When we broke out the Christmas decorations a few weeks ago, also let loose were the two dozen Christmas albums, er, CDs I have.
My taste in Christmas music, is much like my taste in many things. I have friends who like to write and are always aghast at my lowly tastes.
‘Of course you know and have read Thomas Lux.?
‘Ah, no.?
‘Well, he’s a well known American poet.?
‘Oh, I don’t know any poets, not even that fellow, Long.?
‘That’s Longfellow, dear.?
‘Oh.?
I try to explain to my tea and crumpet friends in the literary world, that I like pulp fiction, dime store novels, and Marvel Comics versus classic literature, good literature or even graphic novels.
I like to be entertained. I like good guys and bad guys; action, mystery, and adventure sprinkled with sarcastic, rogue-like characters. I don’t want to ponder deep thoughts when reading or be depressed when I am finished.
While no Bolshevik, when it comes to the written word, I’m of the proletariat persuasion (though I don’t begrudge those uppity bourgeoisie types). So it is with written word, ’tis the same with words which are sung.
And, of course, it follows then, my taste in Christmas music, leads me away from the complex, synthesized, high-brow Mannheim Steamroller no-words song stuff. I’m more of the Rankin/Bass kind of guy.
One of my favorite Christmas songs (not a carol) is Put One Foot In Front of The Other (as performed by Mickey Rooney and Keenan Wynn). Maybe it was some life-comedy, Karma-come-around-to-bite-me-in-the-buttocks thing, but since I was a kid, that song has stuck with me.
Well, here are the lyrics…
* * *
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

You never will get where you’re going
If you never get up on your feet
Come on, there’s a good tail wind blowing
A fast walking man is hard to beat

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

If you want to change your direction
If your time of life is at hand
Well don’t be the rule be the exception
A good way to start is to stand

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

If I want to change the reflection I see in the mirror each morn
(Oh, you do?)
You mean that it’s just my election
(Just that!)
To vote for a chance to be reborn
(Hoo-hoo!)
* * *
In the TV Christmas special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Chris Kringle (Rooney) is able to melt cold-hearted Winter Warlock’s (Wynn) nasty demeanor. The song I put in above, goes with that scene.
There is something redemptive about positive change and I guess for me, that cute little, do-nothing song catches that spirit. So sue me, I like it!
* * *
Christmas is over, but you can still hug your family and friends and reach out to those who are in need. Be Christ-like, change, grow, help, forgive and love.