Introduction:
In the winter of 1973, a poignant country ballad struck a chord with millions of Americans facing economic hardship. Merle Haggard, a Bakersfield outlaw known for his unconventional lyrics and working-class anthems, delivered a song that transcended the typical Christmas cheer. “If We Make It Through December” wasn’t a celebration of the season, but a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by many during a difficult time.
Released in October 1973 as the lead single for Haggard’s Christmas album, “A Christmas Present,” the song resonated deeply with audiences. Haggard, backed by his longtime band The Strangers, poured his signature baritone vocals into the story of an unemployed father grappling with the pressures of providing for his family during the holidays. The song’s producer, Ken Nelson, known for his work with Haggard on numerous acclaimed albums, ensured the melancholic beauty of the song shone through with a simple yet evocative arrangement featuring Haggard’s acoustic guitar alongside the band’s signature steel guitar and subtle backing vocals.
“If We Make It Through December” wasn’t just a seasonal hit. The song spent a dominant four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Haggard’s position as a country music icon. Its impact wasn’t limited to the country charts, however. The song’s universal themes of financial hardship and hope during challenging times resonated with a broader audience, cracking the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. By the year’s end, “If We Make It Through December” was the No. 2 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles 1974 year-end chart, a testament to its lasting impact.
The song’s success wasn’t just measured in chart positions. “If We Make It Through December” became an anthem for the working class, a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by many during economic downturns. Haggard’s lyrics, filled with poignant details like the “want ads stacked by the phone” and the plea to “hold on to what we got,” captured the desperation and resilience of those facing financial hardship. The song transcended its Christmas release, becoming a powerful ballad for anyone facing hard times and clinging to hope for a better future.