When I hear the name Judy Garland, two songs come to mind: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Many versions of both songs have been done but none supersede Judy’s versions. Especially “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

This song was written in 1943 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 musical film “Meet Me in St. Louis”, which of course stars Judy Garland. There’s a scene in the film where the family is getting ready to move to New York from St. Louis and Esther, Judy’s character, sings the song to her distraught sister Tootie, played by Margaret O’Brien to brighten her spirits.

AFI ranks it at number 76 out of 100 top songs in North American cinema.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad version of this song but Judy’s is special because it’s the only one that has made me cry. Maybe it’s because I recall the scene from the film when I hear it and how sad that seems to me or maybe it’s just the song itself.