Back in 1973, a rare Christmas song hit the radio that made everyone stop and listen. Most holiday tunes are about reindeer or Santa, but John Denver decided to share a story that was much heavier.
The song Please Daddy reflected the pain of an eight-year-old boy standing by a decorated tree, not looking for presents, but looking for his father to stay sober. This song first appeared on an album called Farewell Andromeda before it became a staple on his famous 1975 record, Rocky Mountain Christmas.
Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) – John Denver
Listeners today still find themselves moved to tears by this honest performance. One person mentioned that they lived through this exact story and thank John for giving them a voice. Another fan said that even though the song is sad, it feels like a warm hug for anyone who had a tough childhood.
While John Denver brought a soft touch to this difficult memory, the story of the song did not end in the ‘70s. A new version eventually came along that traded the soft folk sound for a deeper and more rugged feeling.
Alan Jackson – Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) (Official Lyric Video)
Alan Jackson took this song in 1993 and gave it a gritty soul that felt like a dusty old honky-tonk at closing time. His deep voice makes the lyrics feel like a heavy burden being carried across a snowy field. It reminded everyone that some wounds do not heal just because the calendar says it is December.
John Denver was a man who led with his heart in every single note he sang. His journey from the television specials to deep songs shows how he truly cared about people.
You should follow John Denver on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to keep his spirit alive.
What is your favorite John Denver holiday song to play when the snow starts to fall?