Oldies Goldies Oasis

Country

Merle Haggard – If We Make It Through December (1974)

Introduction:

Merle Haggard’s poignant ballad, “If We Make It Through December” (1974), is a country music classic that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever faced financial hardship. Haggard, a Bakersfield sound pioneer known for his rough-hewn vocals and working-class narratives, delivers a powerful performance here, backed by his long-time band, The Strangers. This song, released in February of 1974 but written for Haggard’s 1973 Christmas album, transcended the holiday season to become a timeless anthem of resilience in the face of adversity.

“If We Make It Through December” captured the hearts of millions and became one of Haggard’s biggest hits. It spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even cracked the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its crossover appeal. Critically acclaimed as well, the song helped “If We Make It Through December”, the album it became the title track for, reach No. 4 on the Billboard country album charts.

The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, it tackles a universal theme – the struggle to make ends meet and provide for your family. Haggard doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of blue-collar life. The protagonist, a laid-off factory worker, wrestles with his inability to afford a traditional Christmas for his daughter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of cold December winds, dashed dreams, and a father’s determination to keep hope alive. Lines like “Heaven knows I been workin’ hard / I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl” evoke a powerful sense of empathy for the character’s plight.

“If We Make It Through December” is more than just a lament, though. It’s also a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere. The repeated refrain, “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be alright,” is a beacon of optimism in the face of despair. The protagonist clings to the belief that better days are ahead, a belief that resonates with anyone who’s ever had to pick themselves up and dust themselves off after a setback.

Musically, “If We Make It Through December” is a masterclass in country storytelling. Haggard’s vocals are raw and heartfelt, conveying the desperation and determination of the protagonist. The backing instrumentation, courtesy of The Strangers, is understated but effective. A simple acoustic guitar line sets the mood, while the weeping steel guitar adds a touch of melancholy. The arrangement never overwhelms the vocals, ensuring that the focus remains on Haggard’s powerful performance and the song’s emotional core.

“If We Make It Through December” is a landmark song in Merle Haggard’s career. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Video:

https://youtu.be/U9TByT3QlWc?si=cgV5Tj7EbtZ-YqZJ

Related Post

Conway Twitty’s friends share a heartfelt song during their visit to his grave — a touching tribute to the legend whose voice still echoes in their hearts.

At 77, Gene Watson moved gently across the quiet gravel road of his hometown, each step carrying the weight of a lifetime. Walking beside him was Rhonda Vincent, 62, her hand resting tenderly on his arm, her silence filled with respect. There were no cameras, no spotlights—only the weathered barn where a young Gene once discovered the power of a song, and a breeze that seemed to carry echoes of nights long past. They stopped at the doorway, where sunlight caught the dust rising like smoke, and Gene closed his eyes as if reaching back through time. Rhonda watched quietly, guarding the moment like a sacred treasure. After a stillness that felt eternal, Gene’s voice, fragile yet unwavering, whispered: “This is where I first believed a song could outlive me.” In that instant, the years folded together. It was not a performance but a prayer, a reminder that songs are not merely sung—they are lived, and they endure.

From Auto Shops to the Grand Ole Opry: How Gene Watson’s Humble Texas Roots, Timeless Voice, and 60-Year Career Turned Him Into One of Country Music’s Most Beloved Legends—The Untold Story Behind “Farewell Party,” His Struggles, His Triumphs, and the Enduring Power of Real Country Music

You Missed

Oldies Musics

LAS VEGAS STOOD SILENT THE NIGHT ALAN JACKSON AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SANG AS IF EVERY SECOND MATTERED. The arena fell into a hush when Carrie Underwood stepped forward into the light, her gaze settling on Alan Jackson seated calmly at center stage. There was no elaborate introduction, no swelling fanfare—only a stillness so profound it seemed to press against the walls. Then the opening chords of “Remember When” drifted through the room, and the atmosphere quietly transformed. Carrie’s luminous, soaring vocals intertwined with Alan’s rich, weathered baritone—a voice shaped by decades of open highways, heartbreak, faith, and unvarnished honesty. He didn’t need to rise from his chair to captivate the audience. Each lyric he delivered felt deeply rooted in lived experience. Every phrase carried the gravity of memory. What unfolded was more than a duet. It was a bridge between eras. Two artists from different generations, united by a shared devotion to country music’s storytelling tradition. The performance was restrained, almost fragile. No spectacle. No excess. Just authenticity. In the crowd, hands trembled. Some listeners closed their eyes, absorbing every note. Others watched without blinking, unwilling to lose even a fleeting second. The moment wasn’t built on volume or theatrics—it was built on truth. As the final note dissolved into the air, the silence that followed lingered—heavy, reverent, and reluctant. It felt as though the room itself was holding on, aware that something rare and irreplaceable had just passed through it.

Oldies Musics

An Unexpected Farewell the Music Community Never Anticipated: The country music family is grieving the loss of a gentle legend. Jeff Cook, founding member of Alabama and an inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died at 73 following a long and determined struggle with Parkinson’s disease. For years, his guitar carried a tone of sincerity, grace, and quiet strength—crafting melodies that became woven into the lives of millions. He endured his illness away from the spotlight, meeting it with resilience and dignity. Though his hands have fallen silent, the songs he helped bring to life will continue to resonate across airwaves, memories, and generations yet to come.

Oldies Musics

THE SECRET THAT REFUSED TO STAY SILENT: DNA evidence now confirms that a 90-year-old man is in fact Elvis Presley — unraveling a truth far more astonishing than the story the world accepted in 1977.

Oldies Musics

“THE DIAGNOSIS HE REFUSED TO LET DEFINE HIM”: Alan Jackson’s Health Journey — and a Legacy That Endures