What does the song Last Christmas by Sixpense None the Richer mean?

Answer 1

It is a young mother singing to her unborn baby. This is her first child, and it is around Christmas time. She awaits the birth of her new baby with happiness, preparing the baby's room, etc. She is a devout believer in Christianity, and being with-child at this time of the year is reminding her of Mary's experience in giving birth to the Savior of the world.

The chorus signifies that this will be the last Christmas season that the singer will be alone, as future years will be spent together with her child. This idea is an allusion to the long millenia of darkness experienced by the world before the birth of Christ.

The song culminates (as all Christian carols do) in giving praise for the condescension of God to save humanity from death and sin, by celebrating how the birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the journey that would lead Him to the resurrection and the redemption of the world (Easter).

(As a side note, I couldn't figure out what this song was about, either, until my daughter told me. It only took her about 30 seconds. I guess being a young woman, she can relate better than I.)

It's also inspiring to note the order in which the carols appear on the album seems to narrate a chronological series of praise, from the announcement of good tidings by "Angels Heard on High," to a tribute to the pregnant virgin, then a plea for "Emmanuel" to come quickly, and finally an ode to the peace on the "Silent Night" of His birth, followed by a couple more songs, celebrating the event.