💔 About the Song
Released in 1984, Last Christmas is George Michael’s beautifully tragic holiday masterpiece — a breakup song disguised as tinsel-covered pop perfection.
It’s about heartbreak, but not despair — it’s reflective, graceful, and maybe just a little bit defiant. You can practically hear the snow falling on expensive 80s hair.
George wrote, produced, and played every instrument himself in his home studio — including that iconic synth line. It’s proof that sometimes Christmas miracles come in the form of an emotionally wrecked genius with a drum machine.
It’s become a festive rite of passage — you’ll cry, you’ll hum, you’ll play it on uke under fairy lights.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips (in D)
- Chords:D – Bm – Em – A – G – E7.
- Verse: D – Bm – Em – A
- Chorus: G – Em – A – D – G – Em – A.
- Strumming pattern: Classic pop shimmer — Down–Down–Up–Up–Down-Up (~96 bpm).
Play with a gentle bounce — festive, not frantic. - Tone: Strum with your fingertips, aim for sparkle not thump.
- Dynamics: Keep the verses soft and confessional, then open up for the chorus.
- Optional trick: Light palm mute on the verses adds a synth-like pulse.
- Sing tip: Stay relaxed; George’s phrasing is smooth and natural — the uke version works beautifully an octave higher if you’re not blessed with his range.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- George Michael was only 21 when he wrote it.
- The video was filmed at a ski resort in Saas-Fee, Switzerland — pure 80s glam.
- It re-enters the charts every single year and finally hit #1 in the UK in 2021 — 37 years later.
- Despite the heartbreak, George called it “the most positive sad song I ever wrote.”
🌈 Final Word
Play Last Christmas like it’s a toast to your past self — wistful but hopeful.
Keep the rhythm bright and your voice gentle; this one’s about dignity through the ache.
If you don’t get at least one misty-eyed smile from your audience, play it again slower under twinkle lights. 💫
