The second line of the Judy Garland song from "Meet Me in St. Louis" is so familiar that even the Maestro seldom thinks that it was not originally intended to be there. In fact, the line that it replaced was rather grim, and upset Judy. Do you know what would have been there if not supplanted by "Let your heart be light"?

The sort of morbid second line may have been: "It may be your last..." No wonder that Judy had the line changed.

Bravo, Jolly St. Nick, Bravo.
In the context of the story the line would have been appropriate. But, as originally set down, the lyrical woe continued. Imagine:
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
It may be your last.
Next year we will all be living in the past."
We should be eternally grateful to the person who was on hand at the peak of the dispute and suggested the change to "Let your heart be light."
Can anyone name this likeable, but unlikely, rescuer?

Here's a clue to the person who suggested "Let your heart be light." Think proximity. Think nearby. Think neighbor.

Longshot.... Vincent Minelli???

A most logical guess, Jinglebob. But Minelli was not present at that moment. Continue to think nearness, however, as in neighbor. But think fictional neighbor.

Think neighbor. Fictional neighbor. Next door neighbor. Male. Eligible male. And so on.

Tom Drake?

You have it, jadm. The lyric saver was actor Tom Drake, whose character was the subject of a second perennial from "Meet Me is St. Louis." A performer other than Judy (and Tom) brought about another adjustment to the lyrics that still is heard in some presentations. A bit uncomfortable about the "...until then we'll have to muddle through somehow" line, the performer asked one of composers to make a change. The result was "Hang a shining star upon the highest bow." What male singer asked for that change, for a 1957 Christmas album?

I think it was-- Bing Crosby?

Jerry, Bing is perhaps a more logical candidate than the the rival singer who actually did ask for the change. Would you, or someone else, like to give it another go?(It was not Jim Belmont.)

Frank Sinatra. Merry Christmas. Smiley

Frank Sinatra it is! Thank you KanSmiley and all the others who enriched this holiday thread. The Maestro wishes everyone of you the happiest of Christmases.

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