Single Review: “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers
Bleachers’ new single, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” is a melancholic Christmas song that earnestly captures the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with mourning past relationships during the holiday season. It was written and produced entirely by Jack Antonoff, Bleachers' lead singer and the 11-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and producer.
The song has been long-awaited by fans, as Bleachers have teased it during several live performances over the past two years. Antonoff explains that it "can be hard to tell the story of someone you don’t want around and still find a reason to tell it." Released on November 13, 2024, the song proves to be more than worth the wait. It marks the band’s first holiday track, and while it still features the classic Bleachers synths and the charming saxophone that define their sound, it also fits seamlessly into the Christmas music genre. The faint sleigh bells, infectious beat, and deeply nostalgic tone create a holiday anthem that feels both familiar and uniquely theirs.
Although the melody embodies the Christmas atmosphere and the soothing lull of winter, the lyrics are wistfully sad. Antonoff sings in the chorus, “But you should know that I died slow / Running through the halls of your haunted home / And the toughest part is that we both know / What happened to you / Why you’re out on your own.” The imagery of a flickering street light in both verses represents the fading relationship, despite his constant effort to keep it alive. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to resonate with anyone who has ended a relationship and understands the lonely ache those memories can bring during the holidays, whether it’s due to estrangement from family, a falling out with friends, or a romantic breakup.
The echoing synths and layered vocals give the track a distant, haunting quality, reminiscent of other Bleachers songs like "Isimo" and "Chinatown." In the bridge, Antonoff’s vocals are scarcely perceptible, and although they are almost entirely overpowered by the instrumentals, it is beautifully effective. As he sings, “I want one ticket out of your heavy gaze / I want one ticket off of your carousel,” the distance he yearns for in the lyrics is present in the production.
Despite the emotional heaviness of the lyrics, the song feels freeing and healing in many ways. It is not resentful or angry but rather a sad acknowledgement that the pain still lingers, despite knowing the separation was necessary. Although there is no desire to reconnect and he wishes them well, the constant joy surrounding the holidays often amplifies that hurt. Antonoff has said that this song is “for anyone who has come to realize someone’s been chipping away at them and does not intend to stop.” Broken relationships are oftentimes necessary, and with its painfully honest emotion and gentle tone, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” feels like the hug many of us will need during this holiday season.
The song wraps up an incredibly successful year for Bleachers, following the release of their self-titled fourth album in March and a reimagined version of their debut album in September. Be sure to check out “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call,” available now on all music platforms!