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From the Other Side of the Edge….
“And So This is
Christmas…..”
By Joe Facinoli
So many Christmas songs are just schmaltzy commercial nonsense, even
though a few are actually quite good musically, and some even deliver a
real message.
Still others are way too specifically directed, for me at least, to be
able to wrap my little brain around their somewhat forced and contrived
meanings.
I have no problem with telling the story of Christmas, but my
preference is for celebrating the overall "spirit" of this
season. And for songs with a more general, everyday
message, which can be used year round.
With all the same goodness, hope, and light, but with no agenda, and
more inclusive.
To each his own, but please, hear me out anyway, in the "spirit" of
this singular time of year, as I’d like to share a few thoughts with
all, on some “Christmas” songs with special significance, for ALL
seasons.
I'm an old rocker at heart, so it may seem a bit out of character for
me to go for more meaningful, even profound, "chick flick" types of
songs, ….as ZZ Top, Van Halen, The Who, Guns & Roses, Metallica,
and The Stones ain't always that deep, ….doncha
know.
Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, …well,…that may be a different tale to
tell.
But for Christmas songs, one in particular (and a few runners up),
stick way out from the "usual suspects" that get offered up every
December, and which hammer at us for thirty days or more, ad nauseum,
from every radio, elevator, and grocery store sound system.
In my humble, not very traditionally religious opinion, something like
the message in "The Little Drummer Boy", starts to nail down the real
essence.
Where the poor kid gives up the only "gift" he has, selflessly
performing for some newborn, who is practically unknown to
him. That's the "truth" of this season, my brothers and
sisters.
Or, the lesson in Bob Carlisle's "The Christmas Shoes" song, the one
about another little kid, who wants to buy his very sick Mama some new
shoes, on Christmas Eve, just in case “…she meets Jesus tonight".
A bit specific for me, but it has a sentiment, and a selfless
demonstration of pure and unconditional love, that's absolutely spot
on, in matching the one which this season is supposed to
represent.
Or even better, the message in Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas?",
which questions where that marvelous "spirit", and those wonderful
Christmas feelings have gone, ….only to find, upon further review, that
they live on in our hearts, and minds, and "everywhere.....if we
care".
And that brings us to my favorite musical representation of this
season, which may have the simplest, and yet most direct messages of
all, contained within its short but powerful stanzas.
John Lennon's classic: "And So This Is
Christmas....". Which was originally titled,
simply: "Happy Christmas".
This one can't help but stay with you, especially if you really think
about the fundamental point, and basic common sense and goodness, that
are his lyrics.
Put them next to the basic meanings, feelings, and human understandings
that this season should generate, ….and now, …we finally have something
going on with this "Christmas spirit" thing !
Other, more talented singers have tried to cover it, though none can
match the original, with the passionate but simple voice of its
composer, …perfect for this masterpiece.
John Lennon had, and continues to have, a palpably strong and deep
influence on so many, some of whom were not even alive when he was
taken from us, during another Christmas season, now 33 years
ago.
But his words, his melodies, and his messages, will forever live
on. They are considered by many in those masses of
followers and "believers", to be as much "gospel" as any ever written,
now, or even from hundreds of years ago.
Please "listen" here, …with your mind open, …and your heart as well, to
what our old friend John has to tell us,….to his plaintive pleading,
and his persuasive words, and their haunting, yet strangely soothing
melody.
_________________________________________________________________
"And so this is Christmas........"
The words and notes of this song have been in my head for many weeks
now. Not because it's played a lot, but because the
relevance of its message has been ringing out to me for quite a long
time, given the social and political situations and climates, along the
way.
It's a song of hope, a simple song with simple lyrics, but forged from
struggling times, and people. Much like today, …every
day.
The average, or “standard” tunes of this time of year, are no match for
the almost dirge-like tone of these near mournful words and lines,
which go so much deeper, and encompass so much more.
Let’s listen to a few.
"And so this is Christmas, …and what have we
done..........?"
And just what have we done, …anyway?
Are we proud of ourselves, that we have collectively created this
giddy, commercial, superficial and artificial, …"What did you get
me?", “…Can’t wait ‘til Black Friday!”, completely insincere
celebration of the birth of some guy who lived two thousand years ago??
Whose remembrance and words still endure for so many, and, as the story
is told, showed up here with the sole purpose of saving this wretched
world ??
And who, oh by the way, as the story continues, …gave his life in the
process!!
Does anything that we have done, to cheapen and misrepresent this
event, and regardless of our personal beliefs, measure up in any way,
to that noble and totally selfless story ??!!
Or, have the “40% off” signs, or the “Buy one, get one Free, …Today
Only!” deals, at your favorite Big Box store and everywhere, totally
erased all semblance of the original reason for this unique
time. And don't forget the free shipping (if you hurry)
!!
Maybe this IS just a celebration of the winter solstice, ….after
all.
"A very Merry Christmas, …and a Happy New Year, …let's Hope it's a Good
one, …without any Fear."
Wow! …No fear ?
That would be a good thing, …on so many levels. I could
hope for that.
No fear of losing our jobs, our houses, our health insurance, or our
control over our government. No more fear of going to war,
or of having a loved one or friend go, and of losing them
there.
No fear of being overtaken by political, religious, or cultural
philosophies or dogmas, which all seem to preach inclusion for everyone
and anyone, but so quickly exclude, and punish or even eliminate (in
the very worst cases), those who do not kiss the rings or the feet of
the self-anointed.
Yes, ….no fear would be a good thing, …for this coming year, …and for
always.
"And so this is Christmas, …for Weak and for Strong, …for Rich and for
Poor Ones, …the World is so Wrong."
A bit pessimistic, perhaps, but nonetheless a reality for so
many. A world that should be filled with so much hope,
promise, and glorious anticipation, has had that shattered far too
often, and usually, so unnecessarily.
"And so Happy Christmas, …for Black and for White, …for Yellow and Red
Ones, ….let's stop all the fight."
And not just the wars.
Afghanistan, Iraq, the imploding spin-offs of the “Arab Spring”,
certainly, …but in too many other world theaters of today, as
well.
Lennon actually wrote this in 1971, during the horrific Vietnam
“Conflict”, but it’s still relevant
today,…unfortunately.
The people of this planet just can't seem to find a way to simply stop
all the madness, and get past their juvenile differences in a
civilized, reasonable, big boys and girls manner.
Which means no one has to die, or be cast out, or aside, just because
they believe in a different God, or in the same one, only in a
different way, …nor because they speak a different language, …or their
skin pigment (or lifestyle) doesn't happen match our own.
"And so this is Christmas, …We hope you have fun, …the Near and
the Dear ones, ….the Old and the Young."
A hopeful finish. One that expresses the wish for joyous
times, with family and friends. And of togetherness, not
only with those close to us, but ALL with whom we come in
contact,….regardless.
John always goes the one extra step, and makes his meanings much
broader than their seeming simplicity. Yes, the "near
and dear ones", of course, and always, but just as important, don't
forget about everyone else we may encounter.
The "the old and the young" ….means everybody.
And knowing the turbulent times in which he lived, and when it was that
he wrote his brilliance, we can accept that he had to stay true to
himself, even in a "Christmas" song.
The last line (and in fact, this line is heard softly, behind several
previous lines) is blunt, and extremely forceful, but real.
Not the kind of words we are used to, nor usually want to hear, when
we're singing away about Christmas.
"War is Over, …if you Want it,........War is over NOW......!!"
Blunt and forceful, …yes, but no more so than war itself.
Just why is it that we need to continue these insanities
????
That's what John Lennon asked, and sincerely wanted to
know.
And with the full understanding of what his life was truly about,
despite the bad press, and crazy lifestyle, and twisted images and
prejudices, ….why wouldn't he end this simple, beautiful song of
Christmas, with such a straightforward, and forcefully insistent cry,
for the world to come to its senses and stop all war??
If that's not the true spirit and hope and meaning of this holiday, and
season, and the supposed reason for the celebration of an event held so
blessed and dear, in the hearts of so many hundreds of
millions,......... then what is ??
But then he ends it with best wishes for all:
“Happy Christmas !! ”
___________________________________________________________
Listen to his words, carefully and reflectively, and think about what
our good friend is telling us in his perfect ode, sent straight to both
our minds and hearts, at this special time of year.
And DO embrace, and hold dear to, that which moves you with passion and
spirit, ….from anywhere, anyone, or anything.
That which can take you, and me, and all the rest of this world,
regardless of which religion we practice, or not, …nor what kind of
faith we hold, or not, …to a place where we can be truly deserving of
the gifts, both tangible and spiritual, which this life, and this
season, bring to us.
The ones which represent for us, ….the true meaning of Christmas,
Lennon seems to be telling us to have true patience, tolerance, and
understanding of others. ALL others.
Let’s do some of that.
Young or old, …weak or strong, …black or white, …yellow and red, ….and
even the brown ones (who cut your grass, cook your food, and
clean your house),
…give 'em ALL a break.
Doesn't take a religion, ….to figure out that request.
Just a good, pure heart,….and the “Christmas” spirit.
"And so Happy Christmas, .....another year Over, …and a New One just
begun …!"
Feliz Navidad !!
Joe Facinoli
--Joe can be reached at: joefacinoli@gmail.com
Intelligent Response Encouraged !!
©Copyright 2013, Joe Facinoli
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