Do You Remember: Do They Know It's Christmas?

Portions of this article were assisted by AI.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, and it was first recorded by the group Band-Aid in 1984. The song was created to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The idea for the project originated with Geldof, the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, who was inspired to take action after seeing television reports about the devastating famine in Ethiopia.

It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid

At Christmas time, 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 Christmas time

But say a prayer, Pray for the other ones

At Christmas time it's hard

, but when you're having fun

Geldof and Ure assembled a group of popular British and Irish musicians and singers to form Band Aid. The ensemble included artists such as Bono (U2), George Michael (Wham!), Boy George (Culture Club), Sting (The Police), Phil Collins (Genesis), and many others. The group recorded the song in a single day at Sarm West Studios in London on November 25, 1984.

The lyrics of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" were written to convey a sense of urgency and empathy for those affected by the famine. The song emphasizes the need to take action and help those less fortunate during the holiday season.

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 Christmas time

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

Where nothing ever grows

No rain nor rivers flow

Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

The single was released on December 3, 1984, and it quickly became a massive success. "Do They Know It's Christmas?" topped the charts in the UK and became the best-selling single in the country at the time. The song also achieved significant success internationally.

The success of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" inspired the creation of the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985, organized by Geldof and Ure. The concert featured performances by many of the same artists who participated in Band Aid and aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa.

Here's to you

Raise a glass for everyone

Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived

If the table was turned would you survive

Here's to them

Underneath that burning sun

You ain't gotta feel guilt just selfless

Give a little help to the helpless

Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

The song has been re-recorded several times with different line-ups of artists over the years to support various charitable causes. While some aspects of the original song have faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes about Africa, it remains an important cultural artifact in the history of charitable music efforts.

In a few months, it will be 2024 and not much has changed in 40 years. There are still those planning and preparing for the December 25th holidays while others cannot feel the holiday spirit because of poverty, sickness, and death. If you are blessed to have a wonderful holiday thsi season please keep in mind many who will not. Some won't even know it's Christmas time at all.

Feed the world

Feed the world

Feed the world

Feed the world

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmas time again

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmas time again

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmas time again

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmas time again