Christmas means many different things to different people. “Dive Bar Christmas” by folk-pop act Blue Monkey is a song for the lonely-hearted, for all those who don’t have anyone to spend their holidays with, for those who won’t be spending the day with a traditional family. The song celebrates creating new traditions and finding a new ‘family’ for Christmas. Songwriter Charlee Remitz delivers her powerful lyrics like a stream of consciousness and it’s ultimately uplifting as we’re encouraged to find joy with new people: “Come one come all // I know it doesn’t feel like Christmas // Without a family // But you can make one here // So, don’t be shy my dear // ‘Cause everybody at this bar knows how you’re feeling // Like you have nothing // But there are lonely hearts here who will buy you a beer // There are other lonely hearts here // Who are interesting and brilliant // So, come as you are // So, come as you are // So, come as you are to the dive bar.”
Remitz’s voice is beautifully melodic, buoyed by uplifting folk-pop instrumentation and rhythms that make you want to move – these are joyful, Christmas sounds that bring hope to the bittersweet lyrics.
The video was shot in Nashville’s Santa’s Pub, the perfect dive bar to find a new ‘holiday family’. Shot by Hunni Baby Creative in association with Sayyo Production and Ives Albert, it’s a visual delight – spreading some much-needed Christmas cheer and reinforcing the song’s story. As the ‘holiday support group’ find comfort in one another’s company, sharing stories and belting out the words to “Dive Bar Christmas”, we’re reminded that the message of Christmas is about who we spend it with.
Through the new persona Blue Monkey, Remitz has released a series of songs that blend genres and instrumentation freely, combining synths and banjo, pop-hook melodies and folk. It’s artful, joyous and fresh. Check out “Dive Bar Christmas” – a new one for your holiday playlist.
