The Genesis of a Christmas Classic
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono, a song that resonates with the spirit of Christmas and the longing for peace, emerged from the creative synergy of Lennon and Ono. Released on December 1, 1971, this track marked Lennon’s first Christmas song post-Beatles, intertwining the festive cheer with a profound anti-war message. The song’s roots can be traced back to the couple’s peace activism, notably their “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko” campaign, which saw billboards across 12 major cities in 1969.
Crafting the Message
Lennon, inspired to create something distinct from traditional Christmas songs, aimed for a composition that conveyed optimism without succumbing to sentimentality. The song’s structure and melody draw from the traditional English ballad “Skewball,” but with a unique rhythmic meter and a new chorus countermelody. The inclusion of the Harlem Community Choir, featuring children’s voices, added a poignant layer to the anti-war message.
The Recording Saga
The recording sessions for Happy Xmas (War Is Over) took place in late October 1971 at the Record Plant studio in New York City. The process involved Lennon and Ono, along with session musicians and the Harlem Community Choir. The song’s production was overseen by Phil Spector, known for his “Wall of Sound” technique, who had previously worked with Lennon on his solo projects.
A Symbolic Release
The single’s release was a significant event, with the initial American release on December 1, 1971, followed by a delayed UK release on November 24, 1972, due to a publishing rights dispute. The song’s artwork and presentation were carefully curated, featuring innovative designs and even a green vinyl edition.
Chart Performance and Legacy
Despite a modest initial reception in the US, partly due to its late release, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) gained traction in the UK, peaking at number four. Its re-emergence on the charts, especially after Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, underscored its enduring appeal. The song has since become a Christmas standard, covered by numerous artists and featuring in various holiday music compilations.
Conclusion: A Song Beyond Seasons
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) transcends the boundaries of a mere Christmas song. It’s a powerful expression of hope, peace, and the impact of personal accountability in enacting change. As we delve into the lyrics of John Lennon & Yoko Ono, we find a message that is as relevant today as it was in 1971. This song, with its simple yet profound plea for peace, continues to resonate across generations, reminding us that the end of war and the cultivation of a harmonious world lies in our collective will.
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John Lennon & Yoko Ono Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Intro: Yoko Ono & John Lennon
Happy Christmas, Kyoko
Happy Christmas, Julian
Verse 1: John Lennon
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 had fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Verse 2: John Lennon & Harlem Community Choir
And so this is Christmas(War is over)
For weak and for strong(If you want it)
The 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)
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Verse 3: John Lennon & Harlem Community Choir
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 ones (War is over)
The old and the young (Now)
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Outro: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
War is over
If you want it
War is over
Now
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)