Amid the war and death of this year, no song is singularly more relevant this holiday season than John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” Released in 1971 as a single by the Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir, the song describes the woes of war and the pursuit of peace. While most Christmas songs evoke holiday cheer and peace, Lennon’s single features haunting lyrics that reveal the harsh realities of war, accompanied by the singing voices of a youth chorus.
The song opens with Yoko Ono and John Lennon wishing their children a happy Christmas. John Lennon goes on in the first verse to ask the question: “So this is Christmas, And what have you done?” Through this, Lennon beckons his audience to consider everything that has happened throughout the year, and if they have made good decisions. When the chorus hits, it strikes you hard, begging for a New Year fresh, “Without any fear.” Amidst all the fear in our messy world, listening to this song has always stuck with me. I would love to envision a society without any fear, and in this way, Lennon’s song offers me solace and perhaps a false sense of hope for the New Year.
As the song drags you through the emotional turmoil of the year, it hits you even harder when you hear the voices of the Harlem Community Choir, begging for the world to put aside its differences and stop fighting in pointless wars. Backing the verses, the children sing “War is over, if you want it,” calling upon the world to end futile wars, proving that it is up to the will of individuals, especially those in government, to continue war.
Lennon’s 1972 Christmas anthem was strongly anti-war, in response to the ongoing war in Vietnam. As he had done previously in his hit “Imagine,” Lennon sends across a strong political message through emotional lyrics and raw vocals. The song is digestible and able to reach a larger audience because it is wrapped in a gentle Christmas song format.
This year, the song is more poignant than ever. As the horrors from violence throughout the world continue to kill off innocent children, it is haunting to hear the children’s choir, begging for peace, without fear. Fear exists largely throughout this world. Lennon calls upon all of us to consider the children who have been slaughtered, especially in Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere. I live a very privileged childhood, with cheap plastic Christmas mornings filled with bliss, family, and excitement. Some kids will never know what it is like to share the holidays with their families. Their deaths are the responsibility of the government that fails them and continues to dilute their atrocities with propaganda. In a time like 2025, Lennon’s ’70s anthem rings true. It’s a political protest, and a hope that peace will prevail.
