Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine are a cover band and comedy a… Read Full Bio ↴Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine are a cover band and comedy act based in Los Angeles, California. The band's name is a play on that of rock band Rage Against The Machine, and Cheese's pseudonym is a reference to smegma. The band specializes in playing jazz and lounge covers of popular rock and rap tunes from the last thirty years, particularly those with offensive lyrical content...

Since 2000, the band has played concerts around the U.S.A. and Europe, and has made numerous television appearances, including performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Fox News Channel, CNN, and as the house band on NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly and MTV's Say What? Karaoke series.

Richard Cheese text taken from Wikipedia.

Do They Know It
Richard Cheese Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 lyrics to Richard Cheese's song "Do They Know It" is a satirical version of the original song created by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure for the charitable supergroup Band Aid in 1984. The opening lines express the joyful spirit of Christmas and the idea of spreading love and happiness. However, as the song progresses, it highlights the reality of the less fortunate parts of the world, where poverty, hunger, and conflict are prevalent, and the holiday season is synonymous with dread and fear. The line "And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime" refers to the fact that many people in Africa have never seen snow or experienced a white Christmas, and it contrasts the cultural differences between Western and African cultures.

The chorus of the song asks the question, "Do they know it's Christmastime at all?" which highlights the fact that many parts of the world are not as exposed to the Western holiday traditions and celebrations. The final lines of the song call for spreading love and joy by feeding the world and letting them know that it's Christmastime again.

The song aims to bring attention to the global issues of poverty, conflict, and inequality and encourages people to take action in helping those who are suffering during the holiday season.

Overall, Richard Cheese's version of "Do They Know It" acts as a commentary on societal issues and a call to action for people to spread love and joy during the holiday season.

Line by Line Meaning

It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
It's a holiday season, a time to celebrate and be happy

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
We welcome positivity and dispel negativity during the holiday season

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
We are fortunate to have plenty of resources to share happiness with others

Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
Embrace and include everyone in the joyous holiday festivities

But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
Remember to think about and pray for those less fortunate during the holiday season

At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
Acknowledging the difficulties of the holiday season, but finding happiness together can make it easier

There's a world outside your window
There is a larger world beyond your immediate surroundings

And it's a world of dread and fear
This world is often filled with negative emotions and experiences

Where the only water flowing
In some places, there is only limited access to basic resources like water

Is the bitter sting of tears
A lack of resources and difficult living conditions can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness

And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Even the sounds associated with the holiday season can be a reminder of negative circumstances and dire situations

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
Gratefulness for personal blessings and privilege while recognizing the less fortunate circumstances of others

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The weather and holiday imagery associated with Christmas does not apply to all parts of the world

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
For those in more difficult circumstances, the gift of simply being alive to see another year can be the most precious one

Where nothing ever grows
In some areas, the lack of resources and natural difficulties make it impossible for things to grow and flourish

No rain nor rivers flow
Lack of basic resources like water can make everyday life difficult and sometimes impossible

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
The holiday season and its traditions may not be known or celebrated in certain parts of the world

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

Raise a glass for everyone
Include and acknowledge everyone, even those who may not typically be included

Here's to them
Another acknowledgement and toast to those who need more support

Underneath that burning sun
The recognition that different parts of the world experience different climate conditions

Feed the world
Encouraging action and intervention to support those in need

Let them know it's Christmastime again
Sharing the holiday spirit and traditions with those who may not have access or familiarity with them

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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