I hate that I remember
I wish I could forget
What you did last December
You left my heart a mess (a mess)
Boy, you blew it
How could you do it, do it, oh, yeah, oh, yeah?
(It’s The Rascals)
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special, oh, yeah, yeah
But last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Thought we belong together
At least that’s what you said
I should’ve known better
You broke my heart again (again)
Boy, you blew it
How could you do it, do it, oh, yeah?
But last Christmas
I gave you my heart, gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away (gave it away)
This year
To save me from tears (you got it)
I’ll give it to someone special
But last Christmas (oh, baby)
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away (gave it away)
This year (you got it)
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Ooh, yeah
How could you leave Christmas morning?
You broke my heart with no warning
Boy, you blew it
How could you do it, do it, oh, yeah?
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart (gave you my heart)
But the very next day you gave it away (you gave it away)
This year
To save me from tears (oh, baby)
I’ll give it to someone special
This is our last (last) last (last) Christmas
You broke my heart
Last (last) last (last) Christmas
You broke my heart
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
I hate that I remember
I wish I could forget
What you did last December
You left my heart a mess (you left my heart a mess)
(This year)
To save me from tears (oh, baby)
I’ll give it to someone special)
Boy, you blew it
How could you do it, do it?
I hate that I remember
I wish I could forget
What you did last December
You left my heart a mess (you left my heart a mess)
(This year)
To save me from tears (oh, baby)
I’ll give it to someone special)
Reflecting on Heartbreak During the Holidays
Ariana Grande’s rendition of “Last Christmas” transforms the classic festive song into a deeply personal narrative of heartache and moving on. Through her powerful vocals and modern R&B influences, Ariana captures the pain of betrayal and the struggle to let go of painful memories. The lyrics recount the sting of a love lost during the previous holiday season, with lines like “I hate that I remember, I wish I could forget” highlighting the emotional scars left behind.
Finding Strength and Renewal
Despite the sorrow, the song’s refrain, “This year, to save me from tears, I’ll give it to someone special,” signals hope and personal growth. Ariana’s interpretation is both vulnerable and empowering, reminding listeners that heartbreak can ultimately lead to resilience and the promise of new beginnings. Her version stands out by weaving in fresh verses that add depth to the original, making it relatable for anyone who’s faced love lost over the holidays.
Song Credits
Songwriters: George Michael (original), Ariana Grande (additional lyrics)
Release Year: 2013
Label: Republic Records