Holiday Tunes #3: Band Aid ~ Do They Know It's Christmas?

Band Aid 1984



Forty-two artists gathered together in 1984 to record this song as a fund-raiser for Ethiopia. Twenty-six years later, it is still ingrained in our minds as a song that truly captures the spirit of the season - giving, thinking of others, etc.

Lyrics, as sung by each artist listed behind:

'It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid' [Paul Young(1984), Chris Martin(2004)]
'At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade' [Paul Young(1984) Chris Martin(2004)]
'And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy' [Boy George(1984) Dido(2004)]
'Throw your arms around the world, at Christmas time' [Boy George(1984) Dido(2004)]
'But say a prayer; Pray for the other ones' [George Michael(1984)Robbie Williams(2004)]
'At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun' [George Michael/Simon Le Bon(1984) Robbie Williams(2004)]
'There's a world outside your window, and it's a world of dread and fear' [Simon Le Bon/Sting(1984) Sugababes(2004)]
'Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears' [Tony Hadley/Sting(1984) Fran Healy & Sugababes(2004)]
'And the Christmas bells that ring there, are the clanging chimes of doom' Sting/Bono(1984) Fran Healy & Justin Hawkins(2004)]
'Well, tonight, thank God it's them, instead of you' [Bono (1984) Bono (2004)]
'And there won't be snow in Africa, this Christmas time' [Boy George/Paul Weller/Sting(1984) Will Young & Jamelia(2004)]
'The greatest gift they'll get this year is life' [Bono/George Michael/Boy George(1984) Will Young & Jamelia(2004)]
'Where nothing ever grows' [Paul Young(1984) Ms Dynamite & Beverley Knight(2004)]
'No rain nor rivers flow' [Glenn Gregory(1984) Ms Dynamite & Beverley Knight(2004)]
'Do they know it's Christmas time at all?' [All(1984) All(2004)]
'Here's to you' [Marilyn/Glenn Gregory/Rick Parfitt/Francis Rossi(1984) Tom Chaplin(2004)]
'Raise a glass for everyone' [Paul Young(1984) Justin Hawkins(2004)]
'Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived'
'If the table was turned would you survive?' [Dizzee Rascal(2004)]
'Here's to them' [Marilyn/Glenn/Rick/Francis(1984) Busted(2004)]
'Underneath that burning sun' [Paul Young(1984) Justin Hawkins(2004)]
'You ain't gotta feel guilt, just selfless'
'Give a little help, to the helpless' [Dizzee Rascal(2004)]
'Do they know it's Christmas time at all?' [Paul Young(1984) Joss Stone and Justin Hawkins(2004)]
'Feed the World' (repeat) [All(1984) Tom Chaplin(2004)]
'Feed the World, Let them know it's Christmas time again' (repeat) [All(1984) All(2004)]

Twenty years after the original recording, several artists gathered together to repeat history, or almost repeat it. This is something I love about art! Great art, fantastic collaboration, or whatever it is that achieves the ultimate task of capturing the human spirit is one of the most inspiring things in the world, and it generally influences artists' ability to create even more art... or something like that. Perhaps I'm lost for words in describing this phenomena, which would be a shame...

Regardless of my ability to give justice to this project, it existed. Chris Martin (from Coldplay) and Bono (from U2) collaborated with the original writers and organizers of the 1984 production, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, to form an actual charity group that would live on after the holiday passed this time. This time, the money went to Darfur...

Band Aid 2004



However you are inspired to continue the tradition of giving, I hope you do. Every year I try to give a gift through a charity I grew up supporting: WWF (World Wildlife Federation). One of my best friends chose the goal of raising $1000 for a charity that helps fund several orphanages in one of India's poorest state, Bihar. At the time of this post, she's raised over $1040!!! Even if you forget to do something like those two examples this year, I'm sure you've considered giving a little bit extra to the Food Bank this holiday season. I encourage you to give in whatever way you can, and even feel free to share your contributions in the comments below! One thing a charity can never get enough of is publicity!