Tanner Usrey is laying down a Christmas song.
Or his version of a Christmas song, as the Texas native dropped a rockin’ holiday-inspired track today, “26th Of Christmas.”
“New songs out just in time for y’all’s seasonal depression. Hope y’all dig it!”
New songs out just in time for y’all’s seasonal depression 😬
Hope y’all dig it! pic.twitter.com/lpPliQK6WY
— TannerUsrey (@TUsreymusic) December 3, 2024
While most holiday songs are jolly and bright, this year, we’ve seen a trend with artists writing about real feelings associated with the holidays, some of which are not that merry. Blackberry Smoke previously released “Come Go With Us,” in which Charlie Starr recalls conversations with long-lost family members. The song is not joyful holiday memories like those Riley Green sings of in “Christmas To Me.”
Tanner Usrey has penned a brutally honest song about what the holidays look like for some folks. The Prosper, Texas native has a way with words and outlines that for some families, it’s not always merry and bright around the holiday season. The melody has a Trans-Siberian Orchestra feel as the chimes of Christmas bells are met with a rock and roll base.
The lyrics detail a broken family that was missing family members, left with bills to pay at the end of the holiday season, and questioning how to make it all work while keeping food on the table. While they put on an act while they have company over, making it seem like they have it all figured out, as soon as the last guest is out of the door, the curtain comes down, and the harsh reality of their situation sets in.
“Johnny couldn’t make it so mama’s been crying
Things ain’t been right since daddy died
Food on the table was all we had left
My nerves are all fried and my head’s all a mess
It’s the twenty-sixth of December, oh what am I gonna do
There’s no cash in the bank, there’s no gas in the tank
The bills on the table are due
It’s the twenty-sixth, twenty-sixth, twenty-sixth of December…”
Usrey’s vocals are spot on, as they always are, and he conveys that these are feelings he has experienced. You can hear the pain in his voice as he sings the tale of trying to figure out how to help his family best and how to get back on their feet.
It’s a sad reality of the holidays that it’s not always joyful for some families.
While this is not your traditional Christmas song, it is another stellar showcase of Tanner Usrey’s talent. If you aren’t already listening to him, now is the time to tune in.
Fire it up.