Music Monday: Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, ‘Another Christmas in L.A.’

Blogging, family, happiness, lessons learned, music, passion 2 Minutes

It’s like deja vu all over again.

This will be the seventh year in a row that I have featured this song as part of my Christmas music blog posts.

And no, it’s not Santa Clause Is Coming to Town by Bruce Springsteen.

The song is Another Christmas in L.A. by The Killers.

I think one of the reasons I like this song is that at first glance it’s not your typical upbeat, happy holiday song. But when I reflect a bit more on it, to me it’s a wonderful song about hope and pursuing your passion. I also figured I’d share it here because you’re not likely to hear it playing on your local Christmas radio station; this might be your only chance to hear this song this season.

Here’s the video; you can read what I wrote last year about it after the video. Watching it again this year almost brought me to tears, again. I was also thinking an update to the song could be titled Another Christmas with COVID…

Here’s what I wrote about the song last year; note that it starts with a reference to what I wrote about the song five years prior to that. I just don’t think I can add anything more about the song that I haven’t already written.

Here’s what I wrote five years ago about the song, which was released in 2013:

Christmas in L.A. – one of my favorites, the video features Owen Wilson. Dawes co-write and also performed on the track. Great animation. While it may be considered somewhat depressing, it could also be viewed as a tribute to those who follow their dreams, despite the cost.

That was an excerpt from a post about the band The Killers, who released a Christmas song every year from 2006-2016. I wrote a post in 2018 that includes all 11 songs. The profits from the Christmas record go to support the Product RED campaign to end AIDS.

Here’s some information about this song from Wikipedia:

The song was written by Brandon Flowers and Mark Stoermer of The Killers and Taylor Goldsmith from Dawes. Irving Berlin also has a writing credit due to the song featuring lyrics from “White Christmas”. The music video for the song was unveiled on December 1, 2013. The video features actor Owen Wilson portraying a struggling actor in Los Angeles at Christmastime. Actor Harry Dean Stanton also appears as a voice of reason. The music video was directed by Kelly Loosli and filmed and animated by students and alumni from Brigham Young University.

There’s also a subtle reference to Warren Zevon’s song Carmelita, along with an animated cameo of Zevon at the 2:32 mark.

I remember the first time I heard the song I must have played it five times in a row.

I really can’t put my finger on exactly what moves me so much about the song. The singing, lyrics, music, and video all combine to create a beautiful work of art.

But if I had to pick one thing that makes this one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs it’s just the overall message of not giving up on your dream, even if it means time away from your family and friends during the holiday season.

I know several of you commented on the song last year. If you remember doing so, no need to do so again!

*image of Rodeo Drive from Elle Decor

Published by Jim Borden

A 60-something guy trying to figure out the world, and his place in it. Happily married for 40-plus years, three wonderful sons. Accounting teacher, fitness enthusiast, blogger, reader.

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41 thoughts on “Music Monday: Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, and Another, ‘Another Christmas in L.A.’”

  1. Sounds like this song really strikes a chord with you. I’ve heard that Owen Wilson has fought a lifelong battle against depression. To find success at acting, even while fighting depression must have been pretty daunting for him.

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  2. I’m pretty sure I commented last year, but I’m still here since I can’t remember for sure. I do like this song. I’m a fan of anyone who rides their dream out.

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  7. What a beautiful song. Thank you, Jim, for sharing, as I had not heard it before. ‘Hats off’ to anyone following their dream. Hugs to you all. Xx

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  9. I love this song, and I think it is the best of all of the Killers’ Christmas offerings – probably because the Dawes influence is so strong! I’ve never featured it in my selections – I always go for the more upbeat vibe of The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball. Maybe I should reconsider…

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  11. Good song. I’m glad I took the time to watch it. I relate to it because I am in LA, but my family has moved away. But on the bright side, the beach is beautiful this time of year, and no shoveling snow.

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