"So this is Christmas, and what have you done?" Wow, has there ever been a more direct lyric to make you take a long, hard look at yourself and assess your contribution to the world? Amazing song. John Lennon never stepped back from the edge with his work. Sorely missed.
You talked about your sadness in buying the single in December 1980. This is why I still feel sadness in hearing some of Double Fantasy. I bought the album weeks before Lennon's assassination, but I'm grateful for the wonderful songs he did give us, including "Happy Xmas," my favorite Christmas song.
I will never forget the first time I heard "Happy Xmas" in 1971 -- in my room at my parents' house on my portable Sharp AM/FM cassette recorder (mono). I loved that he started off wistfully and skeptically, in typical John Lennon fashion ("And so this is Christmas/And what have you done...?) -- and then the song built to a joyous crescendo. John died a few weeks before Christmas about ten years later -- and that has colored my experience of the holiday permanently. But every year I thank him (and Yoko) for the good cheer. War is Over (If You Want It)!
I’d not heard it for a while - but having listened to it several times this Christmas season while out and about, I’ve come to appreciate just how good the song is - the first verse in particular is brilliant. The best Beatles’ Christmas record (even though I love Wonderful Christmastime too).
Andrew I really get why you say that this song comes across as sad as to this day it makes me cry whenever i hear it, especially the line "and a Happy New Year, let's hope it's a good one without any fear". I can hold it together until I hear that and then I break down. It has been a must hear for me every Christmas since I first heard it but from 1980 onward it's always been an emotional experience. Thanks as always for such a great video!
During the '70's, I purchased the solo Beatles greatest hits as they came out, and the first one I got in1975 was John Lennon's "Shaved Fish". It wasn't considered a greatest hits album, per se, with a sticker on the album's plastic cover saying "collectible Lennon". It did have all of the radio hits John had up until 1974. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over) was the final track on side 2 of the album, but the song didn't end the way I found out it did years later. The chorus at the end of the song ("War is over/if you want it") faded into an upbeat version of Give Peace A Chance. Since I'd never heard "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", I was confused about the way the song ended on Shaved Fish. A few years later, when the "John Lennon Collection" came out, it had the real ending to it with the Harlem Commuity Choir saying "Happy Xmas" over and over.
The song's ending on "Shaved Fish" was a clip from the One-to-One benefit concerts John, Yoko and Elephant's Memory played in New York in 1972. The complete concert wasn't released until 1986, over five years after Lennon's death.
"I always wanted to write a Christmas record that would last forever". Mission accomplished John. This is the Christmas song all other Pop stars Christmas songs are compared to. Sadly, Paul and Georged Christmas efforts will last forever to. But in my humble opinion, not in a good way. Happy Christmas Andrew and a Merry New Year. Ho Ho Ho, RNB
This song paved the way for Live Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas" 13 years later, which paved the way for "We Are the World" in the US and Live Aid.
Reminds me of Vince Guaraldi saying, "I don't want to write songs, I want to write standards." A bold thing to say, like John wanting to write a Christmas record that would last forever. But they both succeeded.
Good video. I'll add that in Marc Eliot's Phil Ochs bio "Death Of A Rebel," Eliot says that John Lennon got the idea for the "War Is Over" poster campaign when Ochs visited the Apple offices and told Lennon about his own song, "The War Is Over." It can be found on Ochs' 1968 album "Tape From California."
I’ve loved the song since I first heard it. I found the single at a record store I frequented in the 70s. My copy has the picture sleeve, face label and green vinyl. I am surprised how John got by without giving credit for “borrowing” the tune. Happy Christmas, Andrew!!!🎄🎁 -Roger
Andrew--I remember my older brother bringing a copy of the single home in December of 1971, on Green Vinyl, which we became fascinated with, as the Green seemed to glow with all of the good things we remember about Christmas' of the past. And definitely upon hearing, it evoked a melancholy feeling at the time, and even more so now, since the passing of John. For me it's still very difficult to hear it, because it just kicks up too many emotions. Especially if I'm out somewhere, like a grocery store, and it comes on. I can hardly contain myself. And as you say, there are several wonderful cover versions. I especially love the version done by the band THE ALARM, which retains the emotional impact of the original. I still have the single my brother bought. It's one of those things I keep and share with my nieces and nephews, who are just learning who The Beatles and John Lennon were. It always stops everyone at our Christmas family gathering when it's played each year. I'm sure others feel the same way about it. Happy Holidays to All, and to you Andrew, from California. Dig, DmGrk
My school band performed this at our Christmas concert this past Wednesday. We did a really great job, as did you with this video. Merry Christmas, Andrew!
A wonderful story Andrew on my favorite Christmas songs of all time! LIKE JOHN said a Christmas song that will last forever and Beatle John did that . The song is perfect with Choir and May Pang Yoko backing vocals make the song ! I love the part when Yoko May Pang and Harlem Choir kick in there part just lovely John nailed it . This Christmas song is standard now it's not Christmas until I hear this song Happy Christmas War is over! This song will last forever! Thanks Andrew giving us the history of this great great song! Merry Christmas Andrew !
I recall distinctly the first time I heard this song. It was December 1971, shortly after its release in the US. I was in my car, out Christmas shopping, when it came over the radio on WCAO, then a Top-40 AM Baltimore, Maryland radio station. I even recall that there were snow flurries that day. I liked the song right away. It's become a Christmas classic, deservedly so.
Thank you for this, and in particular, pointing out the similarities between "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" and two other songs---right in front of me, all these years, and I never noticed it!
A Christmas present from Andrew! A Happy Christmas to you too! An outstanding retrospective. I am in tears… Still hoping for peace after all of these years. And, I miss John Lennon so much. Thank you!
Lennon was always one for a big statement and you don't get much bigger than on a Christmas song. A stroke of genius to promote Peace on this track. One of his great singles that will always be played on the radio, and you only have to see the ever growing number of Christmas compilation albums it appears on. It's one that I play a lot over Christmas..
There's an excellent alternate mix of the song that was released in the Imagine box set which has most of the overdubs removed, enabling the studio instrumentation to be heard much more clearly, as well as John and Yoko's vocals. Worth a listen.
Great job Andrew. Wow! Talk about bittersweet memories. The sentiment expressed in this song was so timely and appropriate, especially for the anti war movement. Unfortunately, tricky dicky was trying to build a case against John at the time. I still don’t understand the warmongers and their thirst for death and destruction. All in all it was a great anti war anthem that everyone should embrace. Anyway, thanks again Andrew, and Happy Holidays to you and yours. Peace brothers and sisters.☮️✌️❤
Merry Christmas to you too & all reading this. I have the original 45 in green vinyl. I've always loved that song. I knew about the Paris Sisters song ( from a contemporary article interview on the recording of the song , which I still have somewhere ) but didn't know about the " Stewball " connection until I heard the Hollies version when I got their box set. Interesting how you separated the tracks. This song is sad for me too , not only for the loss of John , but because of all the wars since this came out. I was 15/16 at the time. Mankind should be fighting disease like cancer , etc , instead of trying to kill one another. War is never over for war mongers. Peace to all . Another great video .
Thanks Andrew! I was shocked a few months ago when I found out about JL lifting the tune of "Stewball" for this song. I know it's a folk tradition to half-inch melodies and Dylan did it all the time but somehow I was thrown that it happened in this case. I'm not judging anyone here. It's also been pointed out that the metre is close to "On Top Of Old Smokey". It does have a sad resonance for me too remembering Dec 1980. I actually sing it (along with 20 other festive tunes, many of them from the Phil Spector LP) at a local Xmas market gig last Saturday. As you point out Lennon doesn't half sing high! His range has always been beyond me so I have to cheat. It's a great feeling every year when I sing the first five words - I always know then that Santa will be coming down my chimney soon!
Best of the holidays to you, Andrew. You brightened our year with outstanding content once again and given comfort in tough times. I used to work retail and having to endure the same Christmas songs on the store intercom for months during stocking time and during store hours alike was mentally grueling but John and Yoko's song is one of the few that I could handle.
I do wish, simply because of your credibility, you would mention what is the best-sounding version you’ve heard. But, honestly, it’s small potatoes; this is one of your very best docs, and your invocation of the melancholia around the song hit me straight in the heart. Thank you so much for all the wonderful posts you’ve made, and Happy XMas. Hopefully war is over in ‘25.
Happy Xmas, Andrew! The gifts of Parlogram last all year long and long after that! This song is the perfect marriage of Lennon & Spector. Even though it's been with me for a very long time, I still need to give it a preemptive listen every Autumn, because if it sneaks up on me during the holiday season, it takes me right back to Dec. 8, 1980 😢And to end up on a lighter note, it does tend to mash up in my head with Stewball.
Great seasonal video Andrew. I always loved this song and still have my US picture sleeve version. Fascinating to know that John liked Spector's treatment of George's Try Some Buy Some and was inspired to use it on Happy Xmas.
Hi Andrew. Your video on Happy Xmas , war is over is fantastic. The videos you bring us are a joy to us beatle fan,s. I,ve been a big fan since I first heard ALL MY LOVING. Keep up the good work andrew. Happy crimble. 😊😊😊
As a third generation Beatles fan, I first heard "Happy Xmas" on the 1982 comp JOHN LENNON COLLECTION. As such, it's impossible for me to disassociate the tune (and almost everything else on the album!) with John's death. The yearning in the tune doesn't come from optimistic peace prayers, but for someone taken from us too soon. A holiday eulogy, if you will. 🎄🤍
Superb as always Andrew I’ve never missed any of your video’s..Have a great festive period all the best to you and your family and a big thanks again for all the content… 👍
The first time I heard it, I loved it. A wonderful message, a beautiful tune, similarities to other songs notwithstanding, and a good performance and production.
I’ve absolutely always loved this song. I didn’t even know it was a Lennon song until i became a massive Beatles fan (and just got more invested into music) earlier this year. Yes, i’m *slightly* daft. Merry Christmas!
Great video.I enjoy teaching this Lennon classic song to my young music students ,in its 6/8 timing! Merry Christmas Andrew, loved all your videos this year.Chris. AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
Its my first holiday season as a Beatles fan and I have you to thank for it, and thank you for expaining the mono vs stereo differences, as I like my vocals centered you helped me out in that regaurd, and love this holiday special. Keep up the awesome vids!
This is my favourite song from John's solo stuff, I generally don't listen as much to his stuff as I do the other 3 but this one is just special to me.
I first heard the song on the "Shaved Fish" compilation in 1981. Though, I must have heard it, in passing, before that. And yes indeed, it's one of the great Christmas songs.
Great story of how this track came to be. I would have been around 12 years old when this came out, and I have fond memories of hearing it when it was new. Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays.
Good line! Better than the original. "Without any fear" is lame. The whole production sounds to me like they were cashing in on Christmas and padding Yoko's inheritance/retirement.
A classic Christmas tune from John and Yoko with Snow is Falling as a great B Side from Yoko ❤️💚 Shaved Fish should get a video one of these days because it’s a essential compilation if you want John involvement 🐟
Happy Xmas War is Over is the best Xmas song that has ever been written John Lennon was a genius and he is so needed in this world today I love and miss you always my beautiful John Lennon💕😘😇✌️
I was a student at New York University in 1971 and one day , coming home from class, I saw John walking in the West Village. The Happy Xmas ( War is Over ) record had just come out so I bought it because I had just seen John . The record was a big hit in New Tork City
I cannot hear this song without getting goosebumps. I remember the day after John was unalived, a radio disk-jokey in my town asked his listeners to open their windows and put their speakers or portative radios to full volume while he put on Happy Xmas. A bit like the famous scene from the movie Network. I know that a lot of us complied and sang our brains out.
Happy Christmas, Andrew! Great job as always. We performed the song in my church's Christmas concert this past weekend and is as relevant (even moreso) as when it was released. I think there was a reason John placed the song at the end of his "Shaved Fish" collection (I have always loved the flow of this compilation) - it's greatness does fit the "Twist and Shout" placement (minus the GPAC live recording cross faded in). Thanks for the AI tracks as well...I need to download it over the holidays. :)
Hi Andrew 👋 thanks for a great video! Merry Xmas war is over always sends a shiver down my spine! John's voice is so unique!!! The demo sounds amazing. I would love the Beatles Christmas 🎄 box set. Christmas Time is Here Again was included on the b side of Free as a Bird single. I love ❤️ how John says he wants 'to write a Christmas song to last forever' Happy Christmas 🎄
Great video as always. I remember dashing to the shops in 1972 to get the green vinyl version, which initially didn't have a picture sleeve. I acquired that a few years later! I'm also lucky enough to own one of the 50 acetate copies of the song which Yoko & Sean released as a charity give away a few years ago. It gets played once a year!! Merry Christmas, Andrew - looking forward to my weekly 'guilty pleasure' from you next year!! 🎉🎉
I was listening to a various artists lp of Christmas songs! Side two has a bluegrass version of this beautiful masterpiece that is just awesome! It has become a true standard!! Love the channel Andrew!! Awesome work 👌😘
Hello I have a delight souvenir of that song : in 1998 I went in the US for à vinemaking time in California... I have bought a 35years old cadillac and have crossed the country to NY ... When I got there, late december of that year, I drown downtown and... surprise : I was in the 72th street ! Thank you my lord ! Later, walking around the shops , everywhere on streets and in shops HappyChristmass was played non stop, non stop ... covered by différents artists , it was so cool !! HappyXmass war is over ... we do want it😊
Really great look at song, all your videos are quality and this one is better than any mainstream media take on this. I have my own channel now, but I don’t imagine it will ever look as professional looking as yours. Happy Christmas
I don’t think Yoko was talentless like many people claim, I think she’s a great conceptual artist but I find her singing a bit subpar. I think she’s pretty good on this song and adds to it but many other songs. I have a hard time agreeing. Her screaming is pretty cool tho, definitely influenced cold turkey. The best Yoko song though is “nobody sees me alike you do” it was recorded post Lennon’s death. It’s heartbreaking when you think of it from her perspective.
@Jugi_boy Apparently sje was a very good classical pianist as well. I've always found it funny that two musicians as great as John Lennon and Paul McCartney, people who could have their choice of the best musicians and backup singers, each had their wives (neither of which were very good at all) in their bands.
"So this is Christmas, and what have you done?"
Wow, has there ever been a more direct lyric to make you take a long, hard look at yourself and assess your contribution to the world?
Amazing song. John Lennon never stepped back from the edge with his work. Sorely missed.
It is a great song. I am amazed at how quickly it came out after being recorded. The song will outlive all of us. Great video Andrew.
Thanks Michael!
I'm amazed that Long Haired Lover From Liverpool was the UK Christmas number one! 🤮And our number two record really was a number two 💩
You talked about your sadness in buying the single in December 1980. This is why I still feel sadness in hearing some of Double Fantasy. I bought the album weeks before Lennon's assassination, but I'm grateful for the wonderful songs he did give us, including "Happy Xmas," my favorite Christmas song.
One of rare holiday songs I cannot get tired of, no matter how much I hear it being played. Also, it is a song with a powerful message. :-)
I will never forget the first time I heard "Happy Xmas" in 1971 -- in my room at my parents' house on my portable Sharp AM/FM cassette recorder (mono). I loved that he started off wistfully and skeptically, in typical John Lennon fashion ("And so this is Christmas/And what have you done...?) -- and then the song built to a joyous crescendo. John died a few weeks before Christmas about ten years later -- and that has colored my experience of the holiday permanently. But every year I thank him (and Yoko) for the good cheer. War is Over (If You Want It)!
I’d not heard it for a while - but having listened to it several times this Christmas season while out and about, I’ve come to appreciate just how good the song is - the first verse in particular is brilliant. The best Beatles’ Christmas record (even though I love Wonderful Christmastime too).
Andrew I really get why you say that this song comes across as sad as to this day it makes me cry whenever i hear it, especially the line "and a Happy New Year, let's hope it's a good one without any fear". I can hold it together until I hear that and then I break down. It has been a must hear for me every Christmas since I first heard it but from 1980 onward it's always been an emotional experience. Thanks as always for such a great video!
Thanks Gary. Glad you enjoyed it.
Agreed
Its sad given what happened in 1980
During the '70's, I purchased the solo Beatles greatest hits as they came out, and the first one I got in1975 was John Lennon's "Shaved Fish". It wasn't considered a greatest hits album, per se, with a sticker on the album's plastic cover saying "collectible Lennon". It did have all of the radio hits John had up until 1974. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over) was the final track on side 2 of the album, but the song didn't end the way I found out it did years later. The chorus at the end of the song ("War is over/if you want it") faded into an upbeat version of Give Peace A Chance. Since I'd never heard "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", I was confused about the way the song ended on Shaved Fish. A few years later, when the "John Lennon Collection" came out, it had the real ending to it with the Harlem Commuity Choir saying "Happy Xmas" over and over.
The song's ending on "Shaved Fish" was a clip from the One-to-One benefit concerts John, Yoko and Elephant's Memory played in New York in 1972. The complete concert wasn't released until 1986, over five years after Lennon's death.
"I always wanted to write a Christmas record that would last forever". Mission accomplished John. This is the Christmas song all other Pop stars Christmas songs are compared to. Sadly, Paul and Georged Christmas efforts will last forever to. But in my humble opinion, not in a good way. Happy Christmas Andrew and a Merry New Year. Ho Ho Ho, RNB
This song paved the way for Live Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas" 13 years later, which paved the way for "We Are the World" in the US and Live Aid.
Reminds me of Vince Guaraldi saying, "I don't want to write songs, I want to write standards." A bold thing to say, like John wanting to write a Christmas record that would last forever. But they both succeeded.
A song loved by multi generations. Even my rock music hating father loved it.
Good video. I'll add that in Marc Eliot's Phil Ochs bio "Death Of A Rebel," Eliot says that John Lennon got the idea for the "War Is Over" poster campaign when Ochs visited the Apple offices and told Lennon about his own song, "The War Is Over." It can be found on Ochs' 1968 album "Tape From California."
I’ve loved the song since I first heard it. I found the single at a record store I frequented in the 70s. My copy has the picture sleeve, face label and green vinyl. I am surprised how John got by without giving credit for “borrowing” the tune. Happy Christmas, Andrew!!!🎄🎁 -Roger
The tune was getting on for 200 years old and of unknown authorship, so credit was not an issue.
Andrew--I remember my older brother bringing a copy of the single home in December of 1971, on Green Vinyl, which we became fascinated with, as the Green seemed to glow with all of the good things we remember about Christmas' of the past. And definitely upon hearing, it evoked a melancholy feeling at the time, and even more so now, since the passing of John. For me it's still very difficult to hear it, because it just kicks up too many emotions. Especially if I'm out somewhere, like a grocery store, and it comes on. I can hardly contain myself. And as you say, there are several wonderful cover versions. I especially love the version done by the band THE ALARM, which retains the emotional impact of the original. I still have the single my brother bought. It's one of those things I keep and share with my nieces and nephews, who are just learning who The Beatles and John Lennon were. It always stops everyone at our Christmas family gathering when it's played each year. I'm sure others feel the same way about it. Happy Holidays to All, and to you Andrew, from California. Dig, DmGrk
Thanks for watching and for sharing your memories.
My school band performed this at our Christmas concert this past Wednesday. We did a really great job, as did you with this video. Merry Christmas, Andrew!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
I was today years old when I found out it was actually "Happy birthday, Kyoko" and "Happy birthday, Julian."
A wonderful story Andrew on my favorite Christmas songs of all time! LIKE JOHN said a Christmas song that will last forever and Beatle John did that . The song is perfect with Choir and May Pang Yoko backing vocals make the song ! I love the part when Yoko May Pang and Harlem Choir kick in there part just lovely John nailed it . This Christmas song is standard now it's not Christmas until I hear this song Happy Christmas War is over! This song will last forever! Thanks Andrew giving us the history of this great great song! Merry Christmas Andrew !
Great now ... Great then. Still moves me. Many thanks, particularly upon hearing John's voice once more talking about it all.
A christmas classic .always makes me feel good when i hear it
The record label photography is memorable. A fascinating design and clever idea.
I recall distinctly the first time I heard this song. It was December 1971, shortly after its release in the US. I was in my car, out Christmas shopping, when it came over the radio on WCAO, then a Top-40 AM Baltimore, Maryland radio station. I even recall that there were snow flurries that day. I liked the song right away. It's become a Christmas classic, deservedly so.
Thank you for this, and in particular, pointing out the similarities between "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" and two other songs---right in front of me, all these years, and I never noticed it!
One of the best Christmas songs ever amazing video and merry Christmas
A Christmas present from Andrew! A Happy Christmas to you too! An outstanding retrospective. I am in tears… Still hoping for peace after all of these years. And, I miss John Lennon so much. Thank you!
Lennon was always one for a big statement and you don't get much bigger than on a Christmas song. A stroke of genius to promote Peace on this track. One of his great singles that will always be played on the radio, and you only have to see the ever growing number of Christmas compilation albums it appears on. It's one that I play a lot over Christmas..
There's an excellent alternate mix of the song that was released in the Imagine box set which has most of the overdubs removed, enabling the studio instrumentation to be heard much more clearly, as well as John and Yoko's vocals. Worth a listen.
Thank you for the unexpected surprise! It sounds great.
Great job Andrew. Wow! Talk about bittersweet memories. The sentiment expressed in this song was so timely and appropriate, especially for the anti war movement. Unfortunately, tricky dicky was trying to build a case against John at the time. I still don’t understand the warmongers and their thirst for death and destruction. All in all it was a great anti war anthem that everyone should embrace. Anyway, thanks again Andrew, and Happy Holidays to you and yours. Peace brothers and sisters.☮️✌️❤
Merry Christmas to you too & all reading this. I have the original 45 in green vinyl. I've always loved that song. I knew about the Paris Sisters song ( from a contemporary article interview on the recording of the song , which I still have somewhere ) but didn't know about the " Stewball " connection until I heard the Hollies version when I got their box set.
Interesting how you separated the tracks. This song is sad for me too , not only for the loss of John , but because of all the wars since this came out. I was 15/16 at the time.
Mankind should be fighting disease like cancer , etc , instead of trying to kill one another. War is never over for war mongers.
Peace to all .
Another great video .
What John said is still true. If people wanted peace as much as they wanted a new color TV we would have peace.
John himself always went for the colour tv, Yoko too.
@@scrambabatruth
Thanks Andrew! I was shocked a few months ago when I found out about JL lifting the tune of "Stewball" for this song. I know it's a folk tradition to half-inch melodies and Dylan did it all the time but somehow I was thrown that it happened in this case. I'm not judging anyone here. It's also been pointed out that the metre is close to "On Top Of Old Smokey".
It does have a sad resonance for me too remembering Dec 1980. I actually sing it (along with 20 other festive tunes, many of them from the Phil Spector LP) at a local Xmas market gig last Saturday. As you point out Lennon doesn't half sing high! His range has always been beyond me so I have to cheat. It's a great feeling every year when I sing the first five words - I always know then that Santa will be coming down my chimney soon!
Could be that pinching a folk tune helped to make it timeless.
@@fnjesusfreak Spot on.
Always a tinge of sadness at hearing this song. But Happy Christmas and Merry Beatlemas! Andrew! :)
I guessed right!!! Thanks for your coverage, lots of tasty details. I still have my original 45 on green vinyl and picture sleeve. 💚❤💚❤💚
Excellent video and nice hat, Andrew! 😁 I do love John’s vocal on this one, keeping up his great work during the Imagine period.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Happy Christmas Andra to you and your whole family.
Same to you!
Best of the holidays to you, Andrew. You brightened our year with outstanding content once again and given comfort in tough times. I used to work retail and having to endure the same Christmas songs on the store intercom for months during stocking time and during store hours alike was mentally grueling but John and Yoko's song is one of the few that I could handle.
Thank you, Sir. I remember those times too working in a record shop!
I do wish, simply because of your credibility, you would mention what is the best-sounding version you’ve heard. But, honestly, it’s small potatoes; this is one of your very best docs, and your invocation of the melancholia around the song hit me straight in the heart. Thank you so much for all the wonderful posts you’ve made, and Happy XMas. Hopefully war is over in ‘25.
I dis listen to many different versions, but I didn’t find a best or worst sounding one.
@ nice. And I do appreciate sound quality wasn’t the point of the video. Thank you again for the lovely history and tribute.
Happy Xmas, Andrew! The gifts of Parlogram last all year long and long after that! This song is the perfect marriage of Lennon & Spector. Even though it's been with me for a very long time, I still need to give it a preemptive listen every Autumn, because if it sneaks up on me during the holiday season, it takes me right back to Dec. 8, 1980 😢And to end up on a lighter note, it does tend to mash up in my head with Stewball.
Happy Xmas Pete!
Beautiful song. Beautiful video about it. Well done, Andrew. And may Brother John be at peace. 🥹
There is no such thing as true peace without Jesus. Love you Andrew, always love your videos
Great seasonal video Andrew. I always loved this song and still have my US picture sleeve version. Fascinating to know that John liked Spector's treatment of George's Try Some Buy Some and was inspired to use it on Happy Xmas.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video Thnx!!! Happy X-Mas 🌲
Thank you for the wonderful information about his song.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Great song, great story, great post. Thanks Andrew and Happy Xmas to you and yours.
Thanks. Same to you!
Hi Andrew. Your video on Happy Xmas , war is over is fantastic. The videos you bring us are a joy to us beatle fan,s. I,ve been a big fan since I first heard ALL MY LOVING. Keep up the good work andrew. Happy crimble. 😊😊😊
Thanks Stephen. Same to you!
Great story and video of how this great song came about, Andrew!
As a third generation Beatles fan, I first heard "Happy Xmas" on the 1982 comp JOHN LENNON COLLECTION. As such, it's impossible for me to disassociate the tune (and almost everything else on the album!) with John's death. The yearning in the tune doesn't come from optimistic peace prayers, but for someone taken from us too soon.
A holiday eulogy, if you will. 🎄🤍
Superb as always Andrew I’ve never missed any of your video’s..Have a great festive period all the best to you and your family and a big thanks again for all the content… 👍
Thank you, Brian. Same to you!
The first time I heard it, I loved it. A wonderful message, a beautiful tune, similarities to other songs notwithstanding, and a good performance and production.
I’ve absolutely always loved this song. I didn’t even know it was a Lennon song until i became a massive Beatles fan (and just got more invested into music) earlier this year. Yes, i’m *slightly* daft. Merry Christmas!
great video as always Andrew!
the original video always breaks me. TIMELESS
Great video.I enjoy teaching this Lennon classic song to my young music students ,in its 6/8 timing! Merry Christmas Andrew, loved all your videos this year.Chris. AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
I love that your are using real instrumentals in the background.
Great video, I enjoyed it. Thanks Andrew and Happy Christmas to you, too. 👏👏👏
Its my first holiday season as a Beatles fan and I have you to thank for it, and thank you for expaining the mono vs stereo differences, as I like my vocals centered you helped me out in that regaurd, and love this holiday special. Keep up the awesome vids!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
thanks a lot for this great video for a truely great song. Happy Xmas Andrew!
Thanks, you too!
Merry Christmas, Andrew & InfInite Blessings to you and yours. Keep up the good work.💯💯💯
I am saving this one for Christmas Eve, Andrew ! Have a jolly one et Joyeux Noêl du Canada!
This is my favourite song from John's solo stuff, I generally don't listen as much to his stuff as I do the other 3 but this one is just special to me.
I still get chills every time I hear this, another great video - cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you John , for a Christmas 🎄 song played each year… you are missed… 🕊️🌻🕊️
Peace and Love
From across the pond, Merry Christmas Andrew!
Thanks, you too! 🎄
Merry Christmas Andrew and thank you for all the amazing videos you share with us each week!
Thanks! Same to you!
Beautiful ! Thank you ! Merry Christmas to you ! 🧑🎄🎶🎄🔔
Thanks, you too! 🎄
Happy Christmas!!!! Thanks you for all your amazing videos... i watch them all
Thanks! Same to you!
I can play this song anytime
I first heard the song on the "Shaved Fish" compilation in 1981. Though, I must have heard it, in passing, before that. And yes indeed, it's one of the great Christmas songs.
Great story of how this track came to be. I would have been around 12 years old when this came out, and I have fond memories of hearing it when it was new. Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays.
Thanks Ronald. You too!
A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one, with plenty of beer🍺🍺
Cheers! Same to you!
Good line! Better than the original.
"Without any fear" is lame. The whole production sounds to me like they were cashing in on Christmas and padding Yoko's inheritance/retirement.
Merry Christmas.
Same to you!
A classic Christmas tune from John and Yoko with Snow is Falling as a great B Side from Yoko ❤️💚
Shaved Fish should get a video one of these days because it’s a essential compilation if you want John involvement 🐟
My favorite John Lennon post Beatles song. This is a fantastic piece of work.
Just a great vocal from John,
Always loved it, best Xmas record 👍
Nice job on this! Merry Christmas!
Thanks, you too!
Happy Xmas War is Over is the best Xmas song that has ever been written
John Lennon was a genius and he is so needed in this world today
I love and miss you always my beautiful John Lennon💕😘😇✌️
Andrew! Another great one. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the Give Peace A Chance of Xmas songs...timeless
Good golly this gave me goosebumps
Such a great song. ❤
It's one of my favourite Christmas songs 🎵
Excellent job Andrew! Like you, the song always makes me sad! 😢
I got my copy 8 December 1980.
Happy Xmas and Merry Krimble, Parlogram!! Thanks!
Thank you too!
Great video Andrew. Have a good holiday.
Thanks, you too!
You’re so right, this song makes me joyfully sad too. It does make me think of December 8th for some reason. I remember that day well unfortunately.
Um grande sucesso aqui no Brasil !!
@@eginoandreassa55 too bad Simone ruined it with her dreadful cover of it…
I was a student at New York University in 1971 and one day , coming home from class, I saw John walking in the West Village. The Happy Xmas ( War is Over ) record had just come out
so I bought it because I had just seen John . The record was a big hit in New Tork City
Great story! Thanks for watching.
I cannot hear this song without getting goosebumps. I remember the day after John was unalived, a radio disk-jokey in my town asked his listeners to open their windows and put their speakers or portative radios to full volume while he put on Happy Xmas. A bit like the famous scene from the movie Network. I know that a lot of us complied and sang our brains out.
Great song and great segment as usual Andrew! Happy Christmas to you and your family!!! 🎄
Thanks - same to you!
One of your best video presentation! That piano up front sounded nice!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hippy Christmas to all.peace loving people.. great video
Happy Christmas, Andrew! Great job as always. We performed the song in my church's Christmas concert this past weekend and is as relevant (even moreso) as when it was released. I think there was a reason John placed the song at the end of his "Shaved Fish" collection (I have always loved the flow of this compilation) - it's greatness does fit the "Twist and Shout" placement (minus the GPAC live recording cross faded in). Thanks for the AI tracks as well...I need to download it over the holidays. :)
Thank u Andrew as always great job !
My pleasure!
I actually find myself liking Melissa Etheridge's live version, which is a medley of sorts as it ends with a bit of "Give Peace a Chance".
Hi Andrew 👋 thanks for a great video! Merry Xmas war is over always sends a shiver down my spine! John's voice is so unique!!! The demo sounds amazing. I would love the Beatles Christmas 🎄 box set. Christmas Time is Here Again was included on the b side of Free as a Bird single. I love ❤️ how John says he wants 'to write a Christmas song to last forever' Happy Christmas 🎄
Great video as always. I remember dashing to the shops in 1972 to get the green vinyl version, which initially didn't have a picture sleeve. I acquired that a few years later! I'm also lucky enough to own one of the 50 acetate copies of the song which Yoko & Sean released as a charity give away a few years ago. It gets played once a year!! Merry Christmas, Andrew - looking forward to my weekly 'guilty pleasure' from you next year!! 🎉🎉
Thanks Phil! Same to you.
Happy Christmas, Andrew! 🙂Another fascinating, if bittersweet video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was listening to a various artists lp of Christmas songs! Side two has a bluegrass version of this beautiful masterpiece that is just awesome! It has become a true standard!! Love the channel Andrew!! Awesome work 👌😘
Thanks again, Cleve!
Hello
I have a delight souvenir of that song : in 1998 I went in the US for à vinemaking time in California... I have bought a 35years old cadillac and have crossed the country to NY ... When I got there, late december of that year, I drown downtown and... surprise : I was in the 72th street ! Thank you my lord ! Later, walking around the shops , everywhere on streets and in shops HappyChristmass was played non stop, non stop ... covered by différents artists , it was so cool !!
HappyXmass war is over ... we do want it😊
Another enjoyable video Andrew ! Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really great look at song, all your videos are quality and this one is better than any mainstream media take on this.
I have my own channel now, but I don’t imagine it will ever look as professional looking as yours. Happy Christmas
Thank you! Happy Christmas to you too and good luck with your channel.
Happy Xmas, Andrew! Thanks for all you do!
Thanks, you too!
Exhibit A for the defence in the "Yoko can't sing" court case. She's in fine voice here and prominent in the mix. But haters gonna hate.
I've thought about that every time I've heard this song.
I don’t think Yoko was talentless like many people claim, I think she’s a great conceptual artist but I find her singing a bit subpar. I think she’s pretty good on this song and adds to it but many other songs. I have a hard time agreeing. Her screaming is pretty cool tho, definitely influenced cold turkey.
The best Yoko song though is “nobody sees me alike you do” it was recorded post Lennon’s death. It’s heartbreaking when you think of it from her perspective.
@Jugi_boy Apparently sje was a very good classical pianist as well.
I've always found it funny that two musicians as great as John Lennon and Paul McCartney, people who could have their choice of the best musicians and backup singers, each had their wives (neither of which were very good at all) in their bands.