The Emotions, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas”

Reading Time: 3 min read

On the 20^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2021), we recollect and reflect on “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” by The Emotions.

he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils

! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 20^th edition of Throwback Vibez

(2021), we recollect and reflect on “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas”, performed by

The Emotions.

Theme & Lyrics

merry xmas In elementary school, I can remember learning the song, “A Time for Love”, a winter song celebrating the loveliness of December. As an elementary music teacher, in 2021, I purposely made the effort to teach them those iconic lines, “December is a time for ho, ho, ho! / December is a time for love.” When you think Christmastime, not only do you think about the reason for the season and gifts, but you also focus on love . That love can be for a family in general, and perhaps, more intimately, love for your significant other. That said, what about us lonely folks on Christmas – those of us single and unattached? Well, Grammy-winning R&B collective The Emotions (of “Best of My Love” notoriety) have the perfect Christmas song: “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” ( Sunshine!, 1977).

Bitmoji Image The Emotions mention the cliché happy aspects/elements associated with the holidays. But the R&B collective also cites sadness thanks to loneliness. “‘Tis the season to be jolly / But how can I be when I have nobody?” They continue, sadly singing, “The yuletide carol doesn’t make it better / Knowing that we won’t be together.” Ugh, heartbreak is a total witch (change that “w” to a “b” if you wish). The collective references beloved, jubilant carols – “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” – and essentially suggests they can’t curb the sadness. Basically, the memories of a love expired have dimmed “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: “But what is left / Oh, for me to do / Now that it’s Christmas / And I don’t have you.” Yeah, The Emotions totally live up to their name, making Christmas an emotional time, adversely. Even if it’s a bummer and buzzkill, the musical backdrop and the vocal performance are magnificent. Also, the chorus is stellar, even if it’s unsure how to cope with the merry season:

“What do the lonely do at Christmas
Oh, what do the lonely do at Christmas time.”

Final Thoughts

merry xmas poinsettia The Emotions may not ring in holiday cheer in the traditional sense with “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas,” but they do deliver one of the better original Christmas songs. This record is relatable, if in a painful way, and oozes with soul. “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” was written by Carl Mitchell Hampton and Homer Banks – kudos to them! Notably, Anthony Hamilton superbly covered this 70s soul Christmas classic on his 2014 Christmas album, Home for the Holidays – check it out and add it to that holiday playlist !