The 10 Greatest Sad Christmas Songs, No. 2 : Merle Haggard
2. “If We Make It Through December,” Merle Haggard
In another year, this one might not have been so close to Number One. But Haggard’s recession lament sounds more enduring all the time: Got laid off down at the factory, and their timing’s not the greatest in the world. Heaven knows I’ve been workin’ hard — wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl.
Previous Top 10:
10. “Christmas Is for Mugs,” Graham Parker
9. “Daddy’s Drinkin’ Up our Christmas,” Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen
8. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” John & Yoko
7. “1913 Massacre,” Michael Fracasso
6. “I Pray On Christmas,” The Blind Boys of Alabama
5. “Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto,” James Brown
4. “7 O’Clock News/Silent Night,” Simon & Garfunkel
3. “Christmas In Vietnam,” Johnny & Jon
— C.J. Janovy
