For those of us who spent our formative years anywhere between the mid-1970s and the late 1980s, the Muppets weren’t just television characters; they were a cultural phenomenon. They were vibrant, hilarious, and, perhaps surprisingly, deeply emotional. Right alongside memories of laughter and zany antics sits the nostalgic warmth of John Denver & The Muppets: A Christmas Together, an album that, for many, simply is ‘The Muppets Christmas album.’ Even as we grow older, and our appreciation for music deepens, the magic of this collaboration, and particularly the artistry of John Denver, only becomes more apparent.
Album cover John Denver and the Muppets A Christmas Together featuring John Denver and Muppet characters in a festive Christmas scene, promoting their classic holiday album
While the Muppets brought their signature playful energy to the record, revisiting it as an adult reveals the profound impact of John Denver’s musicality. Tracks like ‘A Baby Just Like You’ resonate with a depth that transcends typical holiday fare. Originally written for his son, the song is imbued with a father’s tender emotions, evoking a powerful blend of nostalgia, love, and a poignant awareness of life’s fleeting nature. The lyrics, especially, capture this bittersweet sentiment:
The Christmastime when I was young
The magic and the wonder
But colors dull and candles dim
And dark my standing underOh little angel, shining light
You’ve set my soul to dreaming
You’ve given back my joy in life
You’ve filled me with new meaning
This melancholic beauty permeates the entire album. It’s not a purely cheerful Christmas album in the conventional sense. Instead, it offers a more nuanced and mature perspective on the holiday season, tinged with a gentle seriousness, yet consistently underpinned by a hopeful spirit. It’s this surprising maturity that sets John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together apart from many other Christmas albums, particularly those aimed at families.
Of course, the Muppets do bring the fun. Their boisterous rendition of ‘Little Saint Nick’ remains a definitive version, with Animal’s signature exuberance amplifying the festive spirit. However, as time passes, it’s the songs where John Denver’s voice takes center stage, or where the Muppets provide a more subtle accompaniment, that truly capture the heart.
And when it comes to heart, Kermit the Frog’s solo performance on ‘The Christmas Wish’ is undeniably the emotional core of the album. Backed gently by the Muppets, Kermit’s slightly wavering yet determined voice delivers a message of hope and inner belief that resonates deeply. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Kermit, the earnest frog who has captured hearts for generations.
Even though I never saw a Christmas star
I know there is a light I have felt it burn inside
It might seem unusual to be so moved by a puppet’s song, but Kermit’s sincerity, brought to life by his puppeteer, transcends the felt and fabric. The simple yet profound message of ‘The Christmas Wish’ and the heartfelt delivery make it a truly affecting moment on the album.
Listening to this album also inevitably brings a touch of sadness, a reminder of John Denver’s untimely passing. His tragic death adds another layer of poignancy to songs originally imbued with themes of family and the passage of time. Knowing that ‘A Baby Just Like You’ was written for his son Zachary makes one ponder the enduring legacy of a father’s love and hopes for his children. It prompts reflection on our own legacies and how we will be remembered.
Perhaps John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together isn’t everyone’s quintessential Christmas album. Perhaps a certain generation, raised on the Muppets’ unique brand of charm, holds it particularly dear. But regardless of personal history, the album’s blend of beautiful, stirring music and the whimsical magic of the Muppets creates something truly special. In a world often marked by cynicism, the world-weary hope that permeates this album is a welcome and comforting presence.
In closing, let’s echo the simple yet profound wish from Kermit the Frog in The Christmas Wish:
I would like to say a simple prayer
That at this special time you will have true peace of mind
And joy to last throughout the coming year
Merry Christmas, and may the gentle magic of John Denver And The Muppets fill your holiday season.
