I am a MAJOR fan of both Christmas and O. Henry [William Sydney Porter September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910] so of course I love the story GIFT OF THE MAGI, first published in the Dec. 21, 1905 edition of the New York World Sunday Magazine. It is doubtless Bill Porter's most famous, if not his best, short story, which is actually fitting, as it's twin themes of sacrificial love and loyalty are staples of the great man's legacy.
I also like the unique Big Band revival group THE SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS, and so I was delighted to find that they had set the tale to music for their Christmas album. Gotta love songs that tell stories!
My heart is sad, my soul is weary
Though Christmas day is fast appear
I have no silver I have no gold
To buy my wife a gift this year
To see her sad on Christmas morning
Is a thing I cannot bear
I'll pawn the watch my father gave me
To buy a comb for her hair
Oh Mother, Mother what shall I do?
Though Christmas day is fast appear
I have no silver, I have no gold
To buy my love a gift this year
For I am poor and I'm a beggar
Not a cent have I, no dime I claim
I'll trade the golden hair that is our pleasure
Buy for your watch a golden chain
Darling, darling today is Christmas
What has become of your golden hair?
For I've traded our only treasure
These silver combs for you to wear
Darling, darling we've lost our treasure
My gift to you is a golden chain
Though we've pawned away our only pleasures
These gifts we give are not in vain
The wise men came on Christmas morning
Their gifts of love they came to bear
From that day on always remembered
Our own true love forever share
PEACE
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