Glee featured multiple major and secondary roles who have contributed vocals to the show: Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Dianna Agron, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch, Chord Overstreet, Darren Criss, Harry Shum, Jr., Damian McGinty, Vanessa Lengies, Samuel Larsen, Blake Jenner, Alex Newell, Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, and Dean Geyer. Numerous special guests have also featured on tracks, including Jonathan Groff, Kristin Chenoweth, Grant Gustin, Olivia Newton-John, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Idina Menzel, Charice, Gwyneth Paltrow, k.d. lang, Ricky Martin, Matt Bomer, Kate Hudson, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The pilot episode of the show was broadcast on May 19, 2009 and the first season began airing on September 9, 2009. The show was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy selects all music featured within the series himself, with the intent of maintaining a balance between show tunes and chart hits. Songs featured on the show are available for digital download through iTunes up to two weeks before new episodes air, and through other digital outlets and mobile carriers a week later.
Their debut single, "Don't Stop Believin'", a cover of the 1981 Journey song, was a top ten hit, and was certified platinum in Australia and gold in the US. The group's cover of The All-American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" reached number one in Ireland, giving them their first number one single.
There has been Nineteen soundtracks released through Columbia Records: Glee: The Music, Volume 1, Glee: The Music, Volume 2, Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers, Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Glee: The Music, Volume 4, Glee: The Music, Volume 5, Glee: The Music, Volume 6, Glee: The Music, Volume 7 and Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2,Glee: The Music, Volume 7,Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album,Glee: The Music, Season 4, Volume 1,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 3,Glee Sings the Beatles and Glee: The Music - Celebrating 100 Episodes.
Nineteen EPs have also been released: Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna, Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show.Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, Dance Party,Britney 2.0,Glee: The Music Presents Glease,The Quarterback (Music from the TV Series),A Katy or a Gaga (Music from the Episode),Movin' Out,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 4,City of Angels,New New York,Glee: The Music, Bash,Glee: The Music, Tested,Glee: The Music, Opening Night,Glee: The Music, the Back Up Plan,Glee: The Music, Old Dog, New Tricks,Glee: The Music – The Untitled Rachel Berry Project,Glee: The Music – Loser Like Me and Glee: The Music – Homecoming.
The cast is second behind The Beatles for most chart appearances by a group act in the Billboard Hot 100's history, and holds the record of sixth overall among all artists, with sixty-nine appearances. The cast has sold over thirty six million and over eleven million albums worldwide. The series' cover versions have also had a positive effect on the original recording artists, with sales of Rihanna's "Take a Bow" increasing by 189 percent after the song was covered in the Glee episode "Showmance".
The series features covers of numerous songs sung on-screen by the characters. Musical segments typically take the form of performances, as opposed to the characters singing spontaneously, as the intention is for the series to remain reality-based. Murphy is responsible for selecting all of the songs used, and strives to maintain a balance between show tunes and chart hits, as: "I want there to be something for everybody in every episode. That's a tricky mix, but that's very important — the balancing of that." Song choices are integral to script development, with Murphy explaining: "Each episode has a theme at its core. After I write the script, I will choose songs that help to move the story along."
Glee is choreographed by Zach Woodlee, and features five to eight production numbers per episode. Once music rights are cleared, songs are arranged and pre-recorded by the cast. Woodlee constructs the accompanying dance moves, which are then taught to the cast and filmed. Numbers can take several weeks to prepare, depending on complexity. Each episode costs at least $3 million to produce, and can take up to 10 days to film as a result of the elaborate choreography.
Do They Know It's Christmas
Glee Cast 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
Mercedes
And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time
Rachel
Oh, at Christmas time, it's hard, but when you're having fun
Blaine and Kurt
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Artie and Brittany
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
Puck and Tina
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Mercedes with Santana
Well, tonight, thank God it's them instead of you
New Directions (Santana)
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time (This Christmas time, no)
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life (Is life)
Where nothing ever grows (Nothing ever grows)
No rain or rivers flow (Oh, no, no, no)
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Here's to you (Raise a glass for everyone)
Here's to them (Underneath that burning sun)
Do they know it's Christmas time at all? (Yeah...)
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
And feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
And feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
And feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
The song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a charity single originally recorded by Band Aid, a supergroup of British and Irish musicians, in 1984. The Glee Cast covered the song for their third Christmas album, "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 3."
The song is a call to action to support famine relief in Africa during the holiday season, and the lyrics make a strong statement about the contrast between the abundance of the western world and the struggles of third world countries. The first verse, sung by Finn, reminds us that Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, and that we can share those positive emotions with people all over the world. The second verse, sung by Mercedes, emphasizes our ability to make a difference by spreading joy and kindness. Rachel's verse encourages us to remember those who are suffering and to pray for their well-being, even during moments of celebration. The fourth verse, sung by Artie and Brittany, paints a bleak picture of the conditions in Africa, reminding us that people there are facing real struggles that we can't ignore. Finally, the chorus brings us all together in a call to action, encouraging us to recognize that we have the power to make a difference by showing compassion and generosity.
Overall, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a powerful message that reminds us of the importance of thinking beyond ourselves during the holiday season. It encourages us to remember those who are struggling and to make an effort to help others, no matter where they are in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
During Christmas time, there is no reason to be anxious or fearful.
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade
The feeling of warmth and hopefulness is pervasive during the holiday season.
And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
We have the power to share our happiness and bring joy to others in our privileged lives.
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time
Embrace the world and its inhabitants with compassion and love during the holiday season.
But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
Take a moment to offer thoughts and prayers for those less fortunate during Christmas time.
Oh, at Christmas time, it's hard, but when you're having fun
While it may be difficult to think about those suffering during the holidays, it's important to keep them in mind even while enjoying oneself.
There's a world outside your window
It's important to remember that the problems of the world extend beyond one's immediate surroundings.
And it's a world of dread and fear
For many people, life is filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
Many people are experiencing intense emotional pain and suffering, with no relief or respite in sight.
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Even the sounds of holiday celebrations can be a reminder of one's struggles and hardships.
Are the clanging chimes of doom
For those who are suffering, the holiday season can seem like a cruel reminder of their pain and struggles.
Well, tonight, thank God it's them instead of you
It's important to cultivate a sense of gratitude for one's blessings and acknowledge the struggles of others.
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time (This Christmas time, no)
In many parts of the world, Christmas looks very different, and traditional holiday imagery doesn't apply.
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life (Is life)
For many people, simply being alive and surviving is the greatest gift they could receive at Christmas time.
Where nothing ever grows (Nothing ever grows)
In some parts of the world, conditions are so harsh that even basic elements of life like food and shelter are not guaranteed.
No rain or rivers flow (Oh, no, no, no)
The absence of basic natural resources can make life especially challenging and difficult in many parts of the world.
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Is it possible that those who are struggling can even celebrate Christmas or experience the holiday season in any meaningful way?
Here's to you (Raise a glass for everyone)
Let's all take a moment to celebrate and honor the people who make our lives better, both near and far.
Here's to them (Underneath that burning sun)
Let's also remember the people who are persevering and fighting for survival under extreme conditions.
Do they know it's Christmas time at all? (Yeah...)
Once again, the question arises: can people who are struggling truly experience and celebrate the holiday season, or is this a privilege reserved for those more fortunate?
Feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
Let's use the power and resources we have to help those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season.
And feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
The message is clear: it's up to us to spread love and kindness to everyone, no matter where they are in the world.
And feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time
We can all make a difference in the world, one kind action and one thoughtful gesture at a time.
Contributed by Wyatt D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nadillasylvia1749
It's Christmas time
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
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 Christmas time
But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmas time, it's hard
But when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dreaded fear
Where the only water flowing
Is a bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
We'll, tonight, thank God, it's them
Instead of you
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Here's to you
Raise your glass for everyone
Here's to them
Underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time and
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time and
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time and
@margaretnassuna
Naya’s vocals at 2:10 😭 she sung her parts so beautifully 🥺
@acooper2975
This is probably the best cover of this song I have ever heard!
@scottishwildcat
Then you haven't heard Slade's version.
@MyKuriboh
Glee really accepts people for who they are, not for what they look like.. That's why i love Glee, and this song in the EP. The rich should help the poor, the able should help the disable etc.!! Chrismass spirit should be there the whole year long! Glee made that even more clear to me. Happy Christmass World!!
@mrtitanicboy1
This song always make me shed a tear every time I listen to it no matter the time of year.
@katie4391
This is it, this is the song that gets me in the Christmas spirit. I get butterflies thinking about it. It's amazing
@buffybabe11
Totally love this song, best part of christmas is hearing band aid on the radio GLEE done a fab job covering it, as for the original it raised so much money and recognition for the poor and midge ure and bob geldof done a brilliant job raising awarness of it, go them and GLEE cant wait for the christmas episode now
@AllRequired
Nothing will ever top the original, but dammit, these guys made it work.
@scottishwildcat
Slade's version comfortably tops the original.
@josephaaronbeltran1088
Someday, I'm going to experience walking in NYC 🗽 at Christmas season while listening to this song and I think that would give me chills🤶🎄😍