More Music of Christmas – Day 2: Christmas All Over Again

“Christmas All Over Again”
By Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

This is a song that I wouldn’t say is one of my favorites. But nor is it a monstrosity.

My relationship with Tom Petty’s music isn’t deep or life-affirming or anything like that. Like many musicians, I liked some of his songs. I didn’t like some. And I didn’t listen to much of his solo or group work that wasn’t on the radio. I saw him in concert once — my college friends were going so I tagged along. It was an okay experience — Tom Petty was good, the opening acts were horrid, it rained up until Tom took the stage, and I somehow didn’t get a contact high. He played his hits. The crowd had fun. An okay evening.

This holiday song, though, is one I distinctly remember not liking for a long time. I think I was in a phase where I didn’t like Tom’s voice, and it colored my attitude towards this song. After a while I found a new appreciation for him, but I still didn’t care for this song. Over the past few years, though, I’ve grown to liking it. As I said, it’s not a favorite, and I won’t go out of my way to listen to it, but I won’t change the station if it comes on.

Released in 1992 as part of the “A Very Special Christmas 2” album to raise money for Special Olympics, this song was the very first track on the album. I probably have this in a closet somewhere, gathering dust. The album has sold over 2 million copies, though, so it seems to have been a hit.

So, nothing too memorable about this song. It describes Tom’s feelings about the holiday. Decorations are up, family is around, kids are singing, bells are chiming, and Tom is getting with someone.

Seems like a standard Christmas. Minus potential family dysfunction.

Tomorrow — Written on the hottest day of the year in July. Honest.