The Christmas Blues

The words

Someone alone at Christmas feels the season's cheer only deepen their sadness.

Someone spends the holidays alone and finds that everything meant to bring joy only reminds them of what is missing. The verses walk through familiar seasonal sights and sounds, the decorations, the music, the good wishes of others, and set each against the speaker's empty feeling. There is no turn toward comfort; the song simply sits with the sadness. Dylan sings it slowly and quietly, letting the bluesy mood hang over the festive setting.