About The Song
"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon is a holiday classic that transcends the typical festive fare. Released in 1971 with Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band, the song reflects Lennon's enduring commitment to peace and social activism. Beyond its seasonal resonance, the track carries a poignant message of hope and unity, making it a timeless anthem for both Christmas and a call for global harmony.
Lennon's dedication to peace and activism finds a powerful expression in "Happy Xmas." The lyrics convey a desire for peace and a world free from conflict, capturing the spirit of the anti-war movement prevalent during the time of its release. The song doesn't merely celebrate the holiday season but serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to strive for a better world.
"Happy Xmas" uniquely blends the festive cheer of Christmas with a contemplative undertone. The familiar sound of Christmas bells and the chorus of children singing "war is over if you want it" infuse the song with a sense of joy, while the verses delve into the sobering reality of war and the quest for peace. This juxtaposition adds depth and complexity to the song, making it more than just a seasonal tune.
The musical arrangement of "Happy Xmas" showcases Lennon's ability to experiment with various styles. From the gentle acoustic opening to the anthemic chorus and the inclusion of a children's choir, the song traverses different musical landscapes. The diversity in instrumentation complements the thematic richness of the lyrics, creating a dynamic listening experience.
Decades after its release, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining its relevance in the context of ongoing global challenges. Its message of hope, coupled with the acknowledgment of the world's problems, ensures its place in the canon of Christmas songs that go beyond mere celebration, encouraging listeners to reflect on the state of the world and their role in shaping a better future.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Happy Christmas, Kyoko
Happy Christmas, Julian
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
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
And so this is Christmas (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
For rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The road is so long (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let's stop all the fight (now)
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 (war is over)
And what have we done (if you want it)
Another year over (war is over)
And a new one just begun (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The near and the dear one (war is over)
The old and the young (now)
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
Happy Christmas!