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, 2002

Beck 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: