by Chris Bodenner
A reader writes:
Laura Nyro's "Christmas in My Soul" is the most depressing Christmas song. Written about the the Vietnam War, the Civil Right Era, the poisonous politics of those times, and it is just as relevant today, although and perhaps because it contains a call for peace, tolerance and hope.
Lyrics after the jump:
I love my country as it dies
In war and pain before my eyes
I walk the streets where disrespect has been
The sins of politics, the politics of sin
The heartlessness that darkens my soul
On Christmas.
Red and silver on the leaves
Fallen white snow runs softly through the trees
Madonnas weep for wars of hell
They blow out the candles and haunt Noel
The missing love that rings through the world
On Christmas.
Black panther brothers bound in jail
Chicago seven and the justice scale
Homeless Indian of Manhattan Isle
All God's sons have gone to trial
And all God's love is out of style
On Christmas.
Now the time has come to fight
laws in the book of love burn bright
people you must win for thee America
her dignity
for all the high court world to see
on christmas
Christmas in my soul
Christmas in my soul
Christmas in my soul.
Come young braves
Come young children
Christmas in my soul
Christmas
in my soul
Joy
to this world.
The Dish 