“Happy Xmas (War is Over)”, my dear friends. May the festive season fill your hearts with boundless joy and prosperity. As is our cherished tradition, FR!DAY ! AM !N RÖCK is delighted to serenade you with a song.
This year’s playlist features timeless classics such as “Last Christmas” by the iconic WHAM!, the much-loved childhood favourite “Father Christmas” by the legendary Kinks, and the poignant ballad “Happy Xmas” by none other than John Lennon and his muse, Yoko Ono.
Let me share with you the tale of a song, one that goes by the name “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” This masterpiece was released in 1971 by John and Yoko, alongside The Plastic Ono Band. What makes this song particularly fascinating is its origin story. It was born during the Vietnam War, a time of immense turmoil and unrest. John, ever the artist, poured his passion into his music, crafting a protest song that would endure through the ages.
At the time, John’s magnum opus, Imagine, was gaining widespread acclaim. His songs often carried political undertones, but they were wrapped in a layer of sweetness that made them accessible to all. As a celebrated figure, John used his fame to shine a light on human rights and anti-war movements. Take, for example, the famous Bed-in for Peace, where he and Yoko spent two weeks in bed to draw attention to their cause.
The Songs
Happy Xmas (War is Over) emerged from a place of restlessness and evolved into a message of protest and hope. It all began with John growing tired of the same old Christmas tunes and yearning to create something fresh and meaningful.
However, as he worked on the song in 1969, amidst the anti-Vietnam War movement, his vision shifted. In his own words, he aimed to write a protest song, but he chose to coat it in honey to make it more appealing to the masses. And so, Happy Xmas (War is Over) was born—a melody that would inspire generations and resonate across the globe.
In the year leading up to the song’s release, John and Yoko embarked on a mission to spread their message of peace and love.
John and Yoko plastered their slogan, “The War is Over If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko,” on billboards and posters in twelve major cities worldwide.
While the idea wasn’t entirely original—artists like Phil Ochs (The War Is Over) and The Doors (The Unknown Soldier) had used similar phrases—it was undeniably powerful.
The song itself is beautifully simple. It opens with Yoko’s voice softly saying, “Happy Christmas, Kyoko” (her daughter). And then followed by John’s tender greeting, “Happy Christmas, Julian” (his son).
What follows is a heartfelt anthem that continues to touch hearts to this day.
War is Over
The creation of Happy Xmas (War is Over) is a story of collaboration and creativity. The Harlem Community Choir contributed their vocals to the track, guided by Phil Spector, the mastermind behind the legendary Wall of Sound.
The Harlem Community Choir consisting of thirty children between the ages of 4 and 12.
When Phil first heard the song, he noticed similarities to “I Love How You Love Me” by the Paris Sisters. He had produced this track years earlier. The melody and chord structur were inspired by an old traditional folk song.
(“I Love How You Love Me” popularised by Peter, Paul, and Mary.)
So, let the music of “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” remind you of the power of hope, peace, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.
Cheers to a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year!
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)
Readmore https://imaginejohnyoko.com/behind-the-music-happy-xmas-war-is-over/