Idol began his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea. However, he soon left the group. With his former bandmate Tony James, Idol formed Generation X. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the United Kingdom and released three studio albums on Chrysalis Records, then disbanded. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album, Billy Idol (1982), was a commercial success. With music videos for singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding" Idol soon became a staple of then newly-established MTV.
Idol's second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face". The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. In 1986, he released Whiplash Smile. Having accumulated three UK top 10 singles ("Rebel Yell", "White Wedding" and "Mony Mony"), Idol released a 1988 greatest hits album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best; the album went platinum in the United Kingdom. Idol then released Charmed Life (1990) and the concept album Cyberpunk (1993).
Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye. He made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground (2005) and again with Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014).
On Christmas Day
Billy Idol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I thought I lost you child
I never held you tight
When you fell asleep at night
Never saw your bright blue eyes
Or your sunshine smile
I never heard you calling
So I couldn′t catch you falling
Oh, my life fell apart
And yes, I lost my heart
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I was riding blind
Devil on my side
High hill was hard to climb
You were still on my mind
I was born to run
Singing, having fun
But my hotel room
Was like an empty tomb
Oh, my life fell apart
And yes, I lost my heart
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, the sun is shining
On Christmas Day, no one is crying
On Christmas Day, the sun is shining
On Christmas Day, no one is sighing, crying, yeah
On Christmas Day, the sun is shining
On Christmas Day, no one is crying
On Christmas Day, the sun is shining
On Christmas Day, no one is sighing, crying, lying, baby
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I believe in you today
I see I found my way
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
I believe in you today
I see I've really changed
So glad to be with you
On Christmas Day, yeah
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
No one is sighing, crying, yeah
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
No one is sighing, crying, yeah
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
No one is sighing, crying, yeah
The lyrics of "On Christmas Day" by Billy Idol tell a story of redemption and finding love and joy on a special day. The opening lines set a tone of regret and loss, as the singer reflects on a past where they were running wild and not present in the life of their child. They express the pain of never having held their child or witnessed their beautiful features like their bright blue eyes and sunshine smile. The feeling of not being there to hear their child calling out and not being able to catch them when they fell is a source of deep sorrow.
The second verse further explores the singer's wild and reckless lifestyle, with the devil as a constant companion. It emphasizes how their mind was consumed by thoughts of their child, even amidst all the chaos and excitement. The analogy of their hotel room being like an empty tomb suggests it was a lonely existence, devoid of the love and connection they desired.
However, there is a turning point in the chorus. The singer declares their belief in the child, possibly suggesting a newfound faith in their bond and a recognition of the child's significance in their life. They express gratitude for finding their way back to each other and being able to spend Christmas Day together. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's joy and renewed sense of purpose. The finale of the song captures the spirit of Christmas, with imagery of a shining sun and no more sorrow or tears. The repetition of "On Christmas Day, no one is sighing, crying, lying, baby" emphasizes the transformative power of love and the celebration of this special holiday.
Overall, "On Christmas Day" is a song that conveys the journey from a fractured relationship and a broken heart to a place of redemption and the joy of being reunited with a loved one on a day that holds deep significance.
Writer(s): Billy Idol, Brian T Tichy
Contributed by Annabelle F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1967wjsmith
Never thought I’d hear Billy Idol sing the word ‘Lovely’ in one of his songs. Great stuff Billy!
@alexaalexa6524
Many many hugs for Idol & Stevens!! The world need your spirit and the feeling of freedom 🎶💖
@Shrykespeare
A Billy Idol Christmas Album. Something the world never knew it needed.
@karelltulod3079
Merry Christmas December 31 2020
@evansullivanrichgels5531
Yeah Billy! Never disappoints. This man is a total legend. Just won't stop making great music.
@makusmati
What an awesome early Christmas present.
@BreauxBobby
That perfect voice.
@marieclark4609
I've always loved Billy Idol and I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever see him do a Christmas album this is great love it ❤🥰🤩😍🤟🤟
@the80sfanatic13
He made a Christmas album way back in 2006. Every Billy Idol fan should know that. I guess you're not a fan.
@mongoloid1369
Right I guess it comes with age like a punk rock Bing Crosby lol ROCK on , merry Xmas Billy boy