Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Harlem Community Choir
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
So this is Christmas, and what have you done, Another year over, a new one just begun. And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun, The near and the dear ones, the old and the young. A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one, without any fears. And so this is Christmas, for weak and for strong, The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long. And so happy Christmas, for black and for white For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights. A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear. And so this is Christmas, and what have we done Another year over, a new one just begun. And so happy Christmas, we hope you have fun The near and the dear ones, the old and the young. A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear. War is over, if you want it, war is over now.
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: John Winston Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Songwriting"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" was written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Harlem Community Choir was featured in the chorus, doing the backup vocals.
|
Release DateThe song was released as a single by the Plastic Ono Band in the UK on December 1, 1972, and in the US on December 6, 1972.
|
Title OriginThe title "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" was derived from a campaign by John and Yoko in 1969, when they rented billboards and posters in major cities around the world that read: "WAR IS OVER! (If you want it) Happy Christmas from John and Yoko."
|
Music VideoThe original music video for the song features footage from the Lennons’ home, and images from the Vietnam War.
|
ArtworkThe artwork for the single cover was a drawing by Yoko Ono's daughter, Kyoko.
|
Music CompositionThe melody and chord structure of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" are similar to the traditional English ballad, "Skewball".
|
Commercial SuccessDespite its anti-war message, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" was a commercial success and has since become a Christmas standard. As of November 25, 2016, total sales of the digital track stand at 658,000 downloads in the United States, making it the ninth best-selling holiday song in the digital era.
|
Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" over the years, including Celine Dion, Maroon 5, Sarah McLachlan, and The Fray.
|
RecordingThe Harlem Community Choir recorded the song at the Record Plant Studios in New York City in October 1971.
|
ControversySome radio stations have refused to play the song due to its strong anti-war message.
|
PhilanthropyThe single's royalties were donated to UNICEF after its release.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/752727/Harlem+Community+Choir/Happy+Xmas+%28War+Is+Over%29>.
Discuss the Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In