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about
"Santa Claus Blues" was written by Gus Kahn & Charley Straight, published in 1924, so it's in the public domain. My arrangement is based on my own research and the excellent recording by the Jen Hodge All Stars, also on Bandcamp. I really appreciated what Jen had to say about the lyrics, how "they seem to more accurately and honestly describe how so many people truly feel" during this complicated time of year. I also enjoyed Jen's recording with not one -- but TWO -- trombones. My version has mouth trumpet though!
"Santa Claus Blues" is my contribution to a compilation CD called "We Four Strings: A Collection of Holiday Songs by Ukulele Performers in the Heartland." You can (and should!) buy or stream that full album from various apps and online stores (it's definitely on Spotify and Amazon) or pick up a physical copy at a gig near you; performers include Lisa Webb, Lisa Kljaich, Petey Mack, Bob's Your Uncle, Uke 66, and more! But I wanted to share just my track here in time for Bandcamp Friday.
Happy holidays!
lyrics
VERSE:
The merry bells are ringing’ today, but they don’t mean nothin’ to me.
I hear the children singing today, but I’m as blue as blue can be.
Ol’ Santa Claus forgot my address,
that’s one thing I can plainly see.
It may be Christmas to some folks; it’s just December twenty-fifth to me.
CHORUS:
No money, no honey, to buy a present for me.
Nobody, no toddy, to make things pleasant for me.
Last night my stocking I hung
Just like when I was young,
But this morning, there was a vacancy.
No minglin, no jinglin’ coin.
No pickin’, on chicken, pork chop or tenderloin.
Soon I’ll hear the New Year’s chimes,
that just means more hard times.
Bad luck, you’re hard to lose, I’ve got the Santa Claus Blues.
credits
released November 21, 2022
Written by Gus Kahn and Charley Straight
Arranged for ukulele by Amy Kucharik
Amy Kucharik: Vocals, ukulele, mouth trumpet
Bob Tigert: Bass, jingle bells
Engineered and produced by Bob Tigert / Tigert Communications (Nashville)
Mastered by David Terry (Sodium Glow Studios, Nashville)
2022
Portland singer/songwriter delivers a gorgeous Christmas EP, fashioned in the lush style of classics by Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 23, 2020
