It’s that time of year again, when holiday music begins to play-thank you Star 102.5, a reference that Western New Yorkers will understand—and college students everywhere start counting down to a much needed break…from having a delightful time sitting in lectures and preparing for finals, right? Anyhow, after hearing a massive amount of holiday music already, I encourage all readers to listen to Bob Dylan’s album “Christmas in the Heart.” I guarantee it will be at least a quick chuckle. The holiday album starts off with a family favorite, “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Bob Dylan takes the original musical hit by Gene Autry and applies his raspy voice to create his own strange version of the holiday song. Despite sharing the same lyrics, Dylan’s less playful version of the song leaves a less optimistic view on Santa Claus’s late night arrival. Because his voice contrasts with such happy and joyful chords, Dylan’s rendition makes “Here Comes Santa Claus” sound like an eerie threat. For example, Dylan’s singing of the lines “hang your stockings and say your prayers” sound as if this Christmas could be your last, and that you should not forget to pray that Santa Claus will not be a villainous creature this year. Gene Autry’s traditional “Here Comes Santa Claus” leaves the listener overjoyed and enthused for Santa Claus’s visit down the chimney. Bob Dylan’s hoarse and gruff voice unintentionally takes the instructions to “jump in bed and cover your head,” and implies that Santa Claus, being the intimidating individual that Dylan inadvertently portrays him to be, could come down your chimney a little too hard, and so take safety under your covers. But that’s just one song on the album.
Horgan is a member of
the class of 2017.
