It Doesn't Have to Be That Way - Jim Croce (1973) 12/25/20

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Perhaps “Merry” is not the word to use in 2020. Perhaps the holiday should be celebrated with a more somber mood—with hope for a brighter 2021. With that in mind, I present today's “Great Christmas Song of the '70s.”

Jim Croce was certainly in a somber (but hopeful) mood when he wrote and recorded “It Doesn't Have to Be That Way.” It was included on his 1973 album, “Life and Times,” but was never intended to be a hit. In fact, the record company put it on the “B” of Jim's single. “One Less Set of Footsteps,” which only made it to #37 on the Hot 100.

Normally, the “B” side of a record that didn't do terribly well was destined to disappear without a trace.

But fate took an ugly turn when Jim died in a plane crash. “It Doesn't Have To Be That Way” was re-issued as an “A” side at Christmastime in 1973 as sort of a tribute to Jim, and although it failed to make the Top 50 (#67), it has been played extensively on the radio every Christmas since 1973.

It's a sad song, but it's also full of hope...and, at least for 2020, I think that makes it a “Great Christmas Song of the '70s.”