john45 wrote:dani wrote:john45 wrote:
If this manages to bring in new backing for the U.S then it can only be a good thing.
Surely not if it means permanently lowering standards to this level of cheap commercial jingle & twaddle.
While I agree with you that Santa is not at the same level as the rest of Libera's music, I don't think it's really quite that bad. To me, it seems that the song is especially about not being alone at Christmas, more so than about presents. The lyrics and theme remind me of I'll Be Home for Christmas, the most obvious difference being the inclusion of Santa. I feel like there's more to both songs than presents and snow - I put the lyrics to both at the end of my post, for comparison.
Besides that, the song was released with three re-recorded Christmas songs, including the Wexford Carol which I think is quite beautiful, which can hardly be called commercial jingle and twaddle. As far as I know, no one panicked when Libera sang White Christmas on the Christmas Album - and yes, you could definitely argue that White Christmas is a better song than Santa and I would agree, but it's definitely about the non-religious aspects of Christmas just like Santa is. All in all, for me personally, it's going to take more than this for me to be too worried about Libera lowering their standards. (Actually, Angel was more worrisome to me, because I feel like the lyrics could have turned out a lot better than they did and yet they didn't.) Now, like most of you, what I would really, really like is for Libera to record some more original songs, release the good ones they haven't released, and/or re-record some of their best songs, and perhaps leave Christmas music alone for a while. I'm not a fan of either Santa or Angel, but I'm still hopeful.
Here are the lyrics of I'll Be Home, from Google:
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
(Repeated)
Then here are Santa's lyrics:
If you're far away, on this holiday evening
And you're dreaming of being at home
If you're worried at all that you may be forgotten,
You should know that you aren't alone
(Santa section:)
Cause you're there, and you're shining
Bright like a beacon
Bright as a Northern Star
So don't worry because
Santa will find you
Wherever you are
Santa will find you tonight
If you're listening for reindeer and sleigh bells
As they jingle and tap on the roof
You're awake (?) in blankets with your cousins and grandmas
And you hope there'll be presents for you
(Repeat of Santa section)
It's a time and season to bring loved ones together
Never let distance keep you apart
With the spirit of Christmas, you'll never be lost if
You truly believe in your heart
(Repeat of Santa section x 2)