Do They Know It's Christmas?
Diverse Kunstnere/Band Aid Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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, 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

Where 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

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Here's to you
Raise a glass for everyone

Here's to them
Underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
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
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again




Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song, "It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid, at Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade", set the tone for the song. It is a reminder that Christmas is a time of joy, when we should not be afraid or sad, and instead, we should spread happiness and joy.


The lyrics then go on to draw attention to the stark contrast between the "world of plenty" that we live in and the world of poverty and suffering that exists outside our window. The song asks us to remember those less fortunate and to pray for them during this festive season. It also offers a glimmer of hope by stating, "the greatest gift they'll get this year is life".


The song ultimately appeals to listeners to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate and to contribute to the cause of ending poverty and suffering. The repeated chorus of "feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again" underscores the urgency of the message.


Line by Line Meaning

It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
Don't be afraid because it's Christmas and it's a time of joy and happiness.


At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
During Christmas, we bring light and happiness and drive away the darkness and sadness.


And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
In our privileged world, we can share joy and happiness with those who are less fortunate.


Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
Spread love and peace, not just among your own but to the whole world during Christmas.


But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
Remember those who are suffering and less fortunate and pray for them.


At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
Even though Christmas is a time for fun and enjoyment, it can still be difficult for those who are less fortunate.


There's a world outside your window
The world outside your home and comfort zone is vast and different.


And it's a world of dread and fear
The world outside can be a place of worry and anxiety, especially for those who are less fortunate.


Where the only water flowing
In some parts of the world, there is a scarcity of basic necessities such as water.


Is the bitter sting of tears
People cry out of sorrow and misery instead of having access to clean water and other basic needs.


And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Christmas is not a time of celebration for everyone and the ringing bells can be a reminder of the difficult and troubling situations in some parts of the world.


Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
Be grateful for the blessings you have in life and recognize that not everyone is as fortunate as you.


And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
Christmas is celebrated differently in different parts of the world and not everyone experiences the same traditions and weather.


The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
People in some parts of the world don't have access to basic needs, and the gift of life is one of the greatest gifts they can receive.


Where nothing ever grows
Some areas of the world have poor soil or droughts that prevent crops from growing.


No rain nor rivers flow
Some areas experience water scarcity, preventing crop growth and access to clean water.


Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
People in other parts of the world may not celebrate Christmas in the same way, or be aware of its existence.


Here's to you, raise a glass for everyone
Celebrate life and toast to good health for everyone, not just those who are close to you.


Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Remember those who are less fortunate, living in warmer climates and struggling with access to basic needs.


Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime again
Help those in need and spread the joy of Christmas to people around the world who may not celebrate it in the same way.


Feed the world
Provide basic needs like food, water and shelter to those who are less fortunate around the world.


Let them know it's Christmastime again
Spread love and happiness and remind people that the spirit of Christmas extends beyond local and national boundaries.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB GELDOF, MIDGE URE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions