My December (by Linkin Park)

Since I first heard it on the radio a few years ago, recorded as a live cut and released in roughly 2002, I found this song to be quite potent. It is a departure from the typical early Linkin Park formula, a slower song, but that does nothing to diminish the song.

What I most relate to are these lyrics:
This is my December
These are my snow covered trees
This is me pretending
This is all I need

Then, as now, it is sometimes difficult this time of year. The impending snow, the cold winds, it can all add up to produce a melancholy atmosphere for some. What strikes me this time of year (and what the lyrics above capture) that pang of loneliness that comes when I see others with someone special. Somehow, Christmas and the New Year always seem to bring this feeling about. The couple walking hand-in-hand or huddled close, fighting the cold with their collective warmth, only serves as a reminder of something that just is not a part of my life at this time of year. Most of the year, this isn't that big of a deal. But something about this time of year...makes me feel like I am, maybe, pretending.

Am I pretending that all I need is me? I don't think I am pretending at all. Need and desire/want are two different things. But I think sometimes they come oh so close to being one and the same. Cheers to those that will look at others this holiday season and wonder What if? or Wouldn't that be nice? Congratulations to those that who won't experience that feeling that you would give it all away for just a moment...

Below are the lyrics for My December:
This is my December
This is my time of the year
This is my December
This is all so clear
This is my December
This is my snow covered home
This is my December
This is me alone

And I,
Just wish that I didn't feel
Like there was something I missed
And I,
Take back all the things I said
To make you feel like that
And I,
Just wish that I didn't feel
Like there was something I missed
And I,
Take back all the things that I said to you

And I'd give it all away
Just to have somewhere to go to
Give it all away
To have someone to come home to

This is my December
These are my snow covered trees
This is me pretending
This is all I need

And I,
Just wish that I didn't feel
Like there was something I missed
And I,
Take back all the things I said
To make you feel like that
And I,
Just wish that I didn't feel
Like there was something I missed
And I,
Take back all the things that I said to you

And I'd give it all away
Just to have somewhere to go to
Give it all away
To have someone to come home to

This is my December
This is my time of the year
This is my December
This is all so clear

Give it all away
Just to have somewhere to go to
Give it all away
To have someone to come home to

Give it all away
Just to have somewhere to go to
Give it all away
To have someone to come home to