Fa-la-las and deck the halls
Jingle bells and winter balls
It's getting kinda close and we're so excited
Candy canes and mistletoe
Darlene Love and rock n' roll
We're gonna have a party and you're all invited
Hop in the sleigh and pull the lever
Cuz we need you more than ever
Hey Christmas!
Hey Christmas! Don't be...
Hey Christmas! Don't be late!
Gingerbread and hot cocoa
Christmas carols in the snow
Everyone is here and we're all elated
Baby dolls and toy train cars
Three wise men, one holy star
It's been a long hard year
That we have waited
So make a wish that it will last forever
Cuz we need it more than ever
Hey Christmas!
Hey Christmas! Don't be...
Hey Christmas! Don't be late!
This happening is happening...
This happening is happening
This happening is happening
This happening is happening
...and yeah, it's really happening!
Yes, friends and family, it is time for the 2019 Vargo Family Musical Christmas Card.
How else could we start the track than with the same question that Paisley asks the electronic device behind the couch every morning: "Alexa, how many more days until Christmas?" This year, we wanted the song to capture that same sense of childlike anticipation for the season. It was an absolute blast to see this song come to life one day (much like Frosty the Snowman). There was a heavy moment for me (Brett) as I watched my two beautiful and amazing children - now 16 & 9 - sharing the microphone to record their vocals. Memories of Christmases past came flooding back, all of the fun we've had with these songs, and the sobering realization that it won't be like this forever. Sniff sniff…stop it...this is a happy song!
On this groovy little raver, we also have The Vargo Family Rock & Roll "Orchestra" on the track - a four piece horn section, a four piece string section, and a drummer. It's definitely the biggest racket we've made yet...and we've made a lot of big rackets.
On the "b-side," we have a first. Never in 30 years have I recorded an overtly religious song, but I 'spose now's the best time of year to do so. I recorded a quick demo cover of Nik Day's beautiful song "Peace In Christ." Whether it's beautiful in my hands is a different story entirely, mind you. I thought about doing a fully produced version, but decided to leave the demo as is. The guitar is the Yamaha 12 string acoustic that I received from my parents for my 16th birthday...and it could very well be the original set of strings. I must do something about that.
Can it really almost be 2020? Yikes. This year...heck, this decade...has had its share of ups and downs, but the love and support from our friends and family certainly has made it infinitely better. We are grateful for each of you. May you and yours be blessed during this season and always. Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!
And remember, war is over if you want it.
Love,
Brett, Cindi, Julian & Paisley
(and Sherlock & Nellie)
credits
released December 9, 2019
Written, produced and arranged by Brett Vargo - December 2019
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