Christmas Shoes: Good song or it stinks because it is hopelessly contrived.

[RBrooksC]

I would do this as a poll but I have no clue how to do that and don't feel like learning. So I will do it as a question and everybody can post as they will.

If I don't hear that song for the rest of my life I would be happy. Christmas Shoes is a so contrived on how it tries to illicit emotions. Emotions from a song should be organic. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is such a song because it was the feelings of the WW2 troops when the song was produced.

[Granny Jill A]

I agree with you. I turn the radio off each time it comes on. It ranks right down there with Teen Angel from my era.

[BigRedDad]

Once a season is OK. After once, my ears start to bleed. I compare this to the St Jude's mailers that have a picture of a child with a terminal illness. Then in big letters, they say "Thank God this is not your child" or something to that affect to get you to donate money. I sent a letter to them that if I receive advertisements for donations like this, it goes straight to the trash. unfortunately for those kids because of St Jude's advertising, my money goes elsewhere now.

[SBETigg]

What is this song? I've never heard it or heard of it. I'll go look it up.

[Melanie]

What is this song? I've never heard it or heard of it. I'll go look it up.

I don't know what it is either. Maybe I'd know it if I heard it? :shrug:

[mickey&missy]

Oh good!! I thought I was the only person in the world that doesn't like this song!! I turn it off as well. Didn't they make a TV movie out of it?

[chrisb26]

I think it is a kind of a sad song which is why I don't like to listen to it lol

For those of you who haven't heard it before it is about this boy who is trying to buy shoes for his mom. The guy behind the kid in line is the one that is actually singing. The boy doesn't have enough money to buy the shoes for his mom who is dying and he wants to buy them for her before she passes away. The boy has an effect on the man behind him and he buys the shoes for the boy.

[sleepingbooty]

I know! Isn't that the most contrived, manipulative song in the world? I can totally see the team of writers in their boardroom in Nashville one-upping each other with made up sob stories to turn into a Christmas hit. I don't believe for a second that someone actually witnessed the scene described in the song and was moved to write about it.

[PirateLover]

I first heard this song back when I was in high school. A local radio show would give needy families gifts for Christmas and then they'd play this song. Back then I thought it was so cheesy. Sometime a few years ago though that changed. I cannot make it through this song without bawling. Is it contrived? Sure. But it has a good message.

For those who don't know it here are the lyrics:
It was almost Christmas time,
There I stood in another line
Trying to buy that last gift or two,
Not really in the Christmas mood.
Standing right in front of me
Was a little boy waiting anxiously,
Pacing round like little boys do,
And in his hands, he held a pair of shoes.
And his clothes were worn and old.
He was dirty from head to toe,
And when it came his time to pay,
I couldn't believe what I heard him say.

Chorus:

Sir, I wanna buy these shoes for my momma please.
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size.
Could you hurry, Sir?
Daddy says there's not much time.
You see, she's been sick for quite a while;
Know these shoes will make her smile.
Want her to look beautiful if Momma meets Jesus tonight.


He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said There's not enough here.
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me.
He said "Momma made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without.
Tell me, Sir, what am I gonna do?
Somehow I've got to buy these Christmas shoes!"
So I laid the money down;
I just had to help him out.
And Ill never forget the look on his face
When he said "Mommas gonna look so great!"

Chorus

I knew that I got a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out.
I knew that God had sent that little boy to remind me
What Christmas is all about.

Chorus in childrens' voices

Young boy:
I want her to look beautiful
If Momma meets Jesus tonight.

Wow just reading that made my eyes well up! I'm such a sap. The kicker is the very last line being sung by a little kid. They also made a TV movie about the song. I watched it with my mom a few years ago. Lots of crying. ;)

[Marker]

"hopelessly contrived", sure, I suppose it is. But couldn't that apply to many tear-jerking song, or movie, or book. They tell a story. Sometimes they relate a story that is based on a real life experience, and sometimes it's a story dreamed up in the writers head. Either way, they tell a story that elicits emotion.

While this song is not in my top 10 play list, or even top 1000, it does tell a story, and tells it quite effectively.

"contrived", sure. But in my opinion done well. After all, it caught my ear, and triggered an emotion in me. By the way, a movie has 2 hours or so to tell a story, a book has hundreds of pages, but a song only has 2.5 minutes or so, an must work in some sort of hook to catch the ear.

[DaisyGirl]

I listened to about 30 seconds of it. I expected to see the Fruit of theLoom guys in the background and hear grapes cell phone go off.
I like most kinds of music, but I cant do this.

[Tinkermom]

It was so weird to see this thread today! This song came on the radio as I was driving today and I switched it off as fast as I could and thought to myself how much I dislike it! I listen to Christmas songs because they are uplifting and/or spiritual - this song is neither!

[RBrooksC]

The problem with this song being "contrived" is the point is to make you cry or feel like garbage. There is no other reason for the song to exist. It isn't like the song I mentioned as an example "I'll Be Home for Christmas." That song will make some people cry because their loved one is away or whatever. Same thing with Merry Christmas, Darling.

This song is about a boy buying shoes for his dying mom. Call me cynical but SHOES? That is the best they could come up with? That is one of the big things that smack of this being artificial.

Give me Fairytale of New York, Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, or White Christmas.

[Jeff G]

I'm not a huge fan of the song and to top it off the local radio station plays this song every few hours which is overkill, especially since we have the radio station on at work for nine hours a day.

I've heard that the song is based on a true story which if true makes a big difference on how I feel about it. To make up a story about a dying mom and a little boy would seem very contrived. If based on a real story then I can understand why someone would want to write the song and share it and makes it a little more bearable.

There is also a made for TV special based on the song starring Rob Lowe (if my memory serves). My DD made me record it last year for her and she loved it.

[MNNHFLTX]

This thread made me smile. I understand that the song is supper-saccharine sweet and contrived, but I still like to listen to it if I'm in a mood for a good cry (the song "Butterfly Kisses" has the same effect on me, which I've never understood, since I don't have any daughters, lol!) It's nice to think that we live in a world where people would reach out and help each other, especially during the holiday season.

Of course, I wouldn't want to hear the song played every day, let alone every few hours, but if I'm not in the mood for it (or any other song during the holiday season), I just change the radio station.

[Mousefever]

No, I don't like the song. My favorite Christmas tear-jerker song is by John Denver: "Please Daddy, Don't Get Drunk This Christmas."
;)

[Granny Jill A]

While we're on the subject of irritating Holiday songs.....I submit for your approval, a verse and chorus from Paul McCartney (Wings) that drives me bonkers....

The moon is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And thats enough

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Christmastime

:eek:

[citizensnoopy]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates it!

[cer]

Call me cynical but SHOES?

Well there is your whole problem. There not just shoes...they're CHRISTMAS SHOES! :D

I'll take Nat King Cole any day over Christmas Shoes...

[RBrooksC]

I grant you the McCartney and Wings song is a little weird with the lyrics but many of the Wings songs are and it is a fun Christmas Song.

I don't think this song is based on a true story. It is based on an Internet story that people claim is true. It took a life of its own with a song, a novella, and then a TV Movie of the Week.

I am so glad to see many people have the same feelings as I. The last two years I have found myself listening to XM's Holiday Traditions. It just plays Christmas Music from the 1940-1960s and for Contemporary stuff, I listen to what I have put on my iPod.

[RBrooksC]

Would you believe as soon as I got into my car this morning and checked to see what was on the all Christmas station here in Baltimore, I was accosted by this song. Nobody should be subjected to this song at 6 AM.

[Diznee4Me]

Oh, how much I hate this song!!!:sick: I used to change the channel when it comes on now I just try to drowned it out with my own lyrics which just makes the DW cringe!:D

[jrkcr]

:ditto:
I am relieved to see I am not the only one! I love Christmas songs-I listen to them year round! But there are a few(like this one) that I just can't stand!

[RBrooksC]

You know, there are many "pop" Christmas songs I could condemn. Anything by Mariah Carrey or Whitney Houston. Shoot, even Amy Grant's Grown Up Christmas List stinks. Artists have learned "Christmas songs = big $$$." So they churn out any garbage that has Christmas in the name. I mean, the song It Doesn't Have to Be that Way by Jim Croce is played each and every Christmas but it really isn't a Christmas song except it mentions it. So it is played and money is made. Now, please, I can all be for making money but please don't subject me to stuff that stinks.

[SurferStitch]

Wow! I didn't expect such harsh comments about a simple song.

I have to say, after almost losing my mom TWICE from two different ruptured brain aneurysms over a 20 year period (1985 and 2005), that song means more to me now than ever.

Sure, the writers want to make a song that gets people emotional....so what? I'm just trying to see how that's any different than any sad movie that's made. Hey, we all knew how Titanic would end, but that doesn't mean many of us didn't love it and go see it (some of us several times), just to bawl our eyes out....right?

[Mousefever]

I don't know if any of you like Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, but he just came out with a Christmas special, "The Greatest Gift of All". The songs are spoofs, which make fun of the commercialism of Christmas songs. Or the song Toby Keith sang as a guest star, about blowing up the stores that say, "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". It's all in good fun. And if you enjoy ironic comedy you would love it!

Amy

[RBrooksC]

I loved the movie Titanic. It had a big boat that sank and had lots of people screaming. It also had Leonardo DiCaprio dying so that was like a bonus. But I think the same thing about Titanic. It was a contrived emotion.

This song, like a poster said before, has all the trappings of an executive on Music Row saying, what can we use to make this song sad... a dying mom, a young sweet child, and a pair of shoes. Ok, let's couple that with a cynical man. PERFECT!

[MNNHFLTX]

Shoot, even Amy Grant's Grown Up Christmas List stinks. Artists have learned "Christmas songs = big $$$." So they churn out any garbage that has Christmas in the name.
To each their own and all, but I really like Amy Grant's "Grown up Christmas List"; in fact, I like most of the Christmas stuff she's done (both the old and new tunes). To me it's all very much in the true spirit of the season and very well done.

My other favorite (modern) Christmas albums come from Harry Connick Jr. and James Taylor. There's nary a contrived song on either album, IMO. ;)

[RBrooksC]

To each their own and all, but I really like Amy Grant's "Grown up Christmas List"; in fact, I like most of the Christmas stuff she's done (both the old and new tunes). To me it's all very much in the true spirit of the season and very well done.

My other favorite (modern) Christmas albums come from Harry Connick Jr. and James Taylor. There's nary a contrived song on either album, IMO. ;)

I agree to each his own. That is why this discussion is so lively. :)

I agree with those two Christmas CDs. My two favorites are A Charlie Brown Christmas and Elvis' If Every Day Were like Christmas Day. However, there are so many I like that are straight renditions of the songs it is hard to count.

[PirateLover]

Ok I'm sorry but I have to speak up. I love Mariah Carey's Christmas album, especially the big hit "All I Want For Christmas Is You." That song is so bouncy and catchy, it always makes me smile.
This is from the same person whose other favorite Christmas tunes consist of Frank Sinatra albums and instrumentals of What Child Is This? and The Nutcracker. Yes Christmas songs make money but there's a reason- people like them. I wouldn't really call any of them "garbage."

[NotaGeek]

MODERATOR ALERT

:offtopic:

WHOA folks! Please keep this on track. This shouldn't end up being a battle of the Christmas diddys. This thread is about 1 song, Christmas Shoes.

Threads like this can always be a bit too personal. Please remember, it's just a song, and we all have control of the both the On/Off button and the volume control.

[mickeys_princess_mom]

I am a really a Christmas girl, and I love the thought, but I hate the song.

[teambricker04]

While we're on the subject of irritating Holiday songs.....I submit for your approval, a verse and chorus from Paul McCartney (Wings) that drives me bonkers....

The moon is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And thats enough

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Christmastime

:eek:

Ha ha... that is one of my favorite Christmas songs... Should I be embarressed? uh, probably.

I can't stand "Christmas Shoes". Bluck. I think it is the fact that they have a kid singing the kid part. I also can't stand any modern version of "little drummer boy".

[brownie]

I like this song and don't mind hearing it often during the holidays.

As far as shoes being the best thing they could come up with, in the context of the story in the song, the boy's mother may never have had a nice pair of shoes. I think it's pretty thoughtful, heck, it's great the boy is out doing something for his mom.

[RedSoxFan]

I like this song too.

[ASweetLov]

I love this song!!!! It always makes me cry

[Jeff]

:sick:

[Disney Doll]

When I first saw this post I had no idea what song that was. Then, last week I heard it on my car radio. Yikes! It was too ridiculous to be sad. You would think if his momma was on her death bed he would be spending her last moments with her instead of trying to buy some shoes she probably won't wear. I'm not the sappy type so maybe that's my problem, but I thought the song was silly.

[PirateLover]

You would think if his momma was on her death bed he would be spending her last moments with her instead of trying to buy some shoes she probably won't wear.
She would wear them, on her deathbed and subsequently in her coffin. Hence the line "I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight"

[Disney Doll]

She would wear them, on her deathbed and subsequently in her coffin. Hence the line "I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight"

Yeah I understand that, but what's more important getting her shoes for her funeral or spending those last moments with her? If I'm dying shoes will be the last thing I would care about. I don't know the song just seems way too phony and overdone. I guess it's a good thing I wasn't the customer behind that kid in line. :secret: Sorry, I know it's supposed to be sad.

[caryrae]

This is the description on the Movie.


Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams star in this 2002 made-for-TV Christmas tearjerker. When a young boy learns that his mother is dying, he struggles to scrape the money together to buy her a pair of red shoes. ... In the process he changes the heart of a workaholic lawyer, who reevaluates his relationship with his estranged wife and daughter, and his own recently deceased mother. Strong acting and a well-developed script make this a holiday film worth watching.

I like the song, it sends a good message. These days Christmas is more about Santa, lights, getting gifts, ect then what it really is for.

[alphamommy]

Okay, I just heard this song for the first time. I've got tears in my eyes.

Yes, it's sappy and melodramatic, but it's still so touching. I just couldn't help but cry.

I'm sure if I heard it a lot, I'd get sick of it, but I think it's quite beautiful. Frankly, I will try not to listen to it again, just because it made me so sad.

[threeh]

:ack: contrived. sorry don't like it!!!

[NotaGeek]

Whew. Thank goodness the season is over and we won't have to worry about this song for 11 months or so... :mickey:

[Jenemmy]

..and speaking of contrived tragedies...I didn't hear "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" even once this past Christmas season!!! Dang it!!!!

[Granny Jill A]

Ha ha... that is one of my favorite Christmas songs... Should I be embarressed? uh, probably.

No need to be embarrassed if you really enjoy it :thumbsup:.

The radio stations play it way too often during the Holiday Season. I think they have a playlist of about 20 songs that rotate around the clock, and I get tired of it after the thousandth time.

I thought Christmas Shoes was sweet the first time I heard it, but repetition sort of killed my enthusiasm :D.

[mickeys_princess_mom]

Whew. Thank goodness the season is over and we won't have to worry about this song for 11 months or so... :mickey:

:high5: Hate it!