Do They Know It
Barenaked Ladies Lyrics


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It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
But say a prayer and pray for the other ones
At Christmastime

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
And the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
There won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime, no

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Oh, where nothing ever grows, no rain or river flows
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Here's to you, raise a glass for ev'ryone
Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

(Feed the world)
(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)




(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)

Overall Meaning

In "Do They Know It's Christmas?," Barenaked Ladies highlights the stark contrast between the festivities of the holiday season in the western world and the unbelievable suffering and deprivation that characterize daily existence in much of Africa. The song questions whether people in Africa are aware of the spirit of Christmas that people in the western world celebrate by letting in light and joy, and spreading goodwill. The song then urges listeners to remember those who are less fortunate and to make an effort to provide for them, to ensure that they have the basic necessities of life, including water and food. The lyrics evoke a sense of despair at the lack of resources, the pervasive fear, and hopelessness that define the lives of people in Africa.


The poignant lyrics are especially powerful because of the haunting music that accompanies them, which underscores the message of the song. The chorus reminds listeners that it is Christmastime, but that they should also take the time to reflect on the suffering that exists in the world, and to take action to make a difference in the lives of others. The song ends with a call to action, urging listeners to "feed the world" and reminding them that the greatest gift that can be given is the gift of life.


Line by Line Meaning

It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
We should celebrate and enjoy the holiday season without fear.


At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
Christmas is a time of hope and happiness, where we focus on the good things in life and leave behind negativity.


And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
We are fortunate to have so much abundance and should take the opportunity to bring happiness to others.


Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
Let us embrace people from all parts of the world and share the joy of the holiday season with everyone.


But say a prayer and pray for the other ones
We should keep those who are less fortunate than us in our thoughts and prayers, especially during the holiday season.


At Christmastime
The holiday season brings a special spirit of joy and hope.


It's hard, but when you're having fun
Although there are many challenges in the world, we can still find happiness and pleasure in our lives, especially during the holidays.


There's a world outside your window
It is important to remember that there are many people around the world who are suffering and in need of help.


And it's a world of dread and fear
Many people in the world are living in fear and uncertainty, especially during times of crisis.


And the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
In some places, there is a severe lack of basic resources like water and food, leading to great suffering and sadness.


And the Christmas bells that ring there / Are the clanging chimes of doom
Even during the holiday season, there can be a sense of hopelessness and despair for those who are living in terrible conditions.


Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
We should be grateful for what we have and remember that it could be much worse for us.


There won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime, no
The holiday season is often associated with snow and cold weather, but in other parts of the world, like Africa, it is warm and snow-free.


The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
For many people around the world, the best gift they could receive is simply to survive and stay alive.


Oh, where nothing ever grows, no rain or river flows
In some parts of the world, the conditions are so harsh that even basic resources like water and food are difficult to come by.


Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
For people living in very difficult conditions, the holiday season might not have any special significance or meaning.


Here's to you, raise a glass for ev'ryone
Let us toast to the health and happiness of everyone around the world, especially those who are facing great challenges and difficulties.


Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Let us remember those who are living in hot and difficult conditions, and send our thoughts and support to them.


Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Once again, we wonder whether people around the world are aware of and able to celebrate the holiday season in the same way that we do.


(Feed the world)
Let us work together to share our resources and help those in need around the world.


(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
By coming together and working to help others around the world, we can bring the joy and spirit of Christmas to everyone, no matter where they are.


(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
We should make efforts to spread the message of Christmas and help those in need, year after year.


(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
Even if we can't directly reach or help people in need, we can still make a difference by supporting and raising awareness for charities and organizations that work to help those in need around the world.


(Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again)
Let us do everything we can to make the holiday season a time of hope, joy, and compassion for everyone around the world.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Geldof, Midge Ure

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

American Trains & Elevators

This is so much better than the original

Bart Forseth

I knew I liked this band

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