Do They Know It's Christmas
Deftones Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's Christmas time
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
We let in light and we banish shade
(Jonah doing Boy George)
And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time
(Jonah doing George Michael)
But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it's hard

(Chino doing Simon LeBon)
But when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
(Jonah doing George Michael joins in)
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is
(Jonah doing Bono joins in)
The bitter sting of tears
(Jonah doing Bono)
And the Christmas bells that are ringing
Are clanging chimes of doom
Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you.

(Jonah) And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time.
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
(Chino) Oh-oh
(Jonah) Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

(Grady)Here's to you
(Jonah)raise a glass for everyone
(Grady)Here's to them
(Jonah)underneath that burning sun
(Everyone)Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Chorus (Everyone)
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again




Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again

Overall Meaning

The Deftones' version of "Do They Know It's Christmas" serves as a somber reimagining of the original charity single created by Band Aid in 1984. The opening lines of "It's Christmas time/There's no need to be afraid/At Christmas time" set the stage for the song's main message which contrasts the holiday's joyful nature with the ongoing struggles in many parts of the world. The line "And in our world of plenty/ We can spread a smile of joy/ Throw your arms around the world/ At Christmas time" reaffirms that although many parts of the world are struggling, those who have are in a position to give to those who do not. This sentiment is echoed in the chorus of the song with the lyrics "Feed the world/Let them know it's Christmas time again."


The second verse takes a somber turn, with the lyrics lamenting the struggles that many face during the holiday season. The line "But say a prayer/ Pray for the other ones/ At Christmas time it's hard" is a poignant reminder that the holidays aren't a joyful experience for everyone. The song's bridge section acknowledges the struggles of those in Africa, and the line "The greatest gift they'll get this year is life" is a reminder of how dire the situation is, and how small acts of giving can make a tremendous difference.


The Deftones' version of "Do They Know It's Christmas" is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles in the world that many face during the holiday season. Its lyrics highlight the importance of giving back and helping those who are less fortunate during a time of year when many of us are focused on joy and celebration.


Line by Line Meaning

It's Christmas time
The holiday season has arrived


There's no need to be afraid
We should not fear this season and embrace it


At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade
During the holidays, we celebrate light and joy and push away darkness and sadness


And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
With all the abundance we have, we can share happiness and positivity with others


Throw your arms around the world, at Christmas time
At this time of year, we should embrace the world and all its people


But say a prayer, pray for the other ones, at Christmas time it's hard
During the holidays, we should remember those who are less fortunate and facing challenges


But when you're having fun, there's a world outside your window
Despite enjoying the holiday season, we need to acknowledge that there are others suffering beyond our immediate surroundings


And it's a world of dread and fear, where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
Many people in the world are experiencing fear and hardship, and there is a lack of basic resources like clean water


And the Christmas bells that are ringing, are clanging chimes of doom
The festive sounds of the season can feel like a warning for those who are struggling


Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
We should express gratitude for what we have and acknowledge that others are facing greater difficulties


And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time. The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
In some parts of the world, including Africa, there is no snowy winter wonderland. The best gift people can hope for is simply staying alive


Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
In some places, the climate is so severe that crops do not grow and there is no consistent rainfall or flowing water


Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Some people in the world may not be aware of or do not celebrate Christmas


Here's to you, raise a glass for everyone
Let’s drink to the health and happiness of everyone


Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Let’s acknowledge those who live in harsh conditions where the sun can be oppressive


Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Some people in the world may not be aware of or do not celebrate Christmas


Feed the world, feed the world, feed the world
We should work to provide sustenance and resources to those in need around the world


Let them know it's Christmas time again
During the season, we can remind others of the love and support they have from people around the world




Contributed by Adam Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@tokinjoe229

Love these 3 wisemen. I always thought of Chino as a mix of Jonah's clean vocals and Grady's screamed vocals.

@captainskotty91

this is my favourite version of this song, best way to finish off xmas before bed

@houseabovethebay

PERFECTION.

@forerunner0645

fuck yeah, its Christmas again. HERES TO THEM!!!

@TheFlameChannel

22:22 Grady Avenell of Will Haven !!!????

@TheFlameChannel

oh yeaahh !!!

@MrPipp23

thats chino moreno?

@emptyheadspace

I remember this group they played with pounded clown at Malarkey's ages ago
Sactown rox

@ganondorfchampin

That ending...lol

@sjfan1

I can hear it, mainly Jonah.

More Comments

More Versions