“If We Make it Through December”

Perhaps you remember that great Merle Haggard song, released in the fall of 1973.

Rolling Stone ranked it the 14th saddest country song of all time.

But every time I hear it, I wonder about a few things.

First, consider these two lines:

If we make it through December

Everything’s gonna be all right I know

You have to admire the optimism of the laid-off factory worker in the song. But will everything really be all right? I seriously doubt it.

Of course, we don’t really know anything about the narrator’s skill set, so it is impossible to project his job prospects.

And then there’s this, in reference to the month of December:

It’s the coldest time of winter

Is it? I suspect a check with the records would indicate that is not the case. Besides, winter doesn’t actually start until December is two-thirds over.

Finally, let’s consider:

Got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time

Maybe even California

OK, to the singer, I would say Go, with God’s speed.

If you don’t enjoy a four seasons climate, moving south makes sense. I’ll hold the door for you.

It would be better for you, and better for those tired of hearing you complain.

That said, I like the song. Don’t you?