Do They Know It's Christmas?
Jul; Band Aid Lyrics


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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 song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid begins by acknowledging that it's Christmastime, a time of joy and light, and there's no need to be afraid. It suggests that during this time of plenty and happiness, we should spread that joy all around the world. However, the song takes a turn from the typical cheerful Christmas tune, as it reveals the stark reality of the situation faced by people in certain parts of the world, Africa in particular. It highlights the vast contrast between the world of plenty they are singing about and the world outside the window of those in need. Instead of joy, there is dread and fear. The bitter sting of tears serves as the only water source, and the Christmas bells that ring are a reminder of their current plight. The song emphasizes gratitude by thanking God for the privilege of not being in their shoes.


The chorus reflects the hopelessness of the situation, as the only gift the people in Africa will receive is the gift of life. There is no hope for crops to grow, no rain, or flow of rivers. The song concludes by calling for all of us to come together and help feed the world, affirming that it's Christmastime all over again, and we need to continue spreading the message of love and unity.


Line by Line Meaning

It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
During Christmas, we should be joyful and not afraid


At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
Christmas brings positivity and hope to our lives


And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Since we have plenty, we should share our joy with others


Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
We should embrace the world with love during Christmas


But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
We should pray for those less fortunate than us


At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
Although it may be difficult to remember those in need during the holidays, it's important to do so


There's a world outside your window
We should be aware of the struggles that exist outside of our own lives


And it's a world of dread and fear
The world outside our window is filled with hopelessness and fear


Where the only water flowing
There is a severe lack of resources, such as clean water


Is the bitter sting of tears
People are going through great hardships, and it brings them to tears


And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Even during Christmas, there is sadness and despair in other parts of the world


Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
We should be grateful for what we have and remember those who are less fortunate


And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
Different parts of the world experience different aspects of the holiday season


The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
In some places, the gift of simply being alive is the greatest gift of all


Where nothing ever grows
Certain areas do not have fertile land to grow crops


No rain nor rivers flow
There is a severe lack of water resources


Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
People in other parts of the world may not have the same knowledge and experiences of the holiday season as we do


Here's to you
A toast to those who are less fortunate


Raise a glass for everyone
Let's raise a glass to everyone, including those who are struggling


Here's to them
Another toast to those facing hardships


Underneath that burning sun
Those experiencing difficulties may be doing so under difficult physical conditions


Feed the world
We should do our best to provide aid to those in need


Let them know it's Christmastime again
We should share the love and positivity of the holiday season with those who may not have the same experiences as us




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mshabs2238

It's 2023, who's still here? This resonates more & more every year.

@jh.4770

I am. You posted this 22 minutes ago, and it was probably 22 minutes ago I heard this song being played here at the hotel I'm at.

@Jaguar-zr3ff

My favourite one. Why wasn't I born in the 80's ? I was born on 19th Dec 2002 😞 Take me back pls 🚀

@jonsnow1804

King in The North is here

@michaelrodriguez3329

I was in Jr.high school. When it came out Good music and times

@claudiagrosshauser2800

Its og

18 More Replies...

@Inc0gnit0229

"There's a world outside your window... and it's a world of dread and fear."

Still relevant after 39 years.

@michaelmarshall1713

Still Starving and Breeding .

@AW_7_7_7

with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, among others.....😭 sad sad world

@gempath5533

Unfortunately, it's more relevant than ever.

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