“Blue Christmas” is a Christmas song written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson. The heart-broken tale of unrequited love during the holidays had long been considered a Christmas staple of country music, having been recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1948. In 1957, Elvis Presley effectively made “Blue Christmas” a steadfast rock-and-roll holiday classic by recording it in his signature style. The song has since been recorded by a host of rock and country artists alike, as well as those of other genres. The song was also featured in the children’s Christmas special, The Year Without a Santa Claus. More recently, the song has been covered by Céline Dion as well as the indie band Bright Eyes and Billy Idol in his 2006 Christmas album Happy Holidays.
Elvis Presley’s famous recording of the song appeared on his 1957 LP Elvis’ Christmas Album. It was also released as a single. Ernest Tubb’s version of the song included an extra verse not used by Elvis’ later version.
In 2009, Elvis’ version was used in a TV commercial for Verizon Wireless.
Lyrics
I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me
And when those blue snowflakes start falling
That’s when those blue memories start calling
You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas
(Instrumental Break)
You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white,
But I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas