Hugh Martin has died

Maybe not a household name, but the man who wrote one of the most recognizable, and one of the most melancholy, Christmas songs of the modern age: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  An interesting story here chronicling the origins and history of the song.  I was taken by some of the original lyrics that were dropped at the insistence of Judy Garland:

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Next year we may all be living in the past...
No good times like the olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more..."

Whew.  Not exactly the Hallmark happy holiday approach.  And yet, perfectly in keeping with the overall holistic understanding of the Christmas season as it relates to the reality of our lives, and its biblical origins.  An interesting read.  R.I.P. Mr. Martin.  Your contributions are appreciated.