Story Behind The Song

Many of us can relate to this scenario - you are too busy to get out to do the Christmas shopping until Christmas eve ...but then something happens to thwart you even at this late time .. I've heard this story so often from friends and neighbours, that I decided to take a run at a song, and I though the blues was the perfect genre. Some pasl of mine on AcidPlanet.com did several versions of it, then last year, Tony Laviola and I began to work on it again, Tony came up with the music for the bridge, then Tony Quarrington got involved and arranged it, and layered in all the guitars and Mandolin. I of course (LOL) ALWAYS do my Christmas shopping WAAAAAAAY early, and so avoid this scenario. (NOT)

Song Description

This is the story of the last-minute Christmas shopper. Always too busy to get out to do the Christmas shopping until Christmas eve .. Unfortunately, an overnight snow storm blocks the driveway and the car, making it impossible to get out and make the stores before closing time. So, feeling sorry for themselves, they decide to grab some eggnog and some booze and just sit it out while moping out the window and wishing the snow would just go away..

Lyrics

I woke up this morning
It is Christmas Eve
I had not been shopping ...
I needed a reprieve

I have a list all made up
Of things I have to get
The major problem seems to be
I aint been shopping yet ..

I have a list all made up
Of things I have to get
The major problem seems to be
I aint been shopping yet ..


A gift card for the postman
And for the milkman too
I realize it aint perfect
but it will have to do

a lipstick for my sister
An Ipod for mon frere
a headscarf for my mother
And a sweater for mon pere ....

a lipstick for my sister
An Ipod for mon frere
a headscarf for my mother
And a sweater for mon pere ....
-------------

Bridge

Don't forget the turkey
Don't forget the lime
Dont forget the stuffing
And don't forget the wine

Put brandy in the pudding
Lights upon the tree
Hang the garland on the door
And don't you forget me

------------

I think I got it figured
I if I rush I'll be okay
so grab the list and out the door
Oh Darn, I'll need a sleigh

Last night while I was sleeping
We got 2 foot of snow
My car is buried in a drift
So shopping's a no go

Last night while I was sleeping
We got 2 foot of snow
My car is buried in a drift
So shopping's a no go

I realize this is hopeless
What am I gonna do?
I'm a Christmas shopping failure
It makes me very blue

So I'm gonna drink some eggnog
Lace it with some Rye
While staring at the snow- drift
I'll hang my head and cry

So I'm gonna drink some eggnog
Lace it with some Rye
While staring at the snow- drift
'll hang my head and cry

12 bar Guitar solo

I realize this is hopeless
I can never live it down
I'm a Christmas shopping failure
Nothing but a sad old clown

My last hope is the Man in Red
On his Christmas sleigh
I'm hoping he will bail me out
And help to save the day

My last hope is the Man in Red
On his Christmas sleigh
I'm hoping he will bail me out
And help to save the day

I woke up this morning
It is Christmas Eve
I have not been shopping ...
and now there's no reprieve

I have a list all made up
Of things I have to get
The major problem seems to be
I aint been shopping yet ..

I have a list all made up
Of things I have to get
The major problem seems to be
I aint been shopping yet ..