Jan is a graduate of law studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He worked with Jerzy Grotowski's Theater Laboratory in the late 1970s and created the Orchestra of the Eighth Day in 1977. He recorded his first album "Music For The End," in 1982 for Flying Fish Records (Chicago). In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles. His music was released by Sony Classical, Decca, Varese Sarabande, Milan and Savitor Records. He gives concerts in the USA and in Europe.
In 2005 Jan Kaczmarek received an Oscar for the music (score) in Finding Neverland, directed by Marc Forster. J.A.P.K. also won The National Board of Review award for Best Score of the Year, and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and BAFTA's Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music. In addition to his work in films, Jan was commissioned to write two symphonic and choral pieces for two important national occasions in Poland. “Cantata for Freedom” (2005) to celebrate 25th anniversary of Solidarity movement, and "Oratorio 1956” (2006) to commemorate 50th anniversary of bloody uprising against totalitarian government in Poznan, Poland. Both premiers were broadcast live on national television.
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Jan is also setting up an Institute inspired by the Sundance Institute, in his home country of Poland, as a European center for development of new work in the areas of film, theatre, music and new media. The Institute website (currently under construction) is: http://rozbitek.org. It is anticipated that Rozbitek Institute will be officially open in 2008.
The War
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another year over, and a new one just begun
And so, this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
The new and the dear one, the old and the young
A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear
And so, this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and for poor ones
The road is so long
And so, happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fighting
A very, merry Christmas, and a happy new year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear
And so, this is Christmas (war is over)
And what have we done? (If you want it)
Another year over (war is over)
And a new one just begun (now)
And so, happy Christmas (war is over)
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The new and the dear one (war is over)
The old and the young (now)
A very, merry Christmas, and a happy new year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear (let's hope it's a good one)
(War is over if you want it)
(War is over now)
The War, also known as Happy Xmas (War is Over), is a heartwarming Christmas song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono that carries a powerful message of love and peace. The lyrics begin by reflecting on the passing of another year and the start of a new one, asking the listener what they have accomplished. The tone then shifts to one of hope and joy for the festive season, wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
The chorus, which includes the recurring phrase "war is over if you want it," is a call for peace and an end to conflict. The song recognizes that the road to peace is long and challenging, but encourages everyone to work together to make it happen, regardless of their age, race, or social standing. The final lines echo the sentiments of the opening verse, hoping that the coming year will be a good one without any fear.
The song's lyrics are accompanied by a simple, yet joyful melody that perfectly captures the festive spirit. The use of a children's choir in the background adds to the sense of innocence and hope that the song conveys.
Overall, The War in 2-3 long paragraphs is a beautiful Christmas song that reminds us to be thankful for what we have and to work towards a world without conflict. The lyrics encourage us to think beyond ourselves and to consider how we can play a part in making the world a better place. It's a message that is particularly poignant in today's world, where conflict and division are all too common.
Line by Line Meaning
So, this is Christmas, and what have you done?
It's a time of reflection over the past year and the changes we've made
Another year over, and a new one just begun
Time is constantly moving forward and there's always a chance to start anew
And so, this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
It's a time to enjoy the company of loved ones and celebrate the season
The new and the dear one, the old and the young
Christmas is meant for everyone, regardless of age or newness to the holiday
A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year
Well wishes for both the current holiday and the one soon to come
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear
Wishing for a peaceful and safe holiday season
(War is over if you want it)
Peace and harmony can be achieved if people are willing to work towards it
And so, this is Christmas
Reflecting on the true meaning of the season
For weak and for strong
Letting all people come together and enjoy the holiday
For rich and for poor ones
The holiday should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of economic background
The road is so long
The journey for peace and unity is a long one, but it's worth the effort
And so, Happy Christmas
Wishing for joy and happiness during the holiday season
For black and for white
Expressing that the holiday is meant for all races and cultures
For yellow and red ones
Further celebrating inclusivity and unity among people of different races
Let's stop all the fighting
Urging for an end to conflict and animosity
And what have we done? (If you want it)
A reminder that we have the power to create change if we make the choice to do so
Now
A reminder to live in the present moment and take action towards creating a more peaceful future
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The holiday season is for enjoyment and celebration, but that can only happen if we choose to let go of negativity and embrace the positive
The old and the young (now)
All generations should come together and enjoy the holiday
(War is over now)
A declaration that peace has been achieved, or that it can be through collective effort
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Winston Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind