In the 1980s Elliott-Said joined the Hare Krishna movement & recorded at their studios. She lived with her husband (a fellow priest) & daughter Celeste, in London until she lost her fight with cancer on 25 April 2011. She was of part Somali ancestry.
X-Ray Spex are best known for their album "Germ Free Adolescents" (1978, EMI). Neneh Marianne Karlsson (aka Neneh Cherry), was sufficiently impressed to cover the title track. A reunion album "Conscious Consumer" (1995), echoed the concerns of the band's début.
Sites: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook & Poly-Styrene.com (Future Noise Music site)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/music-obituaries/8474819/Poly-Styrene.html
Black Christmas
Poly Styrene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
All alone drowning in my sorrows
Christmas time always brings my sadness home
A child is born on Christmas DayBut they crucified him anyway
Oh no, I'm not merry, no
Oh no, I'm not merry, no
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I wish today was like tomorrow
Christmas cards always make me feel alone
My tears are for you lovely babe
As they sacrifice you now we're saved
Oh no, I'm not merry, no
Oh no, I'm not merry, no
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I never knew a very Merry Christmas
Santa Clause was a real bad guy
I never knew a very Merry ChristmasSanta Clause was a real bad guy
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
Oh no, we're I'm not merry, no
Oh no, we're I'm not merry, no
Oh no, we're I'm not merry, no
Oh no, we're I'm not merry, no
Poly Styrene's "Black Christmas" is a grim, introspective song that explores the singer's feelings of sadness and loneliness during the holiday season. The opening lines immediately set a somber mood - "I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas/black smoke glows against a midnight sky" - and convey the sense of despair and hopelessness that pervades the rest of the song.
The lyrics touch on various themes, including the birth and crucifixion of Jesus ("A child is born on Christmas Day/But they crucified him anyway") and the commercialization of the holiday ("Christmas cards always make me feel alone"). Styrene also reflects on her own experiences, revealing that she has never known a truly merry Christmas and suggesting that even Santa Claus is a "real bad guy."
Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and sadness, as Styrene's vocals are overlaid with a haunting melody that reinforces the bleakness of the lyrics. "Black Christmas" is a powerful reminder that, despite the festive cheer that surrounds the holiday, it can be a difficult time for many people.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming of a black black Christmas
Despite the festive season, the singer longs for a bleak and dark Christmas.
Black smoke glows against a midnight sky
The imagery of black smoke against a dark sky suggests hopelessness and despair surrounding the holiday.
All alone drowning in my sorrows
The singer is engulfed in sadness, feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
Christmas time always brings my sadness home
The holiday season exacerbates the artist's emotions and causes them to feel even more melancholic.
A child is born on Christmas Day
The birth of Jesus Christ on this day is referenced, which presents a stark contrast between the hope this event represents and the artist's feelings of sadness and despair.
But they crucified him anyway
Despite the hopeful message of the Christmas story, the singer acknowledges the tragic fate of Jesus and the sorrow it brings.
Oh no, I'm not merry, no
The singer emphasizes their lack of holiday cheer and expresses their inability to feel joyful in this season.
I wish today was like tomorrow
The artist's longing for time to pass quickly and for the holiday to be over is a reflection of their sadness and inability to find joy in the present moment.
Christmas cards always make me feel alone
The commercialization of the holiday and the emphasis on greeting cards intensifies the artist's loneliness and feelings of isolation.
My tears are for you lovely babe
The artist's tears are linked to their faith and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, while also suggesting that they are mourning the absence of a loved one.
As they sacrifice you now we're saved
The singer's faith in the transformative power of sacrifice and redemption is highlighted, referencing the sacrifice of Jesus as a way to be saved.
Santa Clause was a real bad guy
The commercial myth of Santa Claus is portrayed as fraudulent and even malevolent, adding to the overall cynicism surrounding the holiday season.
Oh no, we're I'm not merry, no
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes that the singer is not alone in their inability to find joy during the holiday season.
Contributed by Tristan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@misanthropig
Poly 4ever!!!
@Galvion1980
This is my ultimate Christmas song...What a shame poor Poly died so young, she was awesome!
@pfordsq
Belated condolences to Celeste , and all Poly's family and friends. Someone said "We miss her already" , and we do.
@kwixotic
I gotta kick outta this. Was listed in the L.A. Times as one of the top 50 Xmas tunes of all time.
@TheGent2
I'm just floored - amazing song - and the best looking "no, we're not sisters - we are mother and daughter' act since the Judds. Wow. Can't wait to hear more.
@ChrisWrightOM1
God, she was gorgeous.
@it.was.written
Get your eyes checked
@ChrisWrightOM1
@@it.was.written Learn to appreciate women.
@it.was.written
@@ChrisWrightOM1 I do
@craigward6647
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer holder 😊@@it.was.written