She left us too soon, and that can make watching her sing a little bit depressing. The song choices don’t help either. To celebrate Judy’s birthday, here are a few of her most melancholy melodies.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Also known as the saddest Christmas song of all time. It's mildly hopeful, sure, but it's mostly just really bleak. And as sung by Judy in Meet Me in St. Louis, it's particularly devastating.
Source: youtube.com
"Smile"
"Smile, though your heart is aching / Smile, even though it's breaking." Has there ever been a more melancholy song about smiling? And Judy does it justice, naturally. She's flawless here.
Source: youtube.com
"The Man That Got Away"
Oof, A Star Is Born hits hard. This song in particular. I can't hear Judy sing about romantic failings and regret without getting a little misty. The passion in her voice is incomparable.
Source: youtube.com
"Happy Days Are Here Again"/"Get Happy"
Why are songs about happiness always the most depressing? There's also an aspect of passing the torch here. It's OK, though: they play it off as a bit. And we can take comfort in the career Barbra has gone on to have.
Source: youtube.com
