Jim Reeves - An Old Christmas Card Lyrics
Lyrics
(Horton)
(It's a memory of an old Christmas card)
There's an old Christmas card in an old dusty trunk
And it brings back sweet mem'ries dear to me
'Tho it's faded and worn, it's as precious as the morn
When I found it 'neath our first Christmas tree.
Chorus:
I thrill with every word, every line
Guess I'm always sentimental 'round this time
Pardon me if a tear falls among my Christmas cheer
It's the mem'ry of an old Christmas card.
Spoken:
You know, I don't know why
I get to feeling sentimental
About this time, every year.
But every time I see a Christmas card,
I somehow can't help reminiscing.
About the very first Christmas
that you and I spent together.
What a beautiful Christmas card
you gave me that year.
Why, I know you must have looked
through thousands of cards to find
that wonderful poem
that still brings a tear to my eyes.
Chorus:
I thrill with every word, every line
Guess I'm always sentimental 'round this time
Pardon me if a tear falls among my Christmas cheer
It's the mem'ry of an old Christmas card...
Video
Jim Reeves - An Old Christmas Card
Meaning & Inspiration
Jim Reeves' classic recording, "An Old Christmas Card," captures the essence of holiday nostalgia through a tender, reflective narrative. The song opens with the simple image of a faded card discovered in an old trunk, immediately establishing a connection between a physical object and potent past memories. This everyday item becomes a powerful trigger, transporting the listener back to a significant moment in time, emphasizing how seemingly small things can hold immense emotional weight and history. The finding of the card beneath a first Christmas tree sets the stage for a deeply personal recollection, anchoring the sentimentality to a specific, foundational memory of shared love.
The heart of the song lies in the emotional response the card evokes. The lyrics speak of thrilling at every word, every line, acknowledging a penchant for sentimentality during the Christmas season. The spoken interlude adds a layer of intimacy, as if the singer is directly confiding in the listener or the person the card was from, reflecting on why this time of year brings such strong feelings. This section specifically highlights the memory of the very first Christmas spent together, recalling the effort put into finding a beautiful card with a wonderful poem. The admission of a tear falling among the Christmas cheer underscores the depth of emotion tied to this memory, portraying nostalgia not just as a pleasant reminiscence but as an experience capable of bringing both joy and a touch of wistfulness.
Released on Jim Reeves' 1963 album "Twelve Songs of Christmas," "An Old Christmas Card" was composed by Leon Payne. The song perfectly fits within Reeves' signature style, often referred to as the "Nashville Sound," characterized by smooth vocals, orchestral arrangements, and poignant, relatable themes. Reeves' warm, gentle delivery enhances the song's sentimental nature, making the listener feel the sincerity and depth of the emotions described. The song's place in the classic country and Christmas music canon is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, evoking their own memories of cherished holidays and loved ones.
"An Old Christmas Card" resonates deeply because it taps into universal feelings about memory, enduring love, and the significance of shared experiences, especially during the emotionally charged holiday season. It serves as an inspirational reminder that the most valuable "gifts" are often the memories we create and the sentiments we share. The song suggests that even a worn, faded object can be a vessel for powerful, lasting connections and a source of comfort and emotional richness years later. It beautifully portrays how looking back can add depth and perspective to present-day celebrations, affirming the enduring impact of heartfelt gestures and the precious nature of the past held close.