Once in Royal Jethro’s City.

There was a nugget of a find at the local Thrift Shop today, “The Jethro Tull Christmas Album.”  Yes, it is true; the same band that gave us “Aqualung” released a Christmas album in 2003.  I have just started listening to it but I am already impressed by the Social Justice message of a song titled, “A Christmas Song.” 

 “A Christmas Song” starts with familiar cords and the words form the first line of the classic hymn “Once I Royal David’s City.”  But then, one line into the song, it starts taking a jab at commercialized Christmases and people who care more about passing the booze and stuffing their faces then they do about the condition of their fellow men.  My favorite lines are in the middle of the short, to the point song, “You’re missing the point I’m sure does not need making that Christmas spirit is not what you drink.  So how can you laugh when your own mother’s hungry, and how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?”

But, do not worry, if the song is too deep for you or if you prefer to enjoy your revelry while ignoring you guilt, the singer closes by saying, “And if I just messed up your thoughtless pleasures, remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song.”

Here is a live version: