Macy Gray's Christmas Wish List Has A Few Surprises

Christmas is coming, and by now you've probably heard all the standards, whether you want to or not — the chestnuts, the jingle bells, the usual deal. But if you're looking for something different this year and your politics lean left, then Grammy-winning soul singer Macy Gray has something for you.

Gray has released a new single that's getting buzz. It's called "All I want for Christmas," an update on a classic theme — and on her wish list for Santa are things like free health care, legalized marijuana and more forgiving immigration policies.

"Everyone has a political point of view, so it's always odd to me that people expect, if you're an artist, you're not supposed to have one, or you're not supposed to speak out if you have one," Gray says. "I think that artists might fear that they won't get on the radio, or they'll lose fans, or they'll get some kind of adverse reactions from people and they don't want to risk where their career is at. But I honestly think that's gonna change. I think as an artist, you have to be part of the times."

Gray spoke with NPR's Michel Martin about the story behind the song; hear more of their conversation at the audio link.

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