Things kicked into high gear when he replaced John Foxx as the singer of the famous electronic music group Ultravox in 1979. Shortly afterwards, the New Wave band had a huge U.K. hit with "Vienna", and it became one of Britain's most popular groups for several years. As well, later that year, Ure also formed the band Visage. In 1980, Ure and Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott co-wrote Lynott's biggest solo hit, titled "Yellow Pearl". A re-recording of the song done in 1981 was used as the theme for 'Top of the Pops', a music-centered television series.
In 1984, Ure co-wrote, with Bob Geldof, the Band Aid hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?". He was one of the few featured stars who did not sing solo on the recording. The following year, Ure scored his one and only solo U.K. number one single with "If I Was", a wistful track that's since been considered his 'signature song'. This was followed by an album titled 'The Gift'. With Ure's mind clearly on other matters, Ultravox took second place and soon dissolved.
Ure's solo career continued into the 90s with sporadic success. However, "Breathe" was an international hit single, helped by its inclusion in a TV advertising campaign for Swatch watches. Ultravox songs with his work remained popular among many electronic music fans.
Ure more recently organized the Live 8 concerts with Bob Geldof with the aim of pressuring G8 leaders into following his recipe for ending world poverty. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music and charity.
Ure has been married twice: to actress and writer Annabel Giles (with whom he has one daughter, Molly) and to Sheridan Ure (with whom he has three daughters, Kitty, Ruby and Flossie).
His daughter Molly has followed her father into the music industry, as the guitarist and vocalist of all-girl group The Faders.
Do They Know It
Midge Ure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Midge Ure was released in 1984 to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The lyrics speak about the festive season and the contrast between the abundance in the Western world and the scarcity and suffering in Africa. The opening lines of the song suggest that Christmas is a time of joy and light, but that feeling is not reflected in Africa. The following lines refer to the abundance and the privilege of the Western world, prompting listeners to "throw your arms around the world" and contribute to the cause. The lyrics then ask listeners to pray for those less fortunate and acknowledge the difficult reality for those living in Africa, where water is scarce and tears are flowing.
It is essential to note that the lyrics do not only highlight the bleak situation in Africa, but it also emphasizes the power and responsibility that the rest of the world has in addressing this situation. To summarize, the song encourages listeners to celebrate Christmas by engaging with the global community and showing empathy to those who are unfamiliar.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
It's time to be happy and celebrate Christmas without any fear.
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
Christmas brings hope, joy and light to our lives, casting away darkness and sadness.
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Living in a world full of blessings, we can give happiness and joy to others in need.
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
Christmas is a time to embrace everyone in the world with love and unity.
But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
Let's offer our prayers for those who are less fortunate and suffer in this world.
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
Even though it may be hard to remember the suffering of others during the festive season, we must try to help them while still enjoying ourselves.
There's a world outside your window
The world is bigger than just our own lives and experiences.
And it's a world of dread and fear
Many people in the world live with fear and uncertainty, which can dampen the holiday spirit.
Where the only water flowing
In some parts of the world, even the most basic need of water is scarce, reminding us of the harsh reality for many.
Is the bitter sting of tears
Tears of sadness and despair are the only ones that flow in some parts of the world during Christmas.
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Christmas can be a reminder of hopelessness and despair for those in need, rather than happiness and positivity.
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
While we may be enjoying Christmas, we should acknowledge that not everyone is as lucky as us and be grateful for what we have.
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
Africa has different weather conditions compared to other parts of the world and may not experience snow during Christmas.
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Basic necessities like food, water and shelter are the greatest gifts people in underprivileged areas can hope for this Christmas.
Where nothing ever grows
In some parts of the world, there is barrenness and no hope for prosperity or growth.
No rain nor rivers flow
Due to the lack of rain, many people may not have access to clean water or fertile soil to grow crops.
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
It is likely that people living in harsh conditions may not know of the joy and hope that Christmas brings.
Here's to you
A toast is offered in honor of those who are fortunate and prosperous this holiday season.
Raise a glass for everyone
Let's raise a glass to celebrate the festive season with everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Here's to them
This is a toast dedicated to those who are less fortunate and suffering during the holiday season.
Underneath that burning sun
Living in hot climates and under the intense heat and sun can make life difficult for many, even during Christmas.
Feed the world
Helping those who are less fortunate is our responsibility, especially during Christmas.
Let them know it's Christmastime again
We should spread love, joy and hope to those who are less fortunate and help them to celebrate Christmas with happiness and positivity.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB GELDOF, MIDGE URE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sarge
I love Midge.
He wrote this song. This EPIC song.
Geldof had an influence, a strong one, but the song writing and musicality was all down to Ure. I'm so glad he's still performing this tune as his own. He should.
It's still great.
RuthRuben Jawak
U r still the best Midge❤
astradyne78
Thank you Midge^^ You're the best ;-)
margus kiis
Midge's version really works. The stars lost the spot a lot.
tmichael80
Bob and Midge; thank you. 01/17
Matthew Murray
Midgeure cheddar