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Do They Know It's Christmas
Studio 99 Lyrics
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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
A 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, oh
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life, oh
Where nothing ever grows
No rain nor river flows
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
Let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas
The song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' by Studio 99 was written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. The song was produced by Trevor Horn, and it featured many popular English and Irish musicians. The song is about Christmas, a time when most people in western countries spread joy and love. The song begins with the message that there is no need to be afraid during Christmastime. It is a time when we can let in light and banish shade. The song talks about the world of plenty where a smile of joy can be spread. Towards the end of the first verse, the message changes from a joyous celebration of Christmas to a plea to pray for the others. It emphasizes how even though Christmas is a fun time, it's hard for some people, and there is a world of dread and fear outside our windows.
The second part of the song talks about Africa, where there won't be any snow this Christmastime. The song highlights the inequality inherent in our world, where people in Africa suffer from starvation, drought, and lack of basic necessities. It emphasizes how the greatest gift they'll get this year is life. The song begs the question, do they know it's Christmastime at all? The song concludes with a call to action that we need to feed the world and let them know it's Christmastime.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
We should celebrate and embrace the joy and light of Christmas
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
We should allow the happiness and brightness of the holiday season to lift our spirits and push away negativity
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Considering how much we have and the abundance in our lives, we can share our happiness and alleviate suffering
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
We should extend our love and generosity to everyone around the world during this festive season
But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
We should take a moment to be mindful of those who are struggling and offer them our blessings
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
Even though it can be tough around Christmas, we should revel in the joyous and enjoyable moments
There's a world outside your window
It is crucial to remember that the world outside our own lives is vast and diverse
And it's a world of dread and fear
For many people, the world is filled with fear and uncertainty, especially during difficult times
Where the only water flowing is
In some places, there is only hardship and difficulties
A bitter sting of tears
This is reflected in the tears of those who are suffering
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
The sounds of Christmas can hold a different, daunting meaning for those who are struggling
Well tonight thank god it's them instead of you, oh
It's important to recognize those less fortunate than us and be thankful for what we have
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The traditional western symbols of Christmas don't apply to all parts of the world
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life, oh
For those who are dealing with extreme hardships, the gift of survival is the most precious gift of all
Where nothing ever grows
In some areas of the world, there is no fertile ground for crops or plants to grow
No rain nor river flows
There are parched and dry areas where water is scarce
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
It's important to remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas and we should be mindful of cultural differences
Here's to you
This line is a toast, expressing gratitude to the listener
Raise a glass for everyone
This is an invitation to celebrate and remember all those who might be in need this holiday season
Here's to them
This is another toast, this time to those who may be less fortunate
Underneath that burning sun
This refers to the heat and harsh conditions experienced in many parts of the world
Feed the world
This is a call for action, asking us to come together to make the world a better place
Let them know it's Christmastime
Let us spread the message of Christmas and its values around the world
Feed the world
Another call for action, asking us to help make a difference
Let them know it's Christmastime
Again, we should spread the message of Christmas and its values to others
Feed the world
Yet another call for action, emphasizing the importance of helping others
Let them know it's Christmas
It's important to spread the joy and love of Christmas to all those who may be less fortunate or in need
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Geldof, Midge Ure
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind