Do They Know It's Christmas?
By: Bob Geldof, Midge Ure
Written by: Bob Geldof, Midge Ure
Lyrics:Do They Know It's Christmas? [Live version (a)]:
Beck:
It's Christmas time and there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time we let in light and we banish shade
Chris Martin:
And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time
ALL:
But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
At Christmas time, it's hard but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window and it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Chris Martin:
Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
Beck:
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Here's to you! Raise a glass for everyone!
Here's to them underneath that burning sun!
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
EVERYBODY
Feed the world! Let them know it's Christmas time!
Feed the world! Let them know it's Christmas time!
Feed the world! Let them know it's Christmas time!
Feed the world! Let them know it's Christmas time!
Beck:
Merry Christmas! Salut. Good night. Thank you very much.
The Song:"Do They Know It's Christmas" is a "We Are The World"-type make-the-celebrities-feel-good charity jingle from 1984, called Band Aid. See below for all the 80s superstars (and otherwise) who were involved. I think it's a nice tune anyway, very very very very very catchy, even if it's ludicrous and vaguely offensive.
Live:Played live once:
December 8, 2002Beck and the Flaming Lips jammed on this to close their set at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas in LA. It was pretty much a free-for-all, Beck invited anyone who wanted to to join in, and thus the singer from Coldplay and actress Juliette Lewis and a whole bunch of the Flaming Lips furry animal fans danced around. They sang from lyric sheets. It's both lame as hell and crazy fun at the same time.
Notes:
- These are the people who took place in the original song. This might be the closest we get to Beck doing a George Michael cover.
As the record sleeve states, "this record features the cream of pop music talent", and included Bono, Adam Clayton, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Simon Crowe, Peter Briquette, Johnny Fingers (Boomtown Rats); Steve Norman, Tony Hadley, Martin Kemp, John Keeble, Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet); Midge Ure, Chriss Cross (Ultravox); Paul Young; John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran); Glenn Gregory, Martin Ware (Heaven 17); Marilyn; Jody Watley; Keren, Sarah, Siobhan (Bananarama); Paul Weller; Peter Blake; James Taylor; Robert Bell, Dennis Thomas (Kool and the Gang); George Michael (Wham); Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt (Status Quo); David Bowie; Paul McCartney; Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood); Sting, Jon Moss, Boy George (Culture Club). The song was composed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, and was produced by Trevor Horn.