The Tamlins were a reggae and dub vocal group in 1970's Jamaica. Composed o… Read Full Bio ↴The Tamlins were a reggae and dub vocal group in 1970's Jamaica. Composed of Carlton Smith, Junior Moore, and Derrick Lara, The Tamlins are among the most recognized backup singers in reggae especially for their years of international touring in support of Peter Tosh. They have backed John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Pat Kelly, and Marcia Griffiths, among others, as well as recording on their own. Having released one unsuccessful LP in 1976, they came to prominence in the late 1970s by releasing 12" singles in Jamaica for Channel One Studios, usually covering earlier rocksteady hits such as "Hard to Confess". They gained wider attention for their notable Sly and Robbie-produced version of the Randy Newman song, "Baltimore" (1979). The arrangement on that single was notably similar to that used on Nina Simone's cover of the song, released less than a year earlier. They also cut "Go Away Dream" for the same producers, while vocalist Lara enjoyed some solo success in the early 1980s. Lara's ethereally high lead vocals bring to mind the best of '70s Philly soul music, a style they have often covered.

Give Love On Christmas Day
The Tamlins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

People making lists, buying special gifts,
It's time to be kind to one and all.
It's that time of year when good friends are dear,
And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store.

Why don't you give love on Christmas Day
Even the man who has everything
Would be so happy if you would bring

Give love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love.

People you don't know
Smiles and nods hello,
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy.
It's that once of year when the world's sincere,
And you'd like to find a way to show the things that words can't say.

Why don't you give love on Christmas Day
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know there's someone who cares.
Give love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love.

What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs more love.

Why don't you give love on Christmas Day
Every little child on Santa's knee
Has room for your love underneath his tree
Give love on Christmas Day
No greater gift is there than love.

What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs more love.

Overall Meaning

The Tamlins's song Give Love On Christmas Day is a stirring social commentary on the meaning of Christmas and its universal message of love. The song captures the essence of the holiday spirit by urging people to look beyond the commercialization of Christmas and focus on the true meaning of the season. The first stanza emphasizes the importance of kindness and friendship during the holidays, highlighting the desire to give more than just store-bought gifts. The second stanza speaks to the universality of Christmas, that even people who don't know each other will experience a sense of joy and camaraderie during the holiday season.

The chorus emphasizes the importance of love during the holidays, suggesting that it is the greatest gift that one can give. The repetition of the phrase "Give love on Christmas Day" reinforces the message that Christmas is not just about consumerism and presents, but it is about showing love and generosity towards others. The final verse sums up the importance of love as a universal need, echoing a sentiment that is arguably truer this year than ever before.

Line by Line Meaning

People making lists, buying special gifts,
During Christmas holidays, people are busy making lists and buying special gifts for their loved ones.

It's time to be kind to one and all.
It's that time of year when people should be kind and compassionate to everyone.

It's that time of year when good friends are dear,
Christmas is the time when good friends are cherished and celebrated.

And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store.
During this festive season, one would wish to give more than just material gifts.

Why don't you give love on Christmas Day
The song requests to give love on Christmas Day instead of just material gifts.

Even the man who has everything
Even the person who seems to have everything in life could use some love on Christmas Day.

Would be so happy if you would bring
A person who has everything would be very happy to receive love on Christmas Day.

No greater gift is there than love.
Love is the greatest gift that one can give and receive on Christmas Day.

People you don't know
During Christmas, we come across people we don't know.

Smiles and nods hello,
People acknowledge each other with smiles and greetings during the festive season.

Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy.
There is a sense of joy and happiness that is synonymous with Christmas.

It's that once of year when the world's sincere,
Christmas is a time when people show sincerity and kindness towards each other.

And you'd like to find a way to show the things that words can't say.
During Christmas, we would like to express our love and gratitude to others in a way that words cannot fully capture.

The man on the street and the couple upstairs
During this festive season, everyone, including the less fortunate, deserves love and kindness.

All need to know there's someone who cares.
Everyone deserves to know that there are people around them who care for them.

What the world needs is love
The world needs more love in these times of divisiveness and strife.

Yes, the world needs more love.
The song reiterates the need for more love in the world.

Every little child on Santa's knee
Children are a symbol of innocence and joy during Christmas.

Has room for your love underneath his tree
Children deserve love and affection during the festive season, which is the greatest gift of all.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Deke Richards, Berry Gordy, Jr., Christine Perren

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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