Carol Boyd Leon

happy hanukkah

In December 2006, Feliz Navidad came on the car radio, as it does quite often each December.  Soon nearly everyone in the car was singing along.  So Carol asked her sons, "Why don't you sing along like that to Hanukkah songs?"  The explanation they gave was that most Hanukkah songs don't appeal to them.  So Carol vowed to compose a Hanukkah song whose melody, rhythm, simple lyrics and strong percussion would have a contemporary sound that encourages radio listeners -- young and old alike -- to sing along.

Within days, Carol began composing Happy Hanukkah and dedicated it to her children Sarah, Jacob and Jamie.  About a year later, she brought it into the recording studio.  She went through several arrangements and called on the talents of several different musicians before finding the combination that produced the sound she was seeking. 

 Happy Hanukkah came out of the studio just days ago,  Carol's song ultimately was recorded and arranged by Derek Wille with vocals by Larry Eschler, percussion by Steve Bloom, trumpet by Curt Christensen, and mastering by Bill Wolf.  Downloadable mp3 will be available soon on this page... please check back!

Sheet music:  Sarah Brett England has arranged Happy Hanukkah for vocal/piano/guitar as well as for creating choral scores for unison choir (or solo voice) and for 2-part choir (appropriate for grade 5/6 through adult) for use in schools, synagogues and elsewhere.  The music is currently at the printer's and  will be available here before July. 

Maybe Happy Hanukkah will never receive air time.  But who knows?  Miracles do happen.

Link to YouTube video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRHsq4XhpU

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Happy Hanukkah

Music & lyrics by Carol Boyd Leon

Verse:

At this time of year, we wish you good cheer
As we say, "Have a happy Hanukkah -- Happy Hanukkah!"
Festival of Lights for eight days and nights,
Candles are glowing far and near.

Chorus:

Wondrous holiday of light,
Freedom shining more each night.
Wondrous holiday of light,
Freedom shining more each night.

Bridge:

Tell the story of days gone by
As the candle flames grow bright.
Ancient glory defies the night
Turning darkness into light.

Final verse:

At this time of year, we wish you good cheer
As we say, "Have a happy Hanukkah -- Happy Hanukkah!"
Festival of Lights for eight days and nights,
Happy Hanukkah to those we hold most dear,
Happy Hanukkah year after year.