Christmas in July

The Dodos, Beware of the ManiacsSufjan Stevens, Seven Swans

Dave Matthews, Christmas SongIt may seem odd to listen to a Christmas song in July, but iTunes genius suggestions triggered Dave Matthews in my subconscious and a Christmas memory came flooding back. This past holiday season I was one of those desperate significant others standing outside the dressing room in a glazed eye trance that gave me the appearance of a mannequin. True story, I once had a couple kids come up and poke me to see if I was real a few seasons ago. Then, this Christmas Song came on and thoughts of suicide subsided for a moment. It’s interesting listening to it again. Despite Matthew’s ecumenical caveat in the YouTube clip below, this is a deeply Protestant depiction of Mary and Joseph’s relationship and a memorial Eucharist devoid of real presence. Having said that, Matthews acoustic rendition of Jesus’s story sums it up about as open heartedly as can be: love.

Here’s a few lyrics that stand out:

A surprise on the way, any day, any day
One heathy little giggling dribbling baby boy
The wise men came, three made their way
To shower him with love
While he lay in the hay
Shower him with love love love
Love love love
Love love was all around

Not very much of his childhood was known
Kept his mother Mary worried
Always out on his own
He met another Mary who for a reasonable fee,
less than reputable was known to be.

His heart full of love love love
Love love love
Love love was all around

Father up above, why in all this hatred do you fill
Me up with love, love, love
Love love love
Love love was all around
Father up above, why in all this anger do you fill
Me up with love, fill me love love love
Love love love