powerful voice, but for this sentimental and self-encouraging song, she sings so tenderly and masterfully, respecting the original intention and the mood of the song. My hat's off and my bravo over the rainbow !
She was so pretty in this ... and I love the way she starts singing to the little girl, and ends up singing to herself, as her eyes begin to glisten ...
Tonetwisters fun little fact for you. Her husband directed this film and they say it was his love letter to Judy how beautiful he framed her in every shot. 🥰
Steel BRO his love and admiration for her is in every shot. Even down to the shining little star on her bottom lip. A magical love letter of a scene. I cried when I first saw this on Christmas Eve, watching with my dad aged about 9 or 10, and it still gives me that same wonderful feeling, I still cry every time I see it x
Lady Gentleman those were the dark days in hollywood. When the bosses are dickheads telling you you’re not pretty enough or you’re not slim enough and also her mom wasn’t all in with her well-being just the fame and stuff like that. I love Judy Garland, I just wish she was born into the time when she can be helped. Or perhaps, there were people who cared to get her out of the hellhole or at least managed to protect her from the abusive hollywood
It’s kind of like how abusers tell their victims “no one else is going to love you.” Even if you break someone down, making them think you’re their only option is a good way to get them to stay. If they’d told her she was beautiful and talented, she might have found another studio, although Shirley Temple went through similar treatment under Fox.
Doomsday Wreck make no mistake, it’s still bad. My friend was a child actress. She did a commercial segment for Disney Channel and said that the director screamed at one of the big actresses on the channel at the time until she cried. And now you have social media, where randos can harass child actresses. It’s no better now.
I think for the first time in a long time, we all are. I think we should be united during these times. It's going to be a better winter with reminders of people like and music like this.
This version has never been more accurate than this year. "Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then, we have to muddle through somehow..." 🎵
Manumusic: I know that I'm late to respond to your comment, but no matter whose recording, within the small group I "polled," this song did resonate much more than it ever had before. While everyone, at least, liked the song prior to last year, because of the specific lyrics you pointed, last year this song meant something.
This version of the lyrics, while somewhat poignant, is not exactly sad or depressing. It is an expression that while our feelings may be hurt now, we should be hopeful that things will be better next year. I find it a much more meaningful expression of Christmas hope than the glitzed-over lyric changes that came later. -- Margaret O'Brien (the little girl) was only 7 years old here, and was awarded a specially-created Juvenile Academy Award for her performance. How utterly appropriate. She is positively amazing here. She breaks your heart, in a very deep, personal, believable way. One completely forgets she is a "child actor", because she is so good.
For some reason, I don’t doubt she wasn’t completely acting here. The 1940s were a really tough time and a lot of people had very genuine reasons to be sad, that I’m sure this song touches a tender spot for a lot of people. A lot like now actually… That said, I’m glad the girl was awarded, she conveyed what I’m sure a lot of people were feeling. 💔❤️🩹
This song transcends time and space. While it could be a sad song, yes it truly is one that helps to keep hope for next Christmas' times. Judy was an absolute gem with a beautiful contralto voice; the quintessential "girl next door or All-American Girl". I live in the city with this film's namesake and I am proud to look back and know that once the world came to St. Louis for one of the best of the classic World's Fairs. RIP Judy; you were taken much too soon!
I buried my father last Friday. This is the first Christmas without him. It’s been so horrible. This was his favorite Christmas song, but only when Judy sang it. Hearing and watching it right now, I feel him still with me. Even as I know life will never be the same again now that he’s gone. And Christmas is always going to be sad for me now, even if in later years, it becomes just a little sad. It will always be sad...
i'm so sorry! He will always be withyou and you won't ever forget him. Keep enjoying future Christmases and the life you have now even if he sadly isn't in it, sending you hugs xx
oooh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Wow, I'm sorry. Coincidentally my mother past away 3 years ago and she said no one could sing "Over the Rainbow" like Judy.
Stay strong to yourself. It’s hard. It’s really really hard and painful, but you’re still alive. You gotta do what’s best for you after this. I wish you the best.
My mom died too on the 9th this song just flooded my soul with sadness. I heard it in a different way :( I feel your pain. It’s a horrible pain that we will have to learn to live through. My heart is with you 💔
I'm so sorry for your loss. One of my dear friends lost her father in October, I didn't (and don't )even know what to say to her, except that I was there if she needed me and that I loved her.Even telling her " Merry Christmas" was hard, knowing her Christmas wouldn't be that merry!
So many young people have not been exposed to the magic that was Hollywood during the 1930s through the 1950s. This movie was magic. Judy Garland singing this song was magic.
Judy had so much talent that got her exploited as a child, a beauty she herself did not see, she thought she was homely. So tragic that she was so unhappy when she gave others so much happiness. Rest on peace, Frances Gumm.
They even have a line at Judy’s expense in Wizard of Oz. Glinda says “are you a good witch or a bad witch?” And then says “Only bad witches are ugly.” As if Judy wasn’t beautiful, and a child for god’s sake.
I thought Judy was cute as a kid, and very pretty as an adult. I don’t usually like brown eyes, but, Judy’s are so dark they look black. They are mesmerizing.
I like the other older ones who sang it, but I don't understand why they never play Judy's version on the radio when they can play everybody else's versions. However, the ones I HATE the most are by the artists singing it today. They'll never be as good as Judy's version. ^^
this is my favourite song of all time. The sadness and hopefulness. Wistfulness, and yet familiarity. It just captures everything, and the wonderful voice of Judy Garland ties it all together. I can't help but shed a tear every time I hear it
@pot10 "this is my favourite song of all time. The sadness and hopefulness. Wistfulness, and yet familiarity. It just captures everything, and the wonderful voice of Judy Garland ties it all together. I can't help but shed a tear every time I hear it" Songs are *so* magical like that... They are capable of both inflicting emotional pain, and remedying emotional pain.
Judy had to change the lyrics to this song because it was too dark and she didn't want to emotionally scar Margret O'Brian. Just goes to show you Judy's heart and talent. I know people like Sinatra's take on this song, but Judy's take is the best because she gave it that extra magic.
But these are the first original lyrics to the song: Have yourself a merry little Christmas, It may be your last, Next year we may all be living in the past; Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Pop that champagne cork, Next year we may all be living in New York; No good times like the olden days, Happy golden days of yore, Faithful friends who were dear to us, Will be near to us no more; But at least we all will be together, If the Lord allows, From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow; So have yourself a merry little Christmas
Is Ms. O'Brien the child? Children react to emotion in songs as evident in this wonderful clip. She shared her feelings and reactions to Judy's heavenly singing as naturally as you would expect from a child. Love!
Less because it was too dark I think but because the original lyrics are a bit rubbish. The story of the song is told here ua-cam.com/video/UYulNCfR2jY/v-deo.html&ab_channel=GreshamCollege
Beautiful beautiful song there will never be another Judy she was too good for Hollywood it's disgusting how they treated her rest in peace Judy you left the Legacy a beautiful music
We can thank Sinatra for completely taking the emotion and the heartbreak of this song away by changing the lyric to “hang a shining star...”. He thought the “muddle through” line was too depressing. What he didn’t realize was that this song was meant to be a goodbye song to friends and loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether that’s because they are far away or they have passed on. It’s an incredibly deep and emotional song. And it’s a shame nowadays no one sings it with the right words. Love frank but he was wrong on this one.
Frank was not the only one that did that though. Judy did. She had more of the original changed than Frank Sinatra did. So you really can't blame him without also placing blame on her 🤷♀️
Hugh Martin, the man who wrote the original lyrics, rewrote the lyrics for Sinatra, so if you're gonna say that Frankie was wrong then you have to say that Hugh Martin was wrong too. Perhaps I'm biased because I was born in the 90s and grew up with "hang a shining star upon the highest bough" (my mom and her sisters were and are big Carpenters fans and their recording is the one they're partial to), but that line makes more sense when removed from the film's context. That said, I find it to be a heart-rending song either way, as I have close family that live far away and I can't see them as often as I think about them. I used to actively dislike the "muddle through" line but now as I read and hear it in the context of the rest of the song (and this film) I understand it much better and thus appreciate it more.
Joseph Tabit it’s been well documented that Sinatra didn’t like the lyric and wanted it changed to something more in the spirit of the season. I’m not sure what you mean by “too folksy”. It seems to me the “hang a shining star” line is far more folksy than muddle through. But hey to each his own.
Agree completely. If anyone mentions this song I will rant for hours about how this is the only valid version of the lyrics, and I will die on this hill. I mean if ever there was a Christmas that shows why these particular lyrics are so important it’s this one, the first Corona Christmas. For a number of reasons so many families will not be together this year, but we have hope that next Christmas will be better.
dear people watching this now, hopefully next year we will muddle through, no matter who you are, what age you are, where you come from, what troubles you’ve gone through this year and years before, we will get through this. please, have a merry and safe christmas out there. best of luck, do good things. Sincerely, a thirteen year-old.
You have more compassion than most most of the adults I know. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. Sincerely, a 50 year old.
@@gmbrat2002 thank you very much!!! i’ve found myself through this year and had many ups and downs, i guess i’ve learned early that life isn’t going to be easy, and it’s the same for everyone else too. you’re very sweet to say that, it means a lot.
@@omiibear_3047 You are very welcome. Never forget who you are, no matter what, always keep your head held high and never stop learning. My wish for you is to live your best life so you never have regrets and you'll never have to apologize. Be good to yourself and have a very Happy New Year!
Sometimes the fates… well they don’t allow. And our hearts must muddle through somehow. Your comment is two years old. I hope that time has helped at least a bit. Merry Christmas my friend.
@BrianChambersUnique319 "This song always tears me up, it’s as if humanity is pleading for peace through this song." Well..., I mean this song was literally written during World War II, and I guess this song did work some kind of magic because World War II did finally end a year later after this movie along with this song was released... The whole “Until then, we’ll just have to muddle through, somehow” line always spoke to me as keep your head up..., and I know that's a *lot* easier said than done, but you just have to...
This is my favorite song, this is the best version to me, it has such hope, yet such sadness wrapped up in one song. My Husband almost died last January, he has been in the hospital for almost a year and he won't be able to be home this Christmas, it breaks me, but I listen to this song and it says "Next year all our troubles will be miles away"and I hope so.
I had a similar situation six years ago. We managed. Things just became different. The songs, the memories and how we hold hands stay the same. Embracing your sharing and thank you for reaching out. Joe
Folks, a) no longer have a living memory of that time, mostly, b) do not read in order to, perhaps, recover the vanished memories, c) they do not think outside of their self-contented literalism. This film and song were as much about the times of 1944, as they were about the World’s Fair of 1904. In many cases, I'd say the muddled times of 1944 U.S. were far more salient, notable, and pressing to audiences than the film itself, 'Meet Me in St. Louis.'
emcanet "What is it?" I'll take this as asking the question, what was the zeitgeist of 'the muddled times of 1944'? It's important to remember that daily life surrounding the 'entertainment' of 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ was mostly dire and unforgiving. The depression era had not yet subsided, and the murky question was left lingering in the conscience of the public, ‘Are we going to lose this war?’ (and that had been since the beginning of the U.S. engagement, not to mention that of Europe. The Nazis and Japanese were not to be struck dead in a moment). Hence, the devastating, emotional prying-effect of Judy Garland’s song, the ramifications of which FAR overshadowed the literal meanings of the film. Here, two notable call-outs from reviews/essays that give some of the (forgotten) sense of the times: The American Christmas Songbook: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1943) (The lyrics were) even more devastating when you consider that 'Meet Me in St. Louis' was released during World War II. Had the original lyrics been kept, the (song) would have sent moviegoers into hysterics. www.lib.cua.edu/wordpress/newsevents/9980/ 'How to have yourself a merry little Christmas with an edge' The two aspects of the picture - the warm nostalgia and the stabbing hysteria - give 'Meet Me in St. Louis' a special flavour, both sweet and astringent. This (was) no doubt (due to the producers) making an escapist film while the war was at its height and allies were counting down to D-day. www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/dec/02/christmas.film
Odd, how appropriate this is in the middle of the summer during a pandemic in 2020, when so many are separated from those they love, especially those in the hospital with the disease. May they all recover. Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow.
Lynn Peirce My Aunt Theresa keeps saying it’s older than her. She’s 64 years old and 4 years older than my mom. In fact, My Aunt Theresa just went to the Fathom Events screening of this movie last Sunday at my local Cinemark.
I know that Margaret O'Brien won the juvenile oscar, but, I thought she was a bit much. I've seen her interviewed as an adult, and she was ridiculously arrogant.
I am sorry for your loss...Christmas makes me sad too...my best older brother was born December 5th and passed on groundhog day, I still miss him everyday...I love this song 🎶 it's beautiful and sad 😢
This is what a real singer look like ... young people take note ! Always remember, it's ABOUT THE SONG ... NOT about the singer ! And no one does it better !
Hollywood destroyed an angel :(. Judy was a beautiful actress and gifted singer. No one can sing this song like Miss Judy Garland, no matter how hard they try. This song will forever be her song. May she be resting in peace. And may she forever have herself a merry little Christmas
Nobody will ever measure up to Judy Garland's performance of this classic carol. Is that a tear at 2:01? Let's give this lady a round of applause! And Merry Christmas to all!
This part of the film touches me in a sad way when garland tears up I can feel her thoughts remembering past times with loved ones that no longer will be again .
What I love is that this song came out in 1944 - the last year of the second world war. By that point, the world had had years of difficulties, and it must have been written partly to give people hope. And as it turns out, the lyrics were right - because by the next year, their troubles really were gone, because the war had finally ended. It just adds so much poignancy to the song, knowing that in a way the lyrics were all true - if you hold on to hope long enough, things will get better, no matter how hopeless it might seem.
Also, wasn't "muddle through" a standard bit of British slang for doing your best under the circumstances? God knows it would have been on every Brit's lips during WW2. I wouldn't be surprised if it was inserted into the lyric precisely because it was so timely. (it was also used in "My Fair Lady""--Eliza sings to Higgins "So without much ado/We can all muddle through/Without you!")
I wish I knew why this song is never played on radio stations........................The movie should be shown this time of year also......She was so talented.............
Sure is crying can,t help but cry so beautiful still to this very day of the month love Christmas time with miss Judy over the rainbow garland in mind God bless all of you out there happy holidays .
MissN Perfection I beg to differ with you on your statement that she didn’t feel it in life. Judy had a love affair WITH HER FANS, UNLIKE ANYONE ELSE. With the exception of Sidney, or Melbourne Australia, I don’t remember which, who booed her and threw things at her because she was sick as a dog for her concert in one of those Cities, and not sick ( and very good in the other ). That was truly the beginning of the end for Judy. I PERSONALLY WILL NEVER EVER GO TO THAT CRAPPY LAND DOWN UNDER. SHE TRIED TO PERFORM, BUT SHE WAS WAY TO ILL. I BELIEVE I READ THAT SHE ALMOST DIED. But, her audiences showed their affection for Judy all the time. It wasn’t her audiences that let her down, it was most of the people around her who shafted her. AGENTS, ACCOUNTANTS, AND SID LUFT WHO RIPPED HER OFF OF ALL HER MONEY. SHE MADE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN HER LIFETIME, WHERE DID IT GO, PEOPLE SAY THAT JUDY WASN’T EXTRAVAGANT, SHE RARELY HAD ANY MONEY. SO WHERE IN THE HECK DID IT GO? I’M QUITE SURE SID HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT. JUDY DIED BROKE, NOT SO SID. INTERESTING IS IT?
The OG lyrics before Judy asked to change it; "Have yourself a merry little Christmas. It may be your last. Next year we may all be living in the past. Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Pop that champagne cork. Next year we may all be living in New York. No good times like the olden days. Happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who were dear to us. Will be near to us no more. But at least we all will be together. If the Lord allows. From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow. So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."
I think this moment, where Judy's character tries to comfort rather than join in the sorrow is much more poignant. You can tell from her acting that her character isn't even sure she believes what she's saying.
She was so beautiful in this film. She never thought she was as pretty as some of her peers, but to me, she was the most beautiful woman who ever lived
The covers of this song. Especially with the lyric change of “Hang a Shining Star above the highest bough” makes people forget that this is supposed to be a sad song.
Its that time of year again and I just lost the greatest man I've ever known... my Godfather Jack! He was 95 years old and still as handsome as ever! He had the softest, smoothest cheeks and smelled heavenly, doused in after shave... I remember snuggling on his lap as a little girl and being intoxicated by that wonderful peppery smell. He was always finely dressed and still had a full head of curls! Jack was a wonderful singer too and always lead the singing as the head of our family. A beautiful soul and as his Goddaughter, he always treated me extra special. He passed away at midnight and I woke up this morning to the first snowfall of the season. It was a sprinke from heaven, just Uncle Jack saying hello and that he had made his way home and was watching over us from above. RIP Uncle Jack, Christmas wont be the same without you!!
In my opinion, this is the only version that matters. Not every Christmas song has to be happy. Christmas always has a bit of sadness mixed in whether it be missing a loved one who’s not there, money troubles, loneliness....
Something I love about this number is despite the relatively low stakes, Judy sells it. We get invited into her world and we feel this song like a gut to the punch. It may not matter to the rest of the world, but it matters to her, so that's all that matters.
Anyone here 2024?!!! ❤😊🎄🎁🎄
hello Lisa
Yes me here, 👍..
Me.
My favourite Christmas song ❤❤
Yeah 'coz of Wicked brought me to the wizard of Oz....and unto Judy Garland 😂 🫰🏻
Judy's voice and screen presence always inspires me to cry. May she look down on us and know that she inspires us still. Merry Christmas everyone here to listen in 2024.
Yes, I cry too 😇
This version really hits different in 2020
Don’t remind me
Hi Lindsay, as they say, hope springs eternal.
I’ve watched this movie every year since I was born .
It really does. This song is slowly becoming our reality.
Sure does. I'm hoping my music partner will agree that we should do a live video of this song... Since we can't get any gigs... Very fitting
The pain in her voice breaks my heart but I still listen to this song every Christmas Eve.
Hollywood didn't deserve her. She was too good for them.
To sensitive 🤔🎶😪
Hollywood abused and used her
moronic
HER VIBRATO WAS THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD.
Mic Powers facts!
@@gollycom bah hambug
Hey Scrooge, grow-up you dork.
@@heneralantonioluna8725 Spar quumsplug 😂😂😂😂😂🐹🐹🎃🎅🎄🏃🏃🙌🙌🙌🙌🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🙆🙆
@@gollycom For shame.
The song was written specifically for this scene in the movie. That's why it has a melancholy tone. But the movie also came out on November 22, 1944. Allied troops were approaching Germany and the Battle of the Bulge would happen 24 days after it came out. No one knew if their loved ones fighting the war would come back. The battles in Europe and the Pacific were long from being over. It really made this song resonate for so many people. It's still a wonderful song because Christmas is a propitious time on the calendar. It comes at the end of the year and no one knows what the next year will hold or who will be around for next Christmas to celebrate with.
I understand that a lot of the GIs in Europe and the Pacific were struck by this song during that Christmas.
So well said. Merry Christmas
Profound!
There have been songs wrote during wars and seems they are more enduring. Love Christmas but it also brings back memories of happier times when all my family and friends were around. Today Christmas went too fast ppl had to leave early and 60 degrees is too warm. Use to colder weather and I wondered where I or anyone else would be next Christmas. One day at a time is all I can handle anymore.
wpl Christmas coming at the end of the year sometimes makes me feel sad
“Until then, we’ll just have to muddle through, somehow”. This song always makes me cry.
A great lyric changed to the anemic "Hang a star upon the highest bough." in some versions. Ludicrous!
A Citizen that lyric change has always bothered me...not the same song.
her vocal power at that point does make me cry. when i hear a lot of instrumental at that point in cover versions I think negatively of the singer.
also the song was so dark that even Judy Garland was like we need to make this more happier this is being sung to a little kid! web.archive.org/web/20190920013041/www.chicagotribune.com/columns/mary-schmich/ct-met-have-yourself-a-merry-christmas-mary-schmich-20171215-story.html
Originally, a very maudlin Christmas song; nowadays, sung as a cheerful Christmas greeting ...
What a pussy!
Judy Garland should be the only one allowed to sing this song. No one has done it better since.
Mac Demarco did it better
Rosemary Clooney's version is stunning
Well Anna Kendrick did well too. But you’re right this is absolutely unbeatable
Maybe Nora Sagal's version. Totally acapella, and beautifully done.
@@dan.s_world love mac but thats a tough sell.
Merry Christmas 2023...
Thank you Judy for this treasure
Let this singing of Judy Garland be a lesson to those contemporary singers who tend to oversing this song. Judy Garland was famous for her powerful voice, but for this sentimental and self-encouraging song, she sings so tenderly and masterfully, respecting the original intention and the mood of the song. My hat's off and my bravo over the rainbow !
Well said. It's all about "feeling."
Arthur Nakane exactly it’s about the mood
Arthur Nakane *cough* Ariana grande *cough*
THANK YOU!
@@xorih1089 ha true
She was so pretty in this ... and I love the way she starts singing to the little girl, and ends up singing to herself, as her eyes begin to glisten ...
Tonetwisters fun little fact for you. Her husband directed this film and they say it was his love letter to Judy how beautiful he framed her in every shot. 🥰
Steel BRO his love and admiration for her is in every shot. Even down to the shining little star on her bottom lip. A magical love letter of a scene. I cried when I first saw this on Christmas Eve, watching with my dad aged about 9 or 10, and it still gives me that same wonderful feeling, I still cry every time I see it x
Steel BRO which husband
Exactly
She looked just like my dear departed mum.
She was so beautiful. I really can't understand why the bosses of MGM studio called her ugly.
Lady Gentleman those were the dark days in hollywood. When the bosses are dickheads telling you you’re not pretty enough or you’re not slim enough and also her mom wasn’t all in with her well-being just the fame and stuff like that.
I love Judy Garland, I just wish she was born into the time when she can be helped. Or perhaps, there were people who cared to get her out of the hellhole or at least managed to protect her from the abusive hollywood
They were abusive rats.
SashaRicky they still abusive rats
It’s kind of like how abusers tell their victims “no one else is going to love you.” Even if you break someone down, making them think you’re their only option is a good way to get them to stay. If they’d told her she was beautiful and talented, she might have found another studio, although Shirley Temple went through similar treatment under Fox.
Doomsday Wreck make no mistake, it’s still bad. My friend was a child actress. She did a commercial segment for Disney Channel and said that the director screamed at one of the big actresses on the channel at the time until she cried. And now you have social media, where randos can harass child actresses. It’s no better now.
This will hit hard in December. I'm crying already.
"Someday soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then we'll have to muddle through, somehow."
Especially this year.
I think for the first time in a long time, we all are. I think we should be united during these times. It's going to be a better winter with reminders of people like and music like this.
Or for us heathens, it hits hard today
perfect song for covid 19
Well this hits differently this year
It really does. This song is slowly becoming our reality.
You are right about that. Happy Holidays 😁
Stay safe everyone, merry Christmas.
Why did it hit differently four years ago?
Was anyone else bawling before she even started to sing? No? Just me?
😭😭😭
R. Whitaker No no , you’re definitely not alone
@@juliannasukel7578 Awww thank you, friend.
Pass the Kleenex, my friend.
It has a effect
This scene always choked me up X')
This version has never been more accurate than this year.
"Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow.
Until then, we have to muddle through somehow..." 🎵
Amen to that. The rats in power want to wreck Christmas for us after wrecking the rest of the year 😡. The rich and powerful haven’t suffers at all.
@@nhmooytis7058 Ha, if you think "they" are spending a lonely Christmas like some of us are I have a bridge to sell you.
@@mikshinee87 I like the Golden Gate. Orange is my fave color.
Manumusic: I know that I'm late to respond to your comment, but no matter whose recording, within the small group I "polled," this song did resonate much more than it ever had before. While everyone, at least, liked the song prior to last year, because of the specific lyrics you pointed, last year this song meant something.
Yes indeed. It’s so heart wrenching.
This version of the lyrics, while somewhat poignant, is not exactly sad or depressing. It is an expression that while our feelings may be hurt now, we should be hopeful that things will be better next year. I find it a much more meaningful expression of Christmas hope than the glitzed-over lyric changes that came later.
--
Margaret O'Brien (the little girl) was only 7 years old here, and was awarded a specially-created Juvenile Academy Award for her performance. How utterly appropriate. She is positively amazing here. She breaks your heart, in a very deep, personal, believable way. One completely forgets she is a "child actor", because she is so good.
For some reason, I don’t doubt she wasn’t completely acting here. The 1940s were a really tough time and a lot of people had very genuine reasons to be sad, that I’m sure this song touches a tender spot for a lot of people. A lot like now actually… That said, I’m glad the girl was awarded, she conveyed what I’m sure a lot of people were feeling. 💔❤️🩹
This song transcends time and space. While it could be a sad song, yes it truly is one that helps to keep hope for next Christmas' times. Judy was an absolute gem with a beautiful contralto voice; the quintessential "girl next door or All-American Girl". I live in the city with this film's namesake and I am proud to look back and know that once the world came to St. Louis for one of the best of the classic World's Fairs. RIP Judy; you were taken much too soon!
@@erinserb Very beautifully said 🤍🎄
@@kathleencove thank you and merry Christmas 🎄
@@erinserb Merry Christmas to you too 🎄
I buried my father last Friday. This is the first Christmas without him. It’s been so horrible. This was his favorite Christmas song, but only when Judy sang it. Hearing and watching it right now, I feel him still with me. Even as I know life will never be the same again now that he’s gone. And Christmas is always going to be sad for me now, even if in later years, it becomes just a little sad. It will always be sad...
i'm so sorry! He will always be withyou and you won't ever forget him. Keep enjoying future Christmases and the life you have now even if he sadly isn't in it, sending you hugs xx
oooh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Wow, I'm sorry. Coincidentally my mother past away 3 years ago and she said no one could sing "Over the Rainbow" like Judy.
Stay strong to yourself. It’s hard. It’s really really hard and painful, but you’re still alive. You gotta do what’s best for you after this. I wish you the best.
My mom died too on the 9th this song just flooded my soul with sadness. I heard it in a different way :( I feel your pain. It’s a horrible pain that we will have to learn to live through. My heart is with you 💔
I'm so sorry for your loss.
One of my dear friends lost her father in October, I didn't (and don't )even know what to say to her, except that I was there if she needed me and that I loved her.Even telling her " Merry Christmas" was hard, knowing her Christmas wouldn't be that merry!
So many young people have not been exposed to the magic that was Hollywood during the 1930s through the 1950s. This movie was magic. Judy Garland singing this song was magic.
Judy had so much talent that got her exploited as a child, a beauty she herself did not see, she thought she was homely. So tragic that she was so unhappy when she gave others so much happiness. Rest on peace, Frances Gumm.
Hollywood convinced her she was not pretty. But she really was
Judy really did have the most beautiful eyes up until her last second; they were always filled with so much emotion and warmth.
They even have a line at Judy’s expense in Wizard of Oz. Glinda says “are you a good witch or a bad witch?” And then says “Only bad witches are ugly.” As if Judy wasn’t beautiful, and a child for god’s sake.
I thought Judy was cute as a kid, and very pretty as an adult. I don’t usually like brown eyes, but, Judy’s are so dark they look black. They are mesmerizing.
Terry Grant I have brown eyes
What a song, what an actress, what a moment in cinema history!
The only version that matters 👌🏽
ah- I feel some others to date did it justice.
The Pretenders - Linda Ronstadt - The Carpenters.
excuse me mel torme
@@terryessence4789 And frank sinatra
#JudyGarlandMatters
I like the other older ones who sang it, but I don't understand why they never play Judy's version on the radio when they can play everybody else's versions. However, the ones I HATE the most are by the artists singing it today. They'll never be as good as Judy's version. ^^
this is my favourite song of all time. The sadness and hopefulness. Wistfulness, and yet familiarity. It just captures everything, and the wonderful voice of Judy Garland ties it all together. I can't help but shed a tear every time I hear it
@pot10
"this is my favourite song of all time. The sadness and hopefulness. Wistfulness, and yet familiarity. It just captures everything, and the wonderful voice of Judy Garland ties it all together. I can't help but shed a tear every time I hear it"
Songs are *so* magical like that... They are capable of both inflicting emotional pain, and remedying emotional pain.
Same here 😢😊❤
yeah i dislike the revised version for sinatra, i think this one was much better.
This song always made me sad and weepy.
This is THE definitive Christmas song, not White Christmas.
This song has been covered by so many other artists but Judy's is the only one that matters, The only version that brings tears to my eyes,😢
It's ok
Agreed.
@@MeadeSkeltonMusic 🤪
Agreed. Frank's version is pretty darned good though, I have to say 🤷♂️
@@Rocket_Eit's upbeat and happy. might as well be a different song honestly.
Still cry to this day hearing this song 60 year old.
Same😢
52 myself. Always loved her since the wizard of Oz as a kid in the late 70s. Possibly my first crush.
Judy had to change the lyrics to this song because it was too dark and she didn't want to emotionally scar Margret O'Brian. Just goes to show you Judy's heart and talent. I know people like Sinatra's take on this song, but Judy's take is the best because she gave it that extra magic.
What was the original lyrics
@@PoppinPsinceAD33 “Have yourself a merry little Christmas. It may be your last. Next year we may all be living in the past.” Something like that.
But these are the first original lyrics to the song:
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
It may be your last,
Next year we may all be living in the past;
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Pop that champagne cork,
Next year we may all be living in New York;
No good times like the olden days,
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who were dear to us,
Will be near to us no more;
But at least we all will be together,
If the Lord allows,
From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow;
So have yourself a merry little Christmas
Is Ms. O'Brien the child? Children react to emotion in songs as evident in this wonderful clip. She shared her feelings and reactions to Judy's heavenly singing as naturally as you would expect from a child. Love!
Less because it was too dark I think but because the original lyrics are a bit rubbish.
The story of the song is told here ua-cam.com/video/UYulNCfR2jY/v-deo.html&ab_channel=GreshamCollege
Beautiful beautiful song there will never be another Judy she was too good for Hollywood it's disgusting how they treated her rest in peace Judy you left the Legacy a beautiful music
Her voice was perfect and her version always makes me cry
And she never looked lovelier.
Judy Garland was never lovelier than when she is in this movie. Simply stunning to watch and look at!
Beautiful voice too..
Don’t forget about the wizard of Oz too
@@IsaBennett100 Yup..
lol. She is so average.
Catfight43770 Never claimed to be more, “bro”. Are you mad? Poor thing. ...You’ll be alright.
We can thank Sinatra for completely taking the emotion and the heartbreak of this song away by changing the lyric to “hang a shining star...”. He thought the “muddle through” line was too depressing. What he didn’t realize was that this song was meant to be a goodbye song to friends and loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether that’s because they are far away or they have passed on. It’s an incredibly deep and emotional song. And it’s a shame nowadays no one sings it with the right words. Love frank but he was wrong on this one.
Frank was not the only one that did that though. Judy did. She had more of the original changed than Frank Sinatra did. So you really can't blame him without also placing blame on her 🤷♀️
Hugh Martin, the man who wrote the original lyrics, rewrote the lyrics for Sinatra, so if you're gonna say that Frankie was wrong then you have to say that Hugh Martin was wrong too. Perhaps I'm biased because I was born in the 90s and grew up with "hang a shining star upon the highest bough" (my mom and her sisters were and are big Carpenters fans and their recording is the one they're partial to), but that line makes more sense when removed from the film's context. That said, I find it to be a heart-rending song either way, as I have close family that live far away and I can't see them as often as I think about them. I used to actively dislike the "muddle through" line but now as I read and hear it in the context of the rest of the song (and this film) I understand it much better and thus appreciate it more.
James Taylor recorded a version with most of the original lyrics, including "muddle through".
Joseph Tabit it’s been well documented that Sinatra didn’t like the lyric and wanted it changed to something more in the spirit of the season. I’m not sure what you mean by “too folksy”. It seems to me the “hang a shining star” line is far more folksy than muddle through. But hey to each his own.
Agree completely. If anyone mentions this song I will rant for hours about how this is the only valid version of the lyrics, and I will die on this hill. I mean if ever there was a Christmas that shows why these particular lyrics are so important it’s this one, the first Corona Christmas. For a number of reasons so many families will not be together this year, but we have hope that next Christmas will be better.
dear people watching this now,
hopefully next year we will muddle through, no matter who you are, what age you are, where you come from, what troubles you’ve gone through this year and years before, we will get through this. please, have a merry and safe christmas out there. best of luck, do good things.
Sincerely, a thirteen year-old.
You have more compassion than most most of the adults I know. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Sincerely, a 50 year old.
@@gmbrat2002
thank you very much!!! i’ve found myself through this year and had many ups and downs, i guess i’ve learned early that life isn’t going to be easy, and it’s the same for everyone else too. you’re very sweet to say that, it means a lot.
@@omiibear_3047 You are very welcome. Never forget who you are, no matter what, always keep your head held high and never stop learning. My wish for you is to live your best life so you never have regrets and you'll never have to apologize. Be good to yourself and have a very Happy New Year!
Okay, why did this exchange make my heart melt? Best wishes to you both! ❤️
@@rekeya best wishes to u 2
I'm in 2020, a week before Christmas and this song is hitting hard, very hard.
Same. Lost my grandma and uncle in less than a month. 😢
@@sae1019qtpie My condolences.💕
@@boy_going_nowhere Thank you so much.
why though
Sometimes the fates… well they don’t allow. And our hearts must muddle through somehow.
Your comment is two years old. I hope that time has helped at least a bit. Merry Christmas my friend.
This song always tears me up, it’s as if humanity is pleading for peace through this song.
Me too ❤️
@BrianChambersUnique319
"This song always tears me up, it’s as if humanity is pleading for peace through this song."
Well..., I mean this song was literally written during World War II, and I guess this song did work some kind of magic because World War II did finally end a year later after this movie along with this song was released...
The whole “Until then, we’ll just have to muddle through, somehow” line always spoke to me as keep your head up..., and I know that's a *lot* easier said than done, but you just have to...
Up to eighty million people died in WWII. Yes, it was a plea for peace.
she was absolutely perfect i hate that she wasn’t able to be happy
This is my favorite song, this is the best version to me, it has such hope, yet such sadness wrapped up in one song. My Husband almost died last January, he has been in the hospital for almost a year and he won't be able to be home this Christmas, it breaks me, but I listen to this song and it says "Next year all our troubles will be miles away"and I hope so.
Wishing you & your husband all the best for the coming year and hoping that all your troubles will be miles away
@@paulinewood-bradley2102 Thank You for your kind words, I needed them.
To all the people whose loved ones aren’t able to be home for Christmas or a in heaven. Merry Christmas❤️
XtremeKaiba 🙏🏻❤️
I had a similar situation six years ago. We managed. Things just became different. The songs, the memories and how we hold hands stay the same. Embracing your sharing and thank you for reaching out. Joe
who is here during Covid-19 looking for peace
Judy Garland was too beautiful for this realm.
55 years ago today the world lost Judy Garland😰💔
Rest In Peace Judy Garland🕊
"One day soon we all will be together, just till then we'll have to muddle through somehow". Oh Judy, you never spoke a truer word this year.
Once you begin listening to this song, you can't stop.
This song is almost as iconic as Somewhere Over...
It's really that good.
Christmas 1944 had a historic context no one here seems to acknowledge.
Folks, a) no longer have a living memory of that time, mostly, b) do not read in order to, perhaps, recover the vanished memories, c) they do not think outside of their self-contented literalism. This film and song were as much about the times of 1944, as they were about the World’s Fair of 1904. In many cases, I'd say the muddled times of 1944 U.S. were far more salient, notable, and pressing to audiences than the film itself, 'Meet Me in St. Louis.'
What is it? This is before my father was born.
emcanet "What is it?" I'll take this as asking the question, what was the zeitgeist of 'the muddled times of 1944'? It's important to remember that daily life surrounding the 'entertainment' of 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ was mostly dire and unforgiving. The depression era had not yet subsided, and the murky question was left lingering in the conscience of the public, ‘Are we going to lose this war?’ (and that had been since the beginning of the U.S. engagement, not to mention that of Europe. The Nazis and Japanese were not to be struck dead in a moment). Hence, the devastating, emotional prying-effect of Judy Garland’s song, the ramifications of which FAR overshadowed the literal meanings of the film. Here, two notable call-outs from reviews/essays that give some of the (forgotten) sense of the times:
The American Christmas Songbook: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1943)
(The lyrics were) even more devastating when you consider that 'Meet Me in St. Louis' was released during World War II. Had the original lyrics been kept, the (song) would have sent moviegoers into hysterics.
www.lib.cua.edu/wordpress/newsevents/9980/
'How to have yourself a merry little Christmas with an edge'
The two aspects of the picture - the warm nostalgia and the stabbing hysteria - give 'Meet Me in St. Louis' a special flavour, both sweet and astringent. This (was) no doubt (due to the producers) making an escapist film while the war was at its height and allies were counting down to D-day.
www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/dec/02/christmas.film
Yeah. The war was supposed to be over by then.
My grandfather spent Christmas 1944 in the Ardennes with the 82nd Airborne
This was probably the best time of her life
Sleep well Miss Judy. Merry Christmas.
She’s only 21 here. What an amazing talent.
Odd, how appropriate this is in the middle of the summer during a pandemic in 2020, when so many are separated from those they love, especially those in the hospital with the disease. May they all recover. Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow.
And tomorrow is December and covid is still here. :(
So hard to believe it's been 75 years since this movie was released! Love Judy and Margaret!
Lynn Peirce My Aunt Theresa keeps saying it’s older than her. She’s 64 years old and 4 years older than my mom. In fact, My Aunt Theresa just went to the Fathom Events screening of this movie last Sunday at my local Cinemark.
I know that Margaret O'Brien won the juvenile oscar, but, I thought she was a bit much. I've seen her interviewed as an adult, and she was ridiculously arrogant.
My mother loved this song. I miss my mama so much 😢 Lost her 25 years ago. It never gets easier, especially this time of year.
The little girl's acting is on point
I heard recently that she was told that her dog had been hit by a car.
I heard also that the sound engineer's eyes were so teary he couldn't see what he was doing.
I've got goosebumps, who else?
It’s my favorite Christmas song never knew it originated from a Judy Garland movie
Mad Max I’ve always known since I was a kid. And yet I haven’t seen the movie until I was 19. I’ll be 27 two months from now
Didn't know either, will watch this just in time for Christmas!-Mr STT
Watch the movie: it is a wonderful classic.
@@kerry5586 Will do! Prefer the original lyrics, they are more emotionally poignant.❤️
2:16 Margaret Is So Touch By The Song That She Even Nearly Cried . See Closely . How Sweet .
Ever year I start to cry when the sing play. My brother passed away five years ago and he was born on Christmas Day. 😢
The song does make me sad.
I am sorry for your loss...Christmas makes me sad too...my best older brother was born December 5th and passed on groundhog day, I still miss him everyday...I love this song 🎶 it's beautiful and sad 😢
A few things in life really are perfect. This song and this performance happen to be one of those things…
I can't get through this without sobbing.
There's no one like Judy Garland Love this Christmas song.Im listening in Dec 2024.Merry Christmas everyone.❤❤
Judy was one of the most beautiful actresses of all time ❤❤
yup!
She' sang this song so beautifully there's something sad about it in her voice 😢🙏
Be Kind Rewind brought me here.
This is what a real singer look like ... young people take note !
Always remember, it's ABOUT THE SONG ... NOT about the singer !
And no one does it better !
Amen!
just stunning
Hollywood destroyed an angel :(. Judy was a beautiful actress and gifted singer. No one can sing this song like Miss Judy Garland, no matter how hard they try. This song will forever be her song. May she be resting in peace. And may she forever have herself a merry little Christmas
Nobody will ever measure up to Judy Garland's performance of this classic carol. Is that a tear at 2:01? Let's give this lady a round of applause! And Merry Christmas to all!
This part of the film touches me in a sad way when garland tears up I can feel her thoughts remembering past times with loved ones that no longer will be again .
watching a week before Halloween...sue me..I'm in a Christmas mood.
Me to!
My favorite scene in Meet Me in St. Louis
These two ladies were two of the best actors to ever stand in front of a camera ...
Judy Garland looks like a beautiful Disney princess and a sad sorrowful angel here. Song makes me cry
What a beautiful description. Thank you.
"Until then- we'll have to muddle through..... somehooooowwwwwwwwwwwww................"
She absolutely breaks my heart!!
Yup.
One of my most favorite Christmas songs❤❤❤❤
My queen.....if only the big studios were good to her. So tragic.
What I love is that this song came out in 1944 - the last year of the second world war. By that point, the world had had years of difficulties, and it must have been written partly to give people hope. And as it turns out, the lyrics were right - because by the next year, their troubles really were gone, because the war had finally ended. It just adds so much poignancy to the song, knowing that in a way the lyrics were all true - if you hold on to hope long enough, things will get better, no matter how hopeless it might seem.
I love your narrative
Also, wasn't "muddle through" a standard bit of British slang for doing your best under the circumstances? God knows it would have been on every Brit's lips during WW2. I wouldn't be surprised if it was inserted into the lyric precisely because it was so timely. (it was also used in "My Fair Lady""--Eliza sings to Higgins "So without much ado/We can all muddle through/Without you!")
1944 was not the last year of WW2....
@@oldgasengines The last full year, jackass .
She was 21 years old and to me delivered the most beautiful Christmas song ever
Imagine being the family listening to this while your loved one is fighting overseas, released in 1944.
I wish I knew why this song is never played on radio stations........................The movie should be shown this time of year also......She was so talented.............
I got my own DVD of it and watch it each Christmas.
Dec 1st 2021..who's with me and still very much in love with this song, this movie?
2024!
I'm not crying, you're crying.
Merry Christmas, y'all🌲
Sure is crying can,t help but cry so beautiful still to this very day of the month love Christmas time with miss Judy over the rainbow garland in mind God bless all of you out there happy holidays .
Merry Christmas, what a powerful song this is with those lyrics.
Beautifully sung by Judy and acted by both actresses. Song is even more touching these days.
Nobody did it like Judy Garland..I hope she knows how much she was loved by all even though she didn't feel it in life!
MissN Perfection I beg to differ with you on your statement that she didn’t feel it in life. Judy had a love affair WITH HER FANS, UNLIKE ANYONE ELSE. With the exception of Sidney, or Melbourne Australia, I don’t remember which, who booed her and threw things at her because she was sick as a dog for her concert in one of those Cities, and not sick ( and very good in the other ). That was truly the beginning of the end for Judy. I PERSONALLY WILL NEVER EVER GO TO THAT CRAPPY LAND DOWN UNDER. SHE TRIED TO PERFORM, BUT SHE WAS WAY TO ILL. I BELIEVE I READ THAT SHE ALMOST DIED. But, her audiences showed their affection for Judy all the time. It wasn’t her audiences that let her down, it was most of the people around her who shafted her. AGENTS, ACCOUNTANTS, AND SID LUFT WHO RIPPED HER OFF OF ALL HER MONEY. SHE MADE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN HER LIFETIME, WHERE DID IT GO, PEOPLE SAY THAT JUDY WASN’T EXTRAVAGANT, SHE RARELY HAD ANY MONEY. SO WHERE IN THE HECK DID IT GO? I’M QUITE SURE SID HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT. JUDY DIED BROKE, NOT SO SID. INTERESTING IS IT?
Happy 100th birthday Judy Garland🎉
The OG lyrics before Judy asked to change it;
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
It may be your last.
Next year we may all be living in the past.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Pop that champagne cork.
Next year we may all be living in New York.
No good times like the olden days.
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who were dear to us.
Will be near to us no more.
But at least we all will be together.
If the Lord allows.
From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."
I think this moment, where Judy's character tries to comfort rather than join in the sorrow is much more poignant. You can tell from her acting that her character isn't even sure she believes what she's saying.
All these years, I never knew she sang this song!
It is the original and best version!
Folks, *this* is a movie star!
She was so beautiful in this film. She never thought she was as pretty as some of her peers, but to me, she was the most beautiful woman who ever lived
She was told that she was homely. There are some cruel bastards in this world.
The covers of this song. Especially with the lyric change of “Hang a Shining Star above the highest bough” makes people forget that this is supposed to be a sad song.
I have watched this movie a million times. NEVER get tired of it. Ty Judy Garland for so many wonderful movies. You will never ever be forgotten.
This is the REAL version of this song! I hope to meet Judy Garland in Heaven. She was a wonderful talent.
This was much requested by our troops on the overseas radio shows during WWII. For the Greatest Generation this will always bring tears.
Only Judy could sing this so very perfectly ❤
This has become one of my favorite Christmas songs since I first heard it. Judy's version is still the best to me.
This song is Judy's forever.
Frank's version is for the people who have and Judy's version is for the people who don't have....😔💔
Have and don't have what?
@@philiprandall9994 hope
@@jjj1951 Thanks for the clarification!
Well said.
@@philiprandall9994 Family and Friends
people dont see the peaceful ness of such classics
I can’t understand why we don’t hear this version on the radio nowadays, as the words are so apt for the days we are going through
This us for my late mam, who took me to see this movie and for all the musical movies we saw together 😢💔
I never knew this Christmas staple was for this movie and for her to sing specifically.
Its that time of year again and I just lost the greatest man I've ever known... my Godfather Jack! He was 95 years old and still as handsome as ever! He had the softest, smoothest cheeks and smelled heavenly, doused in after shave... I remember snuggling on his lap as a little girl and being intoxicated by that wonderful peppery smell. He was always finely dressed and still had a full head of curls! Jack was a wonderful singer too and always lead the singing as the head of our family. A beautiful soul and as his Goddaughter, he always treated me extra special.
He passed away at midnight and I woke up this morning to the first snowfall of the season. It was a sprinke from heaven, just Uncle Jack saying hello and that he had made his way home and was watching over us from above.
RIP Uncle Jack, Christmas wont be the same without you!!
In my opinion, this is the only version that matters. Not every Christmas song has to be happy. Christmas always has a bit of sadness mixed in whether it be missing a loved one who’s not there, money troubles, loneliness....
For those of us who will NOT be having a merry little Christmas. I miss you Mom and Dad and Mèmére.
Something I love about this number is despite the relatively low stakes, Judy sells it. We get invited into her world and we feel this song like a gut to the punch. It may not matter to the rest of the world, but it matters to her, so that's all that matters.
Judy was so beautiful back then with such a clear and wonderful voice. There is just no way to get through this song and scene without at tear or two