Sufjan Stevens has been keeping a low profile in recent years. He hadn't toured since 2016 or even appeared onstage since 2018 before performing as part of Meg Lui's band at the September release show for Instant Validation, an album he produced. Though he continued to release music after retreating from the road, it's been a slow crawl back to public life since the dual blows he suffered early this decade: the death of his partner and a surprise bout of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which left him unable to walk.
But projects like producing John Legend's children's album have helped him get his feet wet again. Today he makes another comeback of sorts with the release of his first Christmas song in 15 years. Christmas music used to be a cottage industry for Stevens within his broader canon.
He released two entirely distinct five-EP box sets full of holiday music in 2006 and 2012. But after that, he directed his attention elsewhere. A new compilation out later this week called Worst Christmas Ever! brings together highlights from those yuletide releases into one disc, and it features a brand new song that doubles as the first new Sufjan Stevens track since his life turned upside down.
It's called "On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)," and the lyrics are incredibly poignant: On this ChristmasI ask forgivenessFor all the funny things I’ve said and done Though I admit I amA misanthropic manI only see the worst in things I guess For in my dreams I mightSee everlasting lifeBut when I wake I still see darkness For in the future tenseThere will be recompenseFor all the funny things we’ve said and done Oh will it get much worse my friend?You said no matter what it’s worth my friendYou said don’t put it past the Earth to get better in the end And you may find your worthIn riches on this earthIt never hurts to try I guess But all the treasures laidThe hidden pleasures paidThey cannot keep you from your death Though I believe in lightThe righteous afterlifeI’m still distracted by this darkness And on this ChristmasI ask forgivenessFor all the funny things I’ve said and done I love the idea of a Christmas apology. A holiday characterized by the giving and receiving of gifts might be made even better by the giving and receiving of forgiveness. Let’s try to be better this year: more loving, forgiving, welcoming and reckoning.
This song is a prayer—that we can all find a way to yield to the wisdom and understanding of forgiveness. I believe the world will find its way. Worst Christmas Ever! is out 11/6 on Asthmatic Kitty.
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