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
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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I sometimes wonder when I watch the video if I was meant to do something else.
I was not aware of Owen Wilson’s battles against depression…
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I think that’s called “manque.” That’s when you feel frustrated because you think you may not have fulfilled all of your talents or ambitions.
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I was not aware of such a word, but that is a perfect description of the feeling I sometimes have. and this song just reinforces it…
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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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I agree; I think that is part of the appeal…
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It’s a beautiful song that is the opposite of a christmas song. Loneliness and longing in place where dreams are made for other people. Thanks for sharing it again!
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glad you enjoyed it!
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I loved this one, Jim and you are the one who introduced me to it last year – thank you
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glad you enjoyed it, Beth!
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I am sure a commented last year, but I do so love the sound of my own voice! Great post, again!
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thanks, Brad! I like the sound of your voice as well 🙂
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I missed this one last year, Jim. Pleased to have caught up on it this year.
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thanks, Norah; glad you liked it!
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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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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jane. And that is my perspective, it’s a song about someone chasing his dream…
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I never heard this song before. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Staci!
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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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I like most of the Killers’ Christmas songs, but this is also my favorite…
you had given me more background on Dawes last year, who I was not familiar with at all…
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I don’t remember doing that! To be honest, I prefer Dawes, and Taylor Goldsmith’s influence is very clear on this one.
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you had noted that this seemed like part two to a Dawes song – Time Spent in L.A. you also gave me a link to the wonderful song All Your Favourite Bands…
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Good to know I was on the ball!
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as always!
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It sounds like the Killers have some experience with Christmas in LA. There is a much about the song that is universal. You could even call it “Another Christmas in Topeka,” except it wouldn’t fir the movie.
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good point, John. the message of hope in the song is universal. But L.A. seemed like a good choice for the setting…
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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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I can see how you would relate to it. and I can see the appeal of no snow shoveling as well. Happy holidays…
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Uplifting message in the song lyrics that some people need to experience this time of year (or any time).
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good point, Richard. It’s the message of hope could be particularly helpful this time of year…
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Oh, my…I’ve never heard this one before. Touching, sad, hopeful, thought-provoking. It’s beautiful, and the video is so well done!
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I am happy you liked it, Becky. You hit on all the things that made me like the song as well…
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I hadn’t heard this one! Thanks, Jim. It’s a poignant video as well.
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it gets to me every time I watch it…
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Thank you, Jim! Many of us are far from family. There is always a bright light.
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And there’s always a good book to read.
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Yes!!
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Tonight I dream…Tomorrow I do! is the tagline on my blog… I can relate to this on so many levels and I loved it!
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what a great tagline…
I’m glad you enjoyed it Carol!
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I suppose it had to be that tagline for me anyway …lol as for the music…I did indeed!
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👍
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