A Look at a Willie Nelson Christmas Song

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, one of the things I've started to look forward to in my old age is the onslaught of Christmas music. I like a good classic Christmas song. My favorite is Johnny Cash's version of "Little Drummer Boy". My second favorite is a Willie Nelson song.

For years, I heard the song on radio and record players but I never really took the time to actually listen to all the words of Willie's "Pretty Paper" until a few years ago. I never realized it was a song about a homeless man. He sits alone on a side walk during all the buzzing of Christmas shopping hoping for a little kindness. Today, this is a song that makes me stop and think.

Now through Thanksgiving and Christmas is the time of year when we seem to be more aware of those less fortunate than ourselves. It only takes a kind word or a small gift to make a difference.  When I hear Willie's song again this year, I'll be reminded to be truly thankful for what God had blessed me with.

If you've never "heard" all the words to this song, read over them then give it a go with the video below. It may add a couple thing you're thankful for this year.

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write I love you
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him
Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh
There he sits all alone on the sidewalk
Hoping that you won't pass him by
Should you stop?, better not, much too busy
You're in a hurry, my how time does fly
In the distance the ringing of laughter
And in the midst of the laughter he cries
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write I love you
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue