When Christmas Comes To Town

Back when I worked on the radio, it was key to always look ahead. We’d often be writing Christmas bits in October and November for use during December. Being away from radio now for a while, I’ve forgotten the importance of planning and looking ahead. If I was better at that, I could have had a month’s worth of music blogs!

I heard a song today on a Christmas channel that got me to thinking. We have many Christmas standards that are played throughout the season. Many of those have been radio/holiday staples for decades! I always love to hear those songs that became holiday hits because they were featured in some holiday special. I guess you could call some of those songs standards, too (Linus and Lucy, You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Christmas Time is Here, Frosty the Snowman, etc…).

Maybe next year (you may have to remind me come October) I will feature a different Christmas song from Holiday specials or movies. I’m sure I could come up with 24 of them.

Anyway, the song I heard today was from the Polar Express. It is a fantastic movie with Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter, Peter Scolari, Nona Gaye and my pal Eddie Deezen. If you are unfamiliar with the story it is “an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.”

The song’s melody is simply beautiful. At the same time, the lyrics are heartbreaking at times. The song is performed by Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore in character as Billy and Hero Girl respectively. The song’s placement in the film happens just before the train arrives at the North Pole.

The characters Hero Boy and Hero Girl notice Billy looking out from the back of the observation car and singing the song. Hero Girl joins in after the first verse. In the song, Hero Girl sings about the joys of Christmas while Billy sings about how he has never been able to experience these joys.

This song moves me every time I hear it. 

This video incorporates some of the movie clips from the scene. 

(Billy) I’m wishing on a star
And trying to believe
That even though it’s far
He’ll find me Christmas eve
I guess that Santa’s busy
‘Cause he’s never come around
I think of him when Christmas comes to town

(Hero Girl) The best time of the year
When everyone comes home
With all this Christmas cheer
It’s hard to be alone
Putting up the Christmas tree
With friends who come around
It’s so much fun when Christmas comes to town

(Hero Girl) Presents for the children wrapped in red and green
(Billy) All the things I’ve heard about but never really seen
(Both) No one will be sleeping on the night of Christmas eve
Hoping Santa’s on his way

(Hero Girl) Presents for the children wrapped in red and green
(Billy) All the things I’ve heard about but never really seen
(Both) No one will be sleeping on the night of Christmas eve
Hoping Santa’s on his way

(Hero Girl) When Santa’s sleigh bells ring
(Billy) I listen all around
(Hero Girl) The herald angels sing
(Billy) I never hear a sound
(Hero Girl) And all the dreams of children
(Billy) Once lost will all be found

(Hero Girl) That’s all I want when Christmas comes to town
(Both) That’s all I want when Christmas comes to town