Fairy Lights

Surprise! The label I'm a part of, Revanche Records, releases a Christmas album every year. Last year I recorded a version of "Have yourself a merry little Christmas", in duet with label companion Timo de Jong. This year our label boss Marlous asked us if someone felt like writing their own Christmas song. I thought that really wasn't something for me. But after listening to Christmas classics all summer I wanted to have tried it at least once.

I sat down with my guitar and started with the line "It's Christmas time." And then it became something completely different from what I had started out with. I had planned to write something cheerful about how wonderful it is to be together. But all I could think about was all the people we've lost, who won't be there at the Christmas table this year. It can be so painful to have to put on a brave face and pretend to be cheerful. I really hope this year we can talk about the things that are painful.

Many, many thanks to all the people who have helped me put this song into the world: Marlous for planting the seed. Carlos for telling me it was beautiful even in its initial state. And Janos Koolen for making it sound so good.

Here is Fairy Lights! https://revancherecords.co/sj-fairylights