“Hard Candy Christmas” is a song written by composer-lyricist Carol Hall for the musical *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas*.
In the original stage production, the girls of the brothel take turns singing lines from the verses as they prepare to leave, coming together for the refrains. This structure was adapted for the film version, with Dolly Parton (who portrayed Miss Mona) singing the refrains as a soloist, while the girls provide backup. The soundtrack album introduces another variation, with Parton performing the verses alone.
Released as a single in October 1982, Parton’s version reached number 8 on the U.S. country singles chart by January 1983. It made a brief reappearance on the charts in 1998, peaking at number 73 due to unsolicited airplay. Although not traditionally a “Christmas song,” it gained seasonal airplay during the 1980s and 1990s, with Parton performing it on Bob Hope’s 1988 Christmas Special. In the late 1990s, RCA reissued Parton’s 1984 holiday album with Kenny Rogers, *Once Upon a Christmas*, adding “Hard Candy Christmas” to the tracklist.
The phrase “hard candy Christmas” refers to a time when families with limited means could only afford to give their children simple, inexpensive treats like candy canes or lollipops for Christmas. This metaphor evokes the idea that life, much like hard candy, can be both difficult and sweet.
This arrangement is for flute choir.
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