Country music legend Merle Haggard‘s 1973 hit “If We Make It Through December” tells the story of economic hardship and a father’s desire to provide his daughter with a proper Christmas. Not exactly your standard holiday-themed tune. The song can be found on the country icon’s Christmas album, Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present, and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for four weeks after its release.
The song has been covered by many artists, including country music duo Joey + Rory. The pair’s version appears on their 2011 album A Farmhouse Christmas with Haggard himself providing background vocals and the final chorus.
Watch Joey + Rory’s Music City Roots performance of “If We Make It Through December” below!
“We can’t begin to tell you what an honor it is to have Merle singing on it with us,” Joey told The Boot back in 2011. “There are some dreams that even when they come true, you still think you must be dreaming … and this is one.”
“If We Make It Through December” Lyrics
If we make it through December
Everything’s gonna be all right I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine
Got laid off down at the factory
And there time is not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin’ hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl
Now I don’t mean to hate December
It’s meant to be the happy time of year
And my little girl don’t understand
Why daddy can’t afford no Christmas gift
If we make it through December
Everything’s gonna be alright I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the falling snow
If we make it through December
Got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine
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