Eddie Pensier writes:
By this point in the holiday season you’re almost certainly heartily sick of the most famous song from Holiday Inn (1942). Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is certainly a victim of its own success: despite, (or perhaps because of) the fact that it’s the best-selling single of all time, and despite a notable lack of Jesus or other religious content that makes it suitable for even the most scrupulously ecumenical playlist, it can still come off as hackneyed and treacly to the jaded ear. Not the song’s fault, but I can admire the lyrical craftsmanship and tuneful artistry while still wanting to gouge my eardrums out every time it’s played.
So I’ll present you with another Holiday Inn song, still seasonally appropriate. Bing Crosby sings in this version recorded with his brother, noted swing bandleader Bob Crosby.
I’ve got plenty to be thankful for
I haven’t got
A great big yacht
To sail from shore to shore
Still I’ve got plenty to be thankful forI’ve got plenty to be thankful for
No private car
No caviar
No carpet on my floor
Still I’ve got plenty to be thankful forI’ve got eyes to see with
Ears to hear with
Arms to hug with
Lips to kiss with
Someone to adoreHow could anybody ask for more?
My needs are small
I buy them all
At the five and ten cent store
Oh, I’ve got plenty to be thankful for.