Marketa Irglova - My Happy Place

My happy place, is a state of mind brought on by a combination of things coming together and creating a feeling of well being, serenity and joy in a given moment in time.
Since I was a little girl, Christmas has represented a time of magic for me. The anticipation, the preparations, the air of something other than usual, otherwise intangible all around. During Christmas, there is more emphasis on family and togetherness, playing, singing, eating good food and enjoying the moment. We experience a lightness of heart and peace of mind, we feel more charitable and generous of spirit.
Throughout history, Christmas was a time when people got to experience a respite from war, from crime and poverty through charity. Christmas was holy and any disruption of peace was condemned as unlawful. The music that came from these times communicated that peace and that joy.
I wished to write a song that had this kind of festive but utterly peaceful atmosphere. One that immediately brought the listener to a place of feeling at home and at ease with themselves as well as the world. A song that reminded us what Christmas is all about.
Growing up, I loved the nativity story above all others. The magical night in Betlehem when Jesus was born, the messenger Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the three kings who followed a star in the night sky, all of it. Even though it may seem as a fairytale to many of us in our day and age, to me it remains real. As real as can be.
May we not forget the true reason we celebrate Christmas in some fever dream of consumerism, but honor our traditions and our history, so that we may know and remember who we are.
I hope this song strikes a chord with you and inspires you to create a stress free, joy filled holidays for you and your family. To say prayers and light candles, to give thanks and be merry.
I leave you with the words of Thorin Oakenshield to Bilbo in The Hobbit:

“If more people valued their home above gold, the world would be a far better place indeed.”

Merry Christmas everyone.

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LYRICS -

MY HAPPY PLACE

Give me what I need, Lord,
All I need is your Love.
Give me what I need, Lord,
All I need is your Love.

Christmas market in towns square
Music playing everywhere,
Warm wine with orange slices,
Cloves and other fruits and spices.
Strangers, friends and family
All gather here to light the tree,
No one needs an invitation,
For this yearly celebration.

And the church is full of people,
Bringing gifts to those in need.
Exchanging Christmas greetings,
On their way along the street.
This is my happy place,
Right here.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Love to you and your family.
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Peace, and Joy, and Harmony.

Raisin bread and clementines,
Candlelight and Christmas chimes,
Frost on the window paints,
With angel breath and tears of saints.
It’s snowing and everything is white,
The town looks beautiful at night,
With all the lights and decorations,
Bless these festive preparations.

When the church is full of people,
Saying prayers for those in need.
Exchanging Christmas greetings,
On their way along the street.
This is my happy place,
Right here.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Love to you and your family.
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Peace, and Joy, and Harmony.


MY HAPPY PLACE - CREDITS

Written by Markéta Irglová

Produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson
Arrangements by Marketa Irglova

Recorded & mixed by Sturla Mio Thorisson at Masterkey Studios, Iceland 2023
Mastering by Scott Hull at Masterdisk, Peekskill, New York 2023

Performed by
MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ: Lead vocal, Piano, Cymbalom, Percussion, Organ

STRINGS:
Una Sveinbjarnardóttir - violin
Ása Guðjónsdóttir Skelton - violin 
Þórunn Ósk Marinósdóttir - viola
Sigurgeir Agnarsson - cello

CHOIR:
Sara Gríms, soprano
Ásta Marý Stefánsdóttir, soprano
Ella Camille Budzinski, alto
Svanfríður Hlín Gunnarsdóttir, alto
Páll Sólmundur H. Eydal, tenor
Karl Friðrik Hjaltason, tenor
Gísli Gamm, bass
Ragnar Pétur Jóhannsson, bass

©℗ 2023 Masterkey Sounds
℗ 2023 Marketa Irglova Music
Admin by Warner Chappell Publishing (ASCAP)