Alan Jackson – Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)

Introduction:

“Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” is a poignant country song that captures the somber side of the holiday season, dealing with themes of alcoholism and its impact on families. The song was originally written and released by John Denver in 1973 on his album Farewell Andromeda. However, the version by Alan Jackson came out many years later and offered a fresh take on this holiday classic. Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” was released in 1993 as part of his holiday album, Honky Tonk Christmas. The album features a mix of traditional Christmas songs and original tracks, all rendered in Jackson’s signature blend of classic country and honky-tonk style.

Jackson’s version of the song stays true to the country genre, with traditional instrumentation that includes acoustic guitars, steel guitars, and a soft rhythm section. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The narrative is told from the perspective of a child pleading with their father not to drink during Christmas, a theme that resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar situations. While the song deals with a serious subject, Jackson’s smooth and heartfelt delivery brings a sense of authenticity and emotion to the track, which helps it stand out in his catalog.

Honky Tonk Christmas was a commercially successful album, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 42 on the Billboard 200, which tracks all-genre album sales. While the album itself was not a blockbuster in terms of chart-topping singles, it was praised for its traditional country sound and Jackson’s honest, straightforward approach to holiday music. “Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” did not become a major hit as a single, but it became a notable part of Jackson’s holiday repertoire and is often included in discussions of unconventional or emotionally charged Christmas songs.

The song has become a somewhat under-the-radar classic during the holiday season, particularly among country music fans. Its themes of familial struggle and emotional hardship around what is typically a joyous time of year provide a counterpoint to more festive and lighthearted holiday music. Alan Jackson’s decision to cover this song demonstrates his willingness to explore deeper, more complex emotions, even in the context of a Christmas album. This has helped to solidify his reputation as one of the most sincere and relatable voices in contemporary country music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)”