Christmas
The Who Lyrics


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Did you ever see the faces of the children
They get so excited
Waking up on Christmas morning
Hours before the winter sun's ignited
They believe in dreams and all they mean
Including heaven's generosity
Peeping round the door
To see what parcels are for free
In curiosity

And Tommy doesn't know what day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?

Surrounded by his friends
He sits so silently
And unaware of anything
Playing poxy pinball,
Picks his nose and smiles and
Pokes his tongue at everything
I believe in love
But how can men who've never seen
Light be enlightened
Only if he's cured
Will his spirits future level ever heighten

And Tommy doesn't know what day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?

Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
How can he be saved?

See me, feel me, touch me, heal me!
See me, feel me, touch me, heal me!

Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you, can you, can you hear me?
How can he be saved?

Did you ever see the faces of the children
They get so excited
Waking up on Christmas morning
Hours before the winter sun's ignited
They believe in dreams and all they mean
Including heaven's generosity
Peeping round the door
To see what parcels are for free
In curiosity

And Tommy doesn't know what day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is




How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?

Overall Meaning

The Who's "Christmas" is a song about the stark contrast between the innocence and joy of children on Christmas Day, and the struggles and challenges faced by those without such luxuries. The song opens with a description of the excitement and wonder that comes with Christmas morning, highlighting how children believe in dreams and the generosity of heaven. However, the lyrics quickly shift to a more somber tone as they describe a character named Tommy who is unable to fully participate in Christmas traditions due to his disability. Although surrounded by friends, Tommy is unaware of his surroundings and is unable to comprehend the significance of Christmas. The lyrics then emphasize the idea that without enlightenment, Tommy will never be saved.


The song's lyrics are left open to interpretation, but it is clear that they address issues of social inequality and the importance of education and understanding. The line "how can men who've never seen light be enlightened?" highlights the need for empathy and understanding between people of different backgrounds, while "see me, feel me, touch me, heal me" seems to be a call for connection and unity. "Christmas" is not your typical holiday song, but a poignant reminder of the work that needs to be done to make sure everyone is included in the joy of Christmas.


Line by Line Meaning

Did you ever see the faces of the children
Have you ever witnessed the sheer joy on a child's face


They get so excited
The children become extremely happy


Waking up on Christmas morning
Early in the morning on the day of Christmas


Hours before the winter sun's ignited
Long before the sun comes up in the winter


They believe in dreams and all they mean
The children have faith in the power of dreams and their significance


Including heaven's generosity
They trust in the generous nature of God


Peeping round the door
Taking a quick look through the door


To see what parcels are for free
To check which gifts are available


In curiosity
Out of a state of inquisitiveness


And Tommy doesn't know what day it is
Tommy is unaware of the date


He doesn't know who Jesus was
Tommy lacks knowledge about Jesus Christ


Or what praying is
He is unaware of the concept of prayer


How can he be saved
How is it possible for him to be granted salvation


From the eternal grave?
How can he be rescued from death and damnation?


Surrounded by his friends
With his companions around him


He sits so silently
He remains quiet


And unaware of anything
Without any awareness of his surroundings


Playing poxy pinball, picks his nose and smiles and
Engaging in mundane activities like playing pinball and mindlessly picking his nose


Pokes his tongue at everything
Sticks his tongue out at every little thing


I believe in love
I have faith in the concept of love


But how can men who've never seen
But how can those who have never experienced


Light be enlightened
Be granted enlightenment


Only if he's cured
Only if he is healed


Will his spirits future level ever heighten
Can his future prospects ever improve


Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, are you listening to me?


See me, feel me, touch me, heal me!
Experience me, sense me, touch me, and make me whole!




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER TOWNSHEND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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