The song "Please, Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" by John Denver tells the story of a young child pleading with their father not to get drunk during the Christmas season. The child expresses their fear of seeing their mother cry as a result of their father's drunkenness. The lyrics convey the sadness and worry the child feels, as they reminisce about the previous year when their father came home intoxicated and fell down under the Christmas tree. The child clearly remembers the time, stating their age of seven and how they are now almost eight. The child's mother tries to shield them from the situation by urging them to go upstairs, but the father's laughter and Christmas greetings reveal the mother's tears. The plea to the father to not get drunk during Christmas is a desperate request to avoid witnessing their mother's heartbreak. This song addresses the somber reality of alcoholism and its impact on families, particularly during the holiday season. It captures the innocent perspective of a child hoping for a peaceful and joyful Christmas, free from the pain and tears caused by their parent's addiction.
