“You can only listen to so many versions of traditional holiday songs before you get a little tired of them,” says Willets in a press release. “I’ve always had a soft spot for original holiday songs, and I felt like it was my turn to give it a try. I also wanted to say something more than just, ‘Happy holidays!’ with this song.”
Willets sings, “Everyone put your guns away for the holidays/And celebrate with peace” over a melody that he admits owes a musical debt to the Elvis Costello & the Attractions rendition of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding.”
“The guns I’m talking about are the literal ones,” says Willets, “as well as the figurative ones. The holidays are the time of year where being kind to each other can mean so much more.”
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This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2019.
