The Merle Haggard If We Make It Through December song was released on his 1973 Christmas album Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present. Merle Haggard topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for four weeks starting December 23, 1973 with this hit Christmas hardship tune.
This heartfelt ballad, blending themes of resilience, economic hardship, and hope, remains a cornerstone of Haggard’s musical legacy and a resonant anthem for those facing tough times during the holidays.
Merle Haggard If We Make It Through December Music Video
Written by Merle Haggard himself, “If We Make It Through December” tells the story of a factory worker who has been laid off just before Christmas, casting a shadow over the typically joyful holiday season. With lines like, “I got laid off down at the factory,” Haggard paints a vivid picture of economic insecurity that many listeners could relate to during the turbulent economic climate of the early 1970s.
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
“If We Make It Through December” is more than a holiday song. It’s a universal story about enduring hardship and holding onto hope for a brighter future. Haggard’s plaintive vocals and the song’s sparse arrangement create an intimate connection with the listener, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through.
The song’s message of perseverance resonates far beyond its original context. Whether facing personal, financial, or societal challenges, the reassurance that better days lie ahead continues to strike a chord with audiences of all backgrounds.
