Several of their later albums were released under the name The Plastic Ono Band, and often featured other musicians such as Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman, and Alan White. The Plastic Ono Band's first album, Live Peace in Toronto 1969, was recorded during the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival. The first half of their performance consisted of rock standards, and during the second half, Ono took the microphone and along with the band performed what may be one of the first expressions of the avant garde during a rock concert. The set ended with music that consisted mainly of feedback, while Ono screamed and sang.
Their fifth album together, Some Time in New York City, released in 1972, is fiercely motivated by political issues the couple found themselves confronted with upon moving to New York City in September, 1971. The album was highly controversial but is generally seen as the beginning of Ono's emergence as a songwriter with "Sisters O Sisters", "Born In A Prison", and "We're All Water"
With the birth of their son Sean in 1975, Lennon put his career on hold to raise the boy and rekindle his relationship with his older son Julian. In the summer of 1980, both Lennon and Ono felt ready to resume to work and began composing. They made the decision to release their impending songs together on the same album. Subtitled "A Heart Play", Double Fantasy would be a collection of songs whereby John and Yoko would be singing to each other.
Released in 1984, Milk and Honey is notable for being Lennon's first posthumous release of music, having been recorded in the last months of his life during and following the sessions for Double Fantasy. Though Lennon's death caused a temporary shelving of the project, Ono was later capable of returning to complete it.
Happy Xmas
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Lyrics
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(Happy Christmas Julian)
So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
The near and the dear ones
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 (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
The rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The road is so long (now)
And so Happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let's stop all the fight (now)
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 had fun (if you want it)
The near and the dear ones (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
War is over, if you want it
War is over now
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas
The song "Happy Xmas" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is a touching ballad of hope and peace, released in December 1971. The lyrics convey the message of reflection on the current year and approaching the new year with positivity and a renewed sense of optimism. The opening lines, "So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over, and a new one just begun" are a reminder of the passage of time and the importance of making the most of it.
The song emphasizes the significance of spending time with loved ones and embracing diversity, regardless of race or class. The lines, "For black and for white, for yellow and red one, let's stop all the fight" are a direct message of inclusivity and unity. Focusing on the good in the world and prioritizing love and kindness over hate and division are reoccurring themes throughout.
Additionally, the song ends with the hopeful declaration, "War is over, if you want it… War is over now." The phrase is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the importance of taking action in ending war and bringing about global peace. The song encourages individuals to take responsibility for cultivating a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Overall, the song is a deeply emotive and inspiring holiday classic. It encourages listeners to reflect on the year past and enter the new one with a sense of possibility, hope, and unity.
Interesting facts about the song:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
So this is Christmas
It is Christmas time, an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus. It's a reflection point for people to determine their accomplishments throughout the year just gone.
And what have you done
It is a questioning moment that provokes us to ponder over the achievements and failures we have experienced during the year that is coming to an end.
Another year over
This highlights the fact that everyone in the world has spent 365 days trying to achieve their goals and to make life better.
And a new one just begun
The year has been concluded and everyone has got a clean slate to pen their new goals for a new year with renewed hope and energy.
And so this is Christmas
It emphasizes the celebratory mood as Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for everyone; regardless of age, gender, or worldview.
I hope you have fun
The lyricist has a wish for every individual to enjoy their time with their loved ones, embrace the joy, and cherish these moments for the rest of the year.
The near and the dear one
Every person should spend Christmas with family, loved ones, and friends who add meaning and value to life.
The old and the young
Christmas is a time for the elderly and the young, where the young bring the joy and the old brings the wisdom and experience that make the day perfect and vibrant.
A very Merry Christmas
It's a direct wish to have a cheerful and enjoyable Christmas day.
And a happy new year
It's a wish for a beautiful year ahead that awaits everyone.
Let's hope it's a good one
This line signifies the desire for the new year to be prosperous, with fewer bad events and more illustrious moments.
Without any fear
The goal is for there to be no obstacles, giving everyone a chance to enjoy their time without fear of something adverse happening.
For weak and for strong
It emphasizes that Christmas is for everyone, including the weak and the strong, and everyone should have an equal chance to have joy and happiness.
For rich and the poor ones
This line affirms that Christmas extends to every economic class, giving a chance for the rich and poor to come together to celebrate.
The world is so wrong
This refers to the rampant injustice, poverty, and inequality in the world, which is in contrast to Christmas's spirit, a time of love and unity.
And so happy Christmas
It's an expression wishing individuals a merry Christmas, filled with happiness and warmth.
For black and for white
It is a call for unity, acknowledging that regardless of skin color, everyone should come together to celebrate Christmas as one people, having the same purpose and values.
For yellow and red one
This line extends the previous notion to include people from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing that Christmas should not have a cultural barrier.
Let's stop all the fight
It's a reflection point that the world has experienced a lot of fights, misunderstandings, and wars, but Christmas should be a chance for everyone to rekindle peace and forgive each other.
And what have we done
This line reflects upon society's shortcomings and failure to realize peace, unity, and love for one another.
A new one just begun
It affirms that society has recognized their past failures and are given a new year to do better in ensuring that their purpose and goals are well established.
War is over if you want it
It's an invitation that embracing peace, unity and forgiveness can work wonders in society. It highlights the need for individuals to choose love and peace over war and discord.
la, la, ah, ah
It's just an interlude musical display that doesn't add to the song's overall meaning.
Happy Christmas
It's an affirmation that everyone should have a lively and significant celebration of Christmas.
Happy Christmas (happy Christmas)
It's a repetition of the affirmation of jubilation, love, and unity that should accompany Christmas.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Winston Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind