Story Behind The Song
Inspired by the resilience of everyday people, especially in the NY/NJ areas during the Occupy Wall Street movement, and even more so in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Sort of an "Occupy Xmas" song.
Song Description
A song of resilience and determination of everyday people in the face of hardship. A mid tempo folk rock song with Dickensian and Seussian holiday references- sort of an "Occupy Xmas" song. Takes place in NYC, Detroit, and DC over the course of a snowy holiday night.
| Song Length |
4:00 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Folk - Americana |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Engaging, Outraged |
Subject |
Holidays , Protest |
| Similar Artists |
Neko Case, Natalie Merchant |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Light the Tree Lights
(S. Milonovich, ASCAP c. 2012)
There's a cold wind off the harbor, and all the bars are full
The snow is piling up on the bronze back of the bull
And even the sirens seem so far away and quiet
As close as you can get down here to "silent night"
There's silence on the sidewalk beneath the window of the boss
Whose heart is only big enough to hold profit and loss
The unemployed of Whoville got tired of hanging round
Waiting for the goodwill to finally trickle down
And all I want to say as December blows away:
Let the cold wind blow, let the markets go
We'll keep each other warm through the rain and snow
Light the treelights until spring's in sight
Let the new year find us still keeping up the good fight
There's a plywood-decorated window telling us the tale
Of the factories and families judged small enough to fail
Now the Ghost of Christmas Past is the only present soul
And the hell that's being wrought right here is starting to freeze over
And all I want to say as the winter blows away:
Let the cold wind blow, let the Rust Belt roll
We'll rally back together through the rain and snow
Light the porchlights, drive away the night
Let the new year find us in union with the good fight
(Inst. Bridge)
There's a warm glow in the tavern though it's starting to get late
The rain is washing idol hands and marble heads of state
Whiskey fumes and cigar smoke so happy to ignore
The clank of Jacob Marley's chains and knocking at the door
And all I want to say that the winds of change are here to stay:
Let the cold wind blow, let the lies unfold
We'll keep ourselves going through the rain and snow
Light the bonfires, keep the banners high
Let the new year find us making things right