Merle Haggard, a name synonymous with outlaw country and a voice that echoed the struggles of the working class, solidified his place in country music history with his poignant and deeply resonant song, “If We Make It Through December.” Haggard, born in 1937 and passing in 2016, was a prolific songwriter and performer, earning him numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards. He dominated the country music charts throughout the 1960s, 70s, and beyond, racking up dozens of number-one hits and solidifying his legend.
Released in 1973, “If We Make It Through December” quickly became a defining song of the era, capturing the anxieties and hardships faced by blue-collar families struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. The song tells the story of a factory worker who is laid off just before Christmas, leaving him filled with despair about providing for his wife and daughter. Its simple, heartfelt lyrics resonate with themes of economic hardship, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the universal desire to provide for loved ones.
The song’s power lies in its unflinching portrayal of everyday struggles. Haggard’s honest and relatable lyrics, combined with his melancholic delivery, resonated deeply with audiences who were experiencing similar challenges in their own lives. “If We Make It Through December” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to the pop charts. Beyond its commercial success, the song struck a chord with listeners, who praised its authenticity and its ability to voice the anxieties of the working class during a time of economic uncertainty. It became an anthem for those facing hard times, offering solace and understanding through its shared experience of hardship. Even decades later, the song continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring struggles faced by many and the importance of empathy and compassion.
