By Jeffrey Allen Federowicz
If sad songs say so much, the holiday tune, “Christmas Shoes,” must speak volumes.
On Tuesday, the Pickelner Arena will host “NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour,” which features the band’s signature song, “Christmas Shoes.” The heartbreaking tune revolves around a poor child who desperately tries to buy his dying mother a much needed pair of shoes because she is soon going to be meeting Jesus in heaven.
“That song (‘Christmas Shoes’) is definitely one of those songs that stays with you. We have a lot of women that come up to us after a show and they say how much they love the song, but every time they hear it, they can’t stop crying,” said Billy Goodwin, lead vocalist for the band. “You realized the impact the song has when you look out into the audience and not only see women tear up, but also the men.”
The song came about after a friend suggested the band put to music the story he heard about a special pair of Christmas shoes.
NewSong’s Christmas tune is such a tearjerker, the United Kingdom newspaper, “The Guardian,” named it the most depressing song in music history.
“On the surface the song seems sad, but once you think about it, the song is about pure love and that the child’s mother is going to heaven,” Goodwin said.
“Christmas Shoes” also inspired Donna VanLiere’s New York Times best-selling novel as well as the top-rated CBS television movie, also of the same name.
If you think it’s odd to be singing the blues at Christmas, think again.
“I think the reason there tends to be a bunch of sad songs at Christmas time is because many people miss loved ones they can no longer be with,” Goodwin said. “Also, a lot of people have not always had the perfect Christmas and sad songs help them to realize they are not the only people that struggle with things.”
The concert, which also features the tunes of “Big Daddy Weave” and Francesca Battistelli, is not just limited to sad songs. Among the different elements of the show is the real meaning of the Christmas season.
“We want people that come out to see the show to try and reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. Sometimes with all the hustle and bustle of the season, people can get so swept up in the shopping and presents that they forget the greatest gift, is love. And basically, that is what the season is all about. Love and hope.”
Since the band’s formation in 1981, “NewSong” has become one of Christian music’s most highly regarded and successful bands, producing 17 albums that yielded 20 chart topping singles.
“Our music could best be described as adult pop with a little bit of rock thrown into the mix. Our music has a message that people can connect with,” Goodwin said. “That is the key to our longevity in this business, and we’re thankful to be able to go out on the road and share our music.”
Sharing the stage with NewSong is recording artist, “Big Daddy Weave,” who came into the music scene in 2002 and since that time has garnered five number one singles and six top five hits. The band is best known for their current Christmas tune, the soldier-themed single, “I’ll Be Brave this Christmas.” Also taking to the stage will be New York City born singer and songwriter, Francesca Battistelli, who released her debut, “My Paper Heart” in 2008 to popular reviews.
The album boasts the multi-week and multi-format chart topping hit, “Free to be Me.” Her work earned her five Dove Award nominations, including Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. Her music has been featured on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and NBC’s “Biggest Loser.”
“The entire evening is going to be a great night of fun,” Goodwin said. “This is a great chance to get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the real reason for the season.” Money raised from the show will go toward the YMCA’s Strong Kids Program.
