Robert Earl Keen's Fam-O-Lee brings Christmas show to Scenic City

For many people, and one could argue most people, the image of Christmas involves colored lights, stockings hung over a fireplace and snow. But not everyone lives in the North and not everyone lives in a Hallmark movie.

Robert Earl Keen grew up in Houston, and his holidays looked nothing like what we see in movies or on Christmas cards. That's why he decided to write a song about Christmases at the Keen house when he was growing up.

"Merry Christmas from the Family," or "Fam-O-Lee" as it is sometimes referred, opens with the lines:

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk at our Christmas party

We were drinking champagne punch and homemade eggnog

Little sister brought her new boyfriend

He was a Mexican

We didn't know what to think of him until he sang

Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad

Robert Earl Keen

Not exactly "chestnuts roasting on an open fire," but it has connected with Keen fans in a big way. It became so popular that he was getting requests for it in June. It became such a big deal, he created the "Linen Rule," which means the song can't be played as long as one could still wear linen, or during the hotter summer months.

About seven years ago, he created a holiday show centered on the song and it has grown into a full-blown variety show spectacular. He brings it to the Tivoli Theatre on Monday night, Nov. 27.

"The show is called Back to the Country Jamboree," Keen said. "I formatted it and created this huge set. We have the world's largest tampon box (a reference from the song), a giant can of fake snow and things like that. Think of it like a revue or a Broadway variety show. We are also paying tribute to country rockers. We'll do the Christmas song and another song or two about the holidays. We're bringing the spirit of Christmas."

Keen said the popularity of "Fam-O-Lee," as most people refer to the song, both surprised him and makes him proud.

"I've never had a hit song, like on the radio. I've had lots of friends who have, so I kind of know what that is like having people sing it at show, but you wonder, 'Is this because people like the song or because they've heard it ad nauseam?'

"I've been really proud that in this world there is still stuff that kind of seeps through the fabric. I've always believed in that, but I've found it's not always like that. So to have a song, that when I sing it everyone knows the words, I embrace that."

He said though Christmases in Houston didn't look like what he saw in movies or on TV, he's always loved the holiday and Christmas music in particular. It was because of that he wanted to write a song about his own experiences and memories.

In addition to his Christmas tour, Keen is set to hit the road with his friend, Lyle Lovett. He said the two enjoy being around each other and the fun usually starts on the bus and carries over onto the stage.

"We have a guitar pull," he said. "We sit onstage and trade songs. With Lyle, I can totally be myself. With others, I'm just trying to hang in there. Plus, no two of our shows are alike."

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.