Grown-Up Christmas List
Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I’m all grown-up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child
But my heart still can dream
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
[Chorus:]
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul
[Chorus]
What is this illusion called
The innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief
Can we ever find the truth
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol Grown-Up Christmas List
“Grown-Up Christmas List” was written by composer David Foster and lyricist Linda Thompson-Jenner. It was first recorded with Natalie Cole for Foster’s 1990 album River of Love. Amy Grant recorded the song in 1992 for her Christmas album Home for Christmas, and her version helped turn it into a widely recognized modern Christmas song. Wikipedia
Instead of asking for toys or personal gifts, the narrator presents a list of hopes for the world. The wishes include peace, healing, friendship and an end to suffering. Amy Grant’s version also includes an additional verse she wrote, contrasting childhood dreams of presents with the realization that material gifts cannot solve deeper human problems. Wikipedia
The song connects with Christmas by changing the idea of a Christmas wish. As children, Christmas lists often focus on things that can be wrapped and placed beneath the tree, while the “grown-up” list focuses on qualities and changes that cannot be bought. This gives the song a reflective place within holiday music, emphasizing compassion and hope rather than material celebration.
