Happy Xmas
John Lenon Lyrics
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Happy Christmas, Julian
And 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)
For 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 have fun (If you want it)
The near 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
War is over if you want it
War is over now
(Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas!)
The lyrics of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas" (War is over) convey a message of peace and hope for the holiday season. The song begins with greetings to Lennon's son, Julian, and Yoko Ono's daughter, Kyoko. Then, Lennon reflects on another year gone by and what has been accomplished, or not, in the ending year. He hopes that this Christmas brings happiness to everyone, no matter their age or background.
However, the song isn't all lighthearted as Lennon famously used the song to advocate for his anti-war stance, invoking the famous statement "War is over if you want it. War is over now." The lines "For weak and strong / For rich and poor ones / The road is so long" allude to the fact that proponents of peace come from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and peace for the holiday season and beyond. Lennon's lyrics implore individuals from all backgrounds to work together towards peace, and personal responsibility is necessary for peace to become a reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy Christmas, Kyoko
Wishing a happy Christmas to Kyoko, likely a loved one of John Lennon.
Happy Christmas, Julian
Wishing a happy Christmas to Julian, likely John Lennon's son.
And so this is Christmas
Acknowledging that the holiday season has arrived.
And what have you done?
Reflection on personal accomplishment and growth over the past year.
Another year over
Acknowledging the end of another year.
And a new one just begun
Looking forward to the start of a new year.
I hope you have fun
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season.
The near and the dear ones
Referring to those who are close and important to us.
The old and the young
Referring to people of all ages.
A very merry Christmas
Wishing a joyful and festive Christmas.
And a happy New Year
Wishing a happy and prosperous new year.
Let's hope it's a good one
Expressing a desire for a positive and successful year ahead.
Without any fear
Expressing a hope for a peaceful and anxiety-free new year.
For weak and for strong (If you want it)
Acknowledging that the desire and effort to end war is present in people of all backgrounds.
For rich and the poor ones (War is over)
Recognizing that people of all social and economic statuses are affected by war.
The road is so long (Now)
Stating that the path to peace is challenging and requires sustained effort.
For black and for white (If you want it)
Taking a stand against discrimination and promoting equality.
For yellow and red ones (War is over)
Promoting unity and inclusivity among all races and cultures.
Let's stop all the fight (Now)
Calling for an end to conflicts and violence.
And what have we done? (If you want it)
Encouraging personal reflection and self-awareness regarding efforts to end war.
We hope you have fun (If you want it)
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and expressing the belief that everyone has the ability to contribute towards ending war.
War is over if you want it
Offering hope that people have the power to end wars if they put in the effort to do so.
Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas!
Reiterating holiday wishes for a joyful and festive season.
Contributed by Mackenzie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.