"Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley

With "Blue Christmas" the greatest solo performer of rock 'n' roll brought his enviable crooning abilities to an unconventional Christmas tune. Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and first recorded by country-western performer Ernest Tubb in 1948, the lyrics of "Blue Christmas" are not standard "rock around the Christmas tree" or "god bless you merry gentlemen" fare. In his unique style, Elvis Presley communicates a Christmas story of longing and heartache more familiar to country music than rock 'n' roll or carols. The song has been recorded by numerous acts since Elvis included it on his 1957 Christmas album, but the King's version remains the standard.

Video for "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley:


Ernest Tubb's 1948 recording of "Blue Christmas":


Cover of "Blue Christmas" by Bright Eyes:

Lyrics to "Blue Christmas"

Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson

I'll have a blue Christmas without you

I'll be so blue just thinking about you

Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree

Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me

And when those blue snowflakes start fallin'

That's when those blue memories start callin'

You'll be doin' alright with your Christmas of white

But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

You'll be doin' alright with your Christmas of white

But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas that's certain

And when that blue heartache starts hurtin'

You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white

But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas

alternate verse:

(I'll have a blue Christmas I know dear

I hope your white Christmas brings you cheer

And when you say a pray on this Christmas Eve

Will you feel the same dear as when you prayed with me)