Introduction:
The year is 1973. Country music, often seen as a reflection of rural American life, finds itself grappling with a changing social landscape. Industrial decline and economic hardship are hitting working-class communities hard, and the traditional themes of cowboys and heartbreak take a backseat to songs that resonate with the struggles of everyday people.
In this context emerges a song that would become a cornerstone of Merle Haggard’s career: “If We Make It Through December.” Written and performed by Haggard himself, the song paints a poignant picture of a working-class family facing financial hardship during the holiday season.
Merle Haggard, by 1973, was already a well-established country music star. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and his outlaw persona, he had built a reputation for singing songs that challenged the Nashville establishment and resonated with blue-collar workers. “If We Make It Through December” falls squarely within this tradition.
The song’s producer, Ken Nelson, played a key role in shaping Haggard’s sound. Nelson, known for his stripped-down approach and focus on raw emotion, perfectly complements the stark realities presented in the song’s lyrics. The simple instrumentation, featuring Haggard’s acoustic guitar and a melancholic steel guitar line, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
“If We Make It Through December” is a powerful ballad that tells a story all too familiar to many. The protagonist, a laid-off factory worker, grapples with the stress of providing for his family during Christmas, a time traditionally associated with joy and abundance. Lines like “Now I don’t mean to hate December, It’s meant to be the happy time of year” and “And my little girl don’t understand, Why daddy can’t afford no Christmas here” capture the emotional toll of financial hardship and the desire to shield loved ones from its harsh realities.
Despite the bleak subject matter, the song isn’t devoid of hope. The recurring refrain, “If we make it through December, Everything’s gonna be alright,” speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief in better times ahead. The promise of a fresh start, perhaps a move to a warmer climate like California, offers a glimmer of optimism amidst the present struggles.
“If We Make It Through December” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and resonated deeply with Haggard’s working-class audience. The song transcended the boundaries of genre, finding appreciation across the musical landscape. Over the years, it has become a holiday staple, a reminder of the challenges faced by many during a season often associated with festivity. “If We Make It Through December” stands as a testament to the power of country music to tell stories that resonate with the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.