“DJ Play A Christmas Song” is a relatively new addition to most holiday playlists. It was released in 2023 from an album by Cher simply entitled Christmas. The song is a peppy, boppy dance song that has more to do with the modern day club scene that it does with images of stockings hung by the fire….and that is ok. “DJ Play A Christmas Song” was written for more modern times when individuals and families are breaking free from the traditional manner in which Christmas has been celebrated and finding their own ways to celebrate or, in the case of this song, to cope with the loneliness that often overwhelms those who find themselves on their own as Christmas Day approaches. If the holidays are marketed as family times, this song gives you a glimpse at another type of family or community where the lonely can safely gather and be among friends.
“DJ, play a Christmas song
I wanna be dancing all night long
It’s cold outside, but it’s warm in here
And that’s the only thing I want this year
DJ, play a Christmas song
I wanna be dancing all night long
It’s tough outside, but it’s love in here
And that’s the only thing I want this year
Everybody here must be feeling the same
Need a little joy and a little escape
Feeling a spirit
You just wanna hear it
Nothing more, nothing less
I got one request
DJ, play a Christmas song…”
- “DJ Play A Christmas Song” by Cher
In my home, the tree is up and decorated with twinkling lights. The stockings are hung in anticipation of being filled with goodies and treats. We have an assortment of Christmas decorations on end tables and on shelves that help to give our home a warm festive feel. While we have all of that going on, what we have most is each other. We are blessed to be together under one roof, to be healthy and, importantly, to feel genuine love and affection for one another and enjoy each other’s company. Not everyone is as lucky as we are. To those who find themselves alone because of work or the loss of a loved one or poor health or familial estrangement, the holiday season can be excruciating. While a song such as “DJ Play A Christmas Song” can seem like something that is light and frivolous and fun for those of us who associate Christmas with tunes such as “O Holy Night” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, it holds much greater meaning for those who find themselves without a song to sing that reflects their own, unique experience. For some, finding a sense of community and companionship by being a regular at a local club or pub during these otherwise lonely days is tremendously important. For folks like them, “DJ Play A Christmas Song” is their new anthem. Not a bad trick for a singer who is about to turn 80 in 2026!
“DJ Play A Christmas Song” went to No.1 on the Adult Contemporary charts upon its release in 2023. Doing so caused Cher to land in the musical record books. She is the only singer in history to have reached the charts with a number one song in seven consecutive decades! That speaks to her talent, as well as to her longevity and relevance, which is especially noteworthy in this ever-disposable world of ours when it comes to celebrities. For the record, here are the songs that place her in a class by herself: 1960s (“I Got You Babe with Sonny Bono”, #1), 1970s (“Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves”, “Dark Lady”, “Half Breed”, all #1), 1980s (“If I Could Turn Back Time”, #1), 1990s (“The Shoop Shoop Song”, “Believe”, “Strong Enough”, “All Or Nothing”, all #1), 2000s (“Song For The Lonely”, #1), 2010s (“You haven’t Seen The Last of Me, #1) and 2020s (“DJ Play A Christmas Song”, #1). Toss in her acting awards for Mask, Silkwood and Moonstruck, her fashion awards for being a style icon her entire life, the fact that she has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has been inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and so much more, Cher has certainly achieved a body of work that is fully deserving of the utmost respect. It was probably not easy to have been such a strong woman in male-dominated industries such as movie making and the world of music but Cher has managed to always remain true to herself and her vision of how she wished to live her life. Consequently, she remains a hugely influential role model for other women. That she is still reaching the top of the charts with meaningful music as she nears the age of 80 says a lot about her character, her drive and the fact that there is still a thirst for her music by the public, even after all these years. Simply put, Cher is terrific and I am a proud fanboy.
While I have always been a fan ever since the days of The Sonny and Cher Show on TV, what really sealed the deal for me was a concert my wife and I attended in Toronto in the early days of our marriage. Cyndi Lauper was the opening act. What a show! While both singers were thoroughly professional and put on a fabulously entertaining show, what really shone through for me was the reaction of the audience. It is not an exaggeration to say that my wife and I were in the minority as far as the sexual orientation of the audience went that night. That concert was my real introduction to queer culture and let me tell you, the atmosphere was fabulous! The costumes worn by so many in attendance were over-the-top. The dancing in the aisles was nonstop and the choreography was flawless! But the thing that we both felt above all else was this tremendous sense of joy all around us. This was definitely more than a concert for most who were there. It was a celebration and an affirmation of a cultural group that so often feels unseen and/or unsafe. In reply, the audience gave Cher and Cyndi Lauper waves and waves of love. The mutual respect on display that night has always acted as a demarcation point for me in my life. We can be open and accepting of others without the act of doing so causing diminishment or harm to anyone. In fact, when our hearts are open and we give love freely, we are enriched beyond measure in return. Life can be wonderful for everyone. It can be.
As this Christmas/Holiday season continues to unfold, I hope that you are at peace and are warm and safe and happy. How that manifests itself for you is your story to tell. For me, I will be basking in the glow of the love I have for my family, who will all be here under one roof on Christmas Day. For you, perhaps a trip to your favourite club or bar is what will allow you to connect with kindred spirits? Regardless of how it all unfolds for you, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and, in the words of Cher, “DJ Play a Christmas Song”! Someone is thinking of you and wishing for you to be ok. Merry Christmas.
The link to the video for the song “DJ Play a Christmas Song” by Cher can be found here. ***The lyrics version is here.
The link to the official website for Cher can be found here.
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