I know that many people aren't fond of "contemporary" Christmas tunes, which can mean anything from about 1969 forward. But Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it on The Dr. Demento Show when it first came out in the eighties. For a punk rock/new wave band, the lyrics of this song are quite poignant and engaging. I think this one will remain a favorite of mine into my dotage.
You wouldn't know it now, but this song was at one time cool, maybe even a little subversive. Now, it's been remade by others, and gets played along with Last Christmas by George Michael (or others), or Do They Know it's Christmas? by Band Aid (or others), devoid of its specialness. But I still love it.
I know that many people aren't fond of "contemporary" Christmas tunes, which can mean anything from about 1969 forward. But Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it on The Dr. Demento Show when it first came out in the eighties. For a punk rock/new wave band, the lyrics of this song are quite poignant and engaging. I think this one will remain a favorite of mine into my dotage.
Sadly, there doesn't seem to be an official video for the classic new wave Christmas song by TheWaitresses, but this one is one of my favorites. So here's one of those timed-to-the-music Christmas lights displays. It'll do.
This post is a direct steal from Kenneth in the 212's blog, but (seriously!) a post I was going to get around to eventually.
This has always been one of my very favorite "modern" Christmas songs, brought to you by the girls who sang the sardonic "I Know What Boys Like" back in the 80s. This song has enough cynicism, humor, irony and cleverness to hit my sweet spot and it manages to have a happy ending! More than that, this song does something that the dreadful The Christmas Shoes tries and fails to do: gives a taste of "Christmas Magic" in a well-told story.
Here's the video (actually just audio, I don't believe there's an actual video available):
If you want to read the lyrics while you listen, (also thanks to Kenneth) click the link after the bold "Continued."
Continued
"Christmas Wrapping" by Chris Butler
"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong 'Cause it is my favorite holiday But all this year's been a busy blur Don't think I have the energy
To add to my already mad rush Just 'cause it's 'tis the season. The perfect gift for me would be Completions and connections left from
Last year, ski shop, Encounter, most interesting. Had his number but never the time Most of '81 passed along those lines.
So deck those halls, trim those trees Raise up cups of Christmas cheer, I just need to catch my breath, Christmas by myself this year.
Calendar picture, frozen landscape, Chilled this room for twenty-four days, Evergreens, sparkling snow Get this winter over with!
Flashback to springtime, saw him again, Would've been good to go for lunch, Couldn't agree when we were both free, We tried, we said we'd keep in touch.
Didn't, of course, 'til summertime, Out to the beach to his boat could I join him? No, this time it was me, Sunburn in the third degree.
Now the calendar's just one page And, of course, I am excited Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind Not to do too much about it.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! But I think I'll miss this one this year. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! But I think I'll miss this one this year. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! But I think I'll miss this one this year. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Hardly dashing through the snow Cause I bundled up too tight Last minute have-to-do's A few cards a few calls 'Cause it's r-s-v-p No thanks, no party lights It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax Turned down all of my invites.
Last fall I had a night to myself, Same guy called, Halloween party, Waited all night for him to show, This time his car wouldn't go,
Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late, Trudge on home to celebrate In a quiet way, unwind Doing Christmas right this time.
A&P has provided me With the world's smallest turkey Already in the oven, nice and hot Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?
So on with the boots, back out in the snow To the only all-night grocery, When what to my wondering eyes should appear In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year!
"I'm spending this one alone," he said. "Need a break; this year's been crazy." I said, "Me too, but why are you? You mean you forgot cranberries too?"
Then suddenly we laughed and laughed Caught on to what was happening That Christmas magic's brought this tale To a very happy ending! "
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Couldn't miss this one this year! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Couldn't miss this one this year!
