Betty Miranga - Used To Get Down In The Dumps

 We at Big And Tall Records seldom make two consecutive releases by an artist. We like to have variety in our releases, and usually put some space between artist's recordings, but after we listened to this song by Betty Miranga, it seemed like a good idea. It is different for a Christmas song as it addresses one persons sadness at Christmas time. Seasonal depression is a real thing for many people. Attribute it to loneliness, sadness at loved ones who are gone, disappointment that the holiday doesn't meet expectations, or just a souring of the mood by so much commercialism, it can happen. We can intellectually know that the season is what you make of it, but emotionally it can be hard to overcome the feelings of sadness and disappointment. 

According to her lyrics, she was able to rationally come to terms with her feelings and change her feelings to ones of happiness. Might sound easy to do, but we know it surely isn't. Betty must be a very strong willed person to overcome seasonal depression by herself, and kudos to her for that. But there are some folks who can't do it alone. A trusting friend to talk to can help, but for others professional help may be needed. And that's not something to be ashamed of.  Depression is a mental illness, and like any other illness a patient can't overcome by themselves, professional help is available. Even in this modern age, a stigma remains attached to getting help for mental health, which is regrettable. No one need suffer without trying to get help to get better.  

It could be something more than the Christmas blues; it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, known by the acronym SAD, which can be caused by the shortness of days in fall and winter. This can also happen in summer for the opposite reasons. That's a short explanation of something that is very real and more complicated, which can be treated as simply as using a sun lamp in the winter to make up for the lost sun time. Medications as well as physical exercise can also help. Check with your medical service provider for more information.

Snow is a flyin’ Christmas Eve
I’m feelin’ good, givin’ thanks
For all the blessin’s in my life
Finally filled in all the blanks

Used to get down in the dumps
At the holiday time of year
Think ‘bout all the ones that are gone
And who’d be next was my big fear

Ya know, it’s all ‘bout attitude
Thinkin’ the worst makes ya blind
To all the good that’s happenin’
To all happiness ya kin find

Used to get down in the dumps
And grumble with the risin’ sun
Play the role better than Scrooge
Be bad ol’ Grinch to every one

Somethin’ happened few years ago
Some call it an epiphany
I seen the way that I was actin’
Was drivin’ folks away from me

Used to get down in the dumps
Don’t know why it took so dang long
To see the error of my ways
And understand what I done wrong

Now I’m at a much better place
Emotionally, shed the big load
Christmas is now a happy time
I come to terms, got out the road

Used to get down in the dumps
There's ‘nough misery on the earth
Without me addin’ to it all
Now I know what it’s all worth