As well as Rod Argent, the other original members (most come from Hertfordshire, England) were drummer Robert Henrit and bassist Jim Rodford (later members of the Kinks) and guitarist/keyboardist Russ Ballard, who contributed to several compositions through the group's career (curiously some of Ballard's compositions became hits when they were covered by other bands, like Rainbow or Santana). When Russ Ballard left in 1973, his place was taken by guitarist and vocalist John Verity and guitarist John Grimaldi and there followed a period of intense recording and touring until the band decided to come off the road late in 1976.
The original Argent lineup re-united at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London, on July 25, 2010. They undertook a short five date concert tour in December 2010, with gigs in Frome, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Leamington Spa and London.
Christmas For The Free
Argent Lyrics
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This is the day of peace
Joy to the world at Christmas
Jesus, this is Christmas for the free
Blunt is the pain of hunger
Cold is the wind of grief
Motherless child
Jesus, this is Christmas for the free
Maybe you’d decide
If you’d just stop talking all the while
About the honour and the style
Of your solution
Look around you
Open your heart
And let your love grow
I want to be loved
And I can’t be crying all the while
I need someone to smile
For just the feeling
Joy to the world at Christmas
Love to the folk who can
Meanwhile the promises
And bodies are broken, Jesus,
Bloody in this winter wonderland
Where is the love of Jesus?
Where is the love of peace?
Where are the people
Who promised us comfort?
Why are they quarrelling their needs?
When this is the day of Jesus
When this is the day of peace
Joy to the world at Christmas time
Jesus, this is Christmas for the free
The lyrics of Argent's song "Christmas for the Free" celebrate the essence of Christmas as a day of peace, joy, and love. The song acknowledges the pain of hunger and grief prevalent in our world, where the motherless child suffers the most. It states that Christmas is meant to be for the free, indicating that the holiday is not only meant for the privileged, but for all people. The song implies that if we stop talking and take action to open our hearts to one another, we can spread love and joy that is closer to the true meaning of Christmas.
The song contrasts the celebration of Christmas with the harsh reality of a bloody winter wonderland. It asks, "Where is the love of Jesus? Where is the love of peace?" questioning the lack of compassion among people who promised comfort but are now quarreling for their needs. The song reminds us that we should actively seek to spread peace and love, especially during the holiday season. Overall, "Christmas for the Free" is an emotional song that promotes joy, love, and peace, reminding us of the true essence of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the day of Jesus
Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
This is the day of peace
Today is a day for peace and love among all people.
Joy to the world at Christmas
Let us all be joyful during this time of year.
Jesus, this is Christmas for the free
This holiday is for everyone to celebrate, regardless of their situation in life.
Blunt is the pain of hunger
The pain of hunger is sharp and hard to ignore.
Cold is the wind of grief
Grief can be as cold and harsh as the winter wind.
Motherless child
A child who has lost their mother.
Has a hard time for comfort
It is difficult for them to find peace and comfort.
Maybe you’d decide
Perhaps you could make a decision.
If you’d just stop talking all the while
If you could just stop talking for a moment.
About the honour and the style
Stop focusing on formalities and appearances.
Of your solution
Of your proposed solution to a problem.
Look around you
Take a moment to observe your surroundings.
Open your heart
Be receptive to love and compassion.
And let your love grow
Allow your feelings of love to flourish and grow.
I want to be loved
I desire to be loved by someone.
And I can’t be crying all the while
I cannot continue to cry and be sad all the time.
I need someone to smile
I need someone to make me happy and smile.
For just the feeling
Just the feeling of happiness is what I seek.
Love to the folk who can
May those who are able to love spread it to others.
Meanwhile the promises
While people make promises.
And bodies are broken, Jesus,
People suffer physical harm and injury.
Bloody in this winter wonderland
Amidst the beauty of winter, there is also pain and suffering.
Where is the love of Jesus?
Where has the message of Jesus' love for humanity gone?
Where is the love of peace?
Where has the desire for peace among people disappeared to?
Where are the people
Where have the people gone?
Who promised us comfort?
Who vowed to bring us relief and comfort?
Why are they quarrelling their needs?
Why are people arguing about their own needs?
When this is the day of Jesus
Today is the day we celebrate Jesus' birth.
When this is the day of peace
Today is a day for peace and love among all people.
Joy to the world at Christmas time
Let us all be joyful during this time of year.
Jesus, this is Christmas for the free
This holiday is for everyone to celebrate, regardless of their situation in life.
Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.