John Lennon, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - A Classical Musician’s First Listen And Reaction

Happy Christmas, everyone! Let’s hope it’s a good one, Without any fear!
Here’s the link to the original song by John Lennon:
• Happy Christmas(War is...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by John Lennon
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[@ioanabutnarus6497]

You guys should have 57 million subscribers for such a great show! Big fan from Shanghai!🔥🔥🔥

[@ulfingvar1]

Totally agree!!

[@thomasobrien447]

Im so board shut up

[@WayneKitching]

For me, "what have you done?" means "so what did you do this year to make the world a better place?"

[@jessgo2958]

Yes, I think you should see this question in context to the following sentences.

[@steveh7108]

Agreed.

[@papercup2517]

We're all doing what we can...

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon

[@papercup2517]

@@scenevision356 Hi SceneVision. The only documented incident of violence by John towards women that I'm personally aware of is the one from when John was in his teens and hit Cynthia, once. She immediately broke up with him. He begged her to come back. She insisted she would only do so if he swore to never touch her in that way again. He agreed, was true to his word and never hit her again. This was Cynthia's testimony, and I have no reason to doubt it. I think it's also worth noting, he came from a rough Northern working class city where it was commonplace for young men to get into fights for very little reason and hit each other, and sometimes their female partners. As a result, he grew up knowing how to fight, with that as the default response to any aggravation. Judging by this incident, it would seem John actually made the effort to break away from that background of routine violence, and should at least be praised for that, whether or not he was a 'perfect' person in other ways.

[@keithhider2170]

This song always makes me cry - the tragedy of the human condition, our collective failure to find peace with each other and to respect the universal right to life.

[@SJOrr]

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace.” - John Lennon. If we want it, we have the power to end war.

[@SJOrr]

@Victor Alexander For sure! Lots of contradictions in his life.

[@dr.alimpije511]

@Victor Alexander exactly how I feel about him

[@tommyburton9986]

The pols don't care. Their XMAS comes constantly in the form of payoffs and bribes . And endless war!

[@johnlemon874]

I don't know what the other comment said but for people who love to shit on Lennon I don't think its hypocritical or contradicting to advocate for peace in your lifetime just because you made mistakes in the past.

[@barrymitchell6444]

@@johnlemon874 I can't see it either. He probably said Lennon owned more than one television. His "Imagine no possessions" line in Imagine was a bit rich, to say the least.

[@andrewsheppard1940]

I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye....

[@paulknight9998]

"War is over (if you want it)" = People have the power to end war if they all come together.

[@geoffmower8729]

Yes if they all come together. Unfortunately there seems to always be some dictator trying to invade other peoples land and homes. So what do you do just stand there singing war is over or do you fight the invader defending your home and family? It seems to be human nature to make war. I honestly believe if man ever colonises mars within one hundred years the two planets will be at war with one another!

[@Randyrocker1]

The greatest Christmas song ever written is by John Lennon. 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over).

[@rb9628]

It took until this reaction video to realize that John and Yoko's spoken opening is not to each other but to their children, and I've heard this song countless times.

[@nasserhafes3021]

Me too brother!

[@RaysDad]

John Lennon thought fear causes people to limit themselves. Wars likewise grow out of fear. Realize this, don't be afraid, and we will have a merry Christmas.

[@pauljohnstone180]

This song had a very special meaning to me and my Dear departed wife. When first heard it we sang it to each other and danced the waltz to it.The 4/4 time was perfect for a waltz. We made it our own little Christmas tradition to sing and dance to it every Christmas. We did that for the next 38 years, until she passed. Thank you so much for selecting this song. Happy Christmas to you! 😁✌💛 PJ (you got me crying with this one but good memories!)

[@doglifehub]

Sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of your wife 💓

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon

[@mansonmydog]

John Lennon was a special HUMAN

[@tjcint]

John Lennon was the greatest artist of the last one hundred years. A rare genius, using this overused word correctly. His gift to this world is incalculable. The number of musicians he has inspired, the millions if not billions he has touched .. that he was the leader of the greatest group we have ever seen .. no one comes close to John Lennon. He was a force of nature, so deep, so very spiritual, highly intelligent, a total original, a magican with music, a most extraordinary man.

[@Inglese001]

@John White so you quite liked him then?

[@tjcint]

@@Inglese001 I have researched John Lennon very deeply. The more you look into him and his influence the more you are in utter awe. There is a lot written about him that is false, you need to go to people who knew him very well. Those who knew him well loved him very deeply and had great respect for him.

[@Inglese001]

@@tjcint Totally agree. I could listen to his interviews all day. Very likeable man.

[@jean-marieboucherit4518]

Yes yes yes yes yes

[@markupton1417]

Pity he wasn't a better person. You know...the whole wife beating and child abandonment thing....

[@joseantoniolarrea7152]

We miss Lennon so much...

[@TubetakerBHV]

Im not religious, nor am I celebrating christmas in any kind (in fact Im working atm) but this song give me chills every time I listen to it.

[@SANPARR1]

I'm not religious and I'm not a Deist, but the harmony and melody is universal, regardless of the lyrics.

[@sroycze9284]

You don't need to be religious to celebrate Christmas. I am an atheist and Iove the food and the decorations and the gifts. It's fun . At least where I am from ,most people who celebrate Christmas arent christains.

[@SANPARR1]

@@markjz2011 We have no reference to God, when we form an abstract idea we unite ideas with references we know and we can build a fantasy, God cannot even be a fantasy, there are no references, nothing can be said or known about what the imagination cannot achieve.

[@TubetakerBHV]

@@sroycze9284 For me there is just nothing to celebrate because every single aspect of what we call "christmas" ist wrong. The time, the place, the people involved, the circumstances... just one big hoax.. or a fake if you like. And the capitalistic terror of todays christmas isnt something to celebrate too.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@TubetakerBHV jeez Louise, why don't you write a song about it, bob geldof.

[@philrandall7771]

Thank you, one of my favourite JL pieces. 50 years later this song is still relevant and still gives me hope. Merry Xmas everyone!

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

You have no idea how easy it is to rip this man apart when it comes to intellectual thinking. John Lennon was subject to grand ideas but put little thinking into how those ideas were formed.

[@barrykeleher2659]

@@isheetfromaswhole3657 That’s hardly an original dietribe. Some people were saying that shortly after imagine was released, and I think they’re missing the whole point… you included.

[@hw343434]

@@isheetfromaswhole3657 whatever dude, John Lennon is a Genius who changed the world. Who are you?

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

@@barrykeleher2659 hardly original? Is that where your mind is? Interesting. The logic of Imagine is easy to break apart so I will not bother. What I find sad is the likes for the comments. John Lennon chose to protest in life but had shallow views. When people prefer an ideal over ideas then we have bad days ahead. What's hardly an original idea is liking your comment. Or liking the original comment.

[@James-hd6ez]

@@isheetfromaswhole3657 If it is easy to rip John Lennons intellect apart why don't you go ahead and give us some examples The man tried in his own way through his art,poetry and concepts to do something a little different after the Beatles madness came To an end.Have you ever listened deeply to the messages in songs? His ideas were just that and a lot of people in the world were made To stop and think so if you think singing a song about peace then every major musician of the last hundred years the likes of Dylan. Marley Guthrie, Waters, Young etc.are all a waste of time,though many millions of people around the world would beg to differ with you. A thought becomes an idea when it arrives then can become something more tangible once released into the world and move people in many different ways. So enlighten us all with your superior wisdom and put us on the right path.

[@summercoat]

There’s a grammatical distinction based on conditionals worth noting. If it were written in the first condition, it would be “War will be over, if you want it.” The first condition expresses probable or likely consequence of the if. This song has the zero condition, where there is no condition, no doubt. Present tense in both halves of the sentence. “War IS over, if you WANT it.” Just like “If you HEAT water to 100degrees Celsius, it BOILS.” So John is pointing out that we simply end war, if we want it. No doubt. It’s a fact. War is over, if we want. I warn that we may pay a heavy price to end it, because some powerful people do not want to end war, because it earns them so much money.

[@andrewwhite1932]

It’s at its core a song of celebration, reflection and hope - all wrapped up with a brilliant melody and THAT voice.

[@DannyD714]

John wrote a Christmas carol for all ages and nationalities. A Christmas carol for all of humanity. All you need is love. Merry Christmas!

[@billythedog-309]

And then used Phil Spector to produce a song so clearly borrowed from l love how you love me.

[@bobwoolerOriGinal]

@@billythedog-309 Ha ha. No way.

[@billythedog-309]

@@bobwoolerOriGinal Oh yes, Phil Spector definitely produced it.

[@bobwoolerOriGinal]

@@billythedog-309 lol, yeah you got that part right.

[@billythedog-309]

@@bobwoolerOriGinal Now you only have to take the socks out of your ears and listen again to the two songs to realise l got it all right.

[@41Forethought]

This is my favourite Christmas song, a brilliant mashup of traditional Christmas themes and antiwar anthem, something, I think, only John Lennon could pull off. It's also one of Phil Spector's most restrained productions and likely the biggest recording ever for the Harlem Boys' Choir. Absolutely BRILLIANT!

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon got what he deserved lolololol

[@nikkiholden6533]

Beautiful Choice I miss John so much ❤

[@rogandbingofbingalahtravel3680]

As much as I appreciate almost everything Beatles, I have always strongly disliked this darker version Christmas song as opposed to say, The Chestnut Song sung by Nat King Cole. But, after listening to it this year, tears came to my eyes. The war in Ukraine is so incredibly difficult for me to see today. I suppose that when I was young I did not appreciate the horrors of war. I was too young to see the reality of it all. War is over if we want it. No more fighting with a co-worker, a sibling, a spouse or a friend. The journey begins with us, each, individually. Thank you John! And thank you for such a keen assessment of John and Yoko's salient point to this Christmas song! Happy Christmas to you and your family!

[@netzahuacoyotl]

Exactly John and Yoko’s message. Peace begins at the individual level.

[@michaelharden1388]

A friend asked me if I had heard John Lennon's new song. I had not, but we always anticipated new music from John Lennon. He then told me it is a Christmas song and I replied by saying"yeah sure". John's reputation was quite radical at that point so it was the last thing any of us may have been expecting. I miss his voice and like Paul and Ringo he could have still been with us to this day.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

The world became a colder place when this man died. I was born the following year, so I've never actually known a world with Lennon in it. All I have is what he left for future generations.

[@charlesschoeman9488]

This song has a very personal meanjng for me. The first time I heard this song was December 1988 when we heard that the Bush War in South West Africa/Namibia was coming to an end. I demobbed in July 1989. The war in the physical battle space had ended but the battle in the head had only just begun. Wishing one and all a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

[@katsboy22]

Dear Amy the joy you express at 21:00 the big beaming beautiful smile caused me to cry out in tears smiling at your authentic emotional outburst, so rare to see such a thing. Thank You Best Wishes to you both

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon got what he deserved lolololol

[@davidrauh8118]

Both John & Yoko whisper greetings to their children at the beginning. It's also worth noting that Yoko led the Harlem Community Children's Choir for the chorus of the song.

[@mmanes100]

Lennon IS a genius.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

Sadly.... Was :(

[@konstantinos8920]

The children are singing to the grown-ups: "War is over, if you want it". A complaint, a reprimand, a plea, a dose of hope? Actually a mix of all of these. So simple, yet so strong. Let's hope we listen to them, so it can be a good one, without any fear.

[@thevoiceofamerica2389]

I am a metalhead, but I will admit that this song is a masterpiece. The absolute joy Amy had listening to it is undeniable. I brought a tear to my eye. Merry Christmas to Amy and Vlad. God bless them. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[@paulweston285]

Have a listen to The Beatles ( John wrote it ) " Revolution " metalhead, metal before metal

[@thevoiceofamerica2389]

@@paulweston285 I love that song. Ahead of its time!

[@paulweston285]

@@thevoiceofamerica2389 The Beatles introduced heavy metal, John loved it in his Hamburg days

[@wonmoss0206]

Merry Christmas to you and Vlad, Amy! Your enthusiasm for this song has brought an even deeper appreciation for someone who has been listening to it since around the time it first came out in 1971. This is not a religious song, but it captures much of what Christmas and the world should be about.

[@williamkanegateshead]

Rather like Andrew said earlier, I too have something in my eye, I'm not crying. You nailed it. A simply wonderful piece of music.

[@Greg-om2hb]

Yes, it just got dusty over here.

[@johntousseau9380]

War is over. If you want it. Simple and direct. John Lennon was really good at taking complex ideas and finding a simple way of expressing it so everyone could understand. A very merry Christmas to you and Vlad.

[@robertgosselin14]

I miss John Lennon so much. So, so much. Happy Christmas to everyone/ anyone reading my comment.

[@BillSmith-nz1fc]

It's like war is a choice and not a predetermination just like peace is a choice and all we have to do is choose it.

[@g.e.5723]

I still get tears when I listen to this.

[@DavidLindes]

1:13 - I'd like to just express my appreciation for this approach. Thank you, Amy & Vlad! I myself am an atheist, and it can be a bit of a weird time around now, so this is very much appreciated. Thank you. 💗 I don't know your personal beliefs, and... with this approach (both celebrating this commonly-celebrated day and doing so with a non-religious song), I feel no need to care, because you're looking out for everyone. Appreciated!

[@EverythingsConnected.]

Wonderful! Joy to you and yours. A very Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️ ☺️ and a happy new year 🎉

[@MarkCucchiara]

Why is it weird for you? If you are secure in your (non) beliefs the season shouldn't affect you at all.

[@pillsareyummy]

I love Christmas, I even go to midnight mass. I'm also an Atheist. I guess you could call me a cultural Christian.

[@DavidLindes]

@@MarkCucchiara many of the things commonly associated with Christmas (family togetherness, celebrations of light, etc.) are meaningful to me. And yet, it's tainted for me by association with a religion that I consider to be deeply harmful in many ways. So what's weird is trying to celebrate the parts I appreciate, and share in that celebration with others, while also trying not to further the association that I see as harmful. So, I celebrate Solstice a bit, and that helps some, but it's just such a huge part of our culture, that... I dunno, it's a struggle.

[@MarkCucchiara]

@@DavidLindesit does sound like you are not 100% secure in your beliefs. I have several friends that are Jewish, Muslim, Jehovah Witnesses, etc. that do not celebrate Christmas and have no problem with the holiday season. I do not know you personally but perhaps you are more against organized religion. If you truly think believing in a deity is dangerous I believe you should have no issue with distancing yourself from the trappings of Christmas beyond being with family and friends.

[@billmorrissey7680]

I love seeing your excitement with this great classic John Lennon song. I always start to well up with tears while listening to this one. Thanks so much for doing what you do, I've been loving it. MERRY CHRISTMAS to You and Yours.

[@mikelistman5263]

Makes me cry for many reasons...partly, for it's simple beauty and partly in sadness for John's untimely end.

[@joshgoldstein3991]

This is such a great Christmas classic by the great John Lennon. This song always stands out when played in relation to other Christmas music-- It's the perfect balance of Christmas sentiment and celebration mixed with very real human hopes and concerns. John Lennon was a master at writing poignant anthemic-like songs that crossed generations and national boundaries. Enjoyed the reaction, and really like the appreciation towards personal interpretation. It's fundamental to understanding and truly valuing things like great art. Happy Christmas!

[@DruncanUK]

Thank you for this, it was a great Christmas present. I love to see your passion and your emotional connection to the music. It is so inspirational. Have a wonderful festive period to both you and Vlad and everyone else that is watching.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

I always took the line: "And what have you done?" to be in regard to - what have YOU done to help end WAR? Have you, personally, done anything to help the goal of world peace? Another year has come and gone... and WHAT have YOU done..? This was 1970 and the Vietnam war was raging on and on - and seemed like it had no end in sight. The United States was a country divided into those who supported the U.S. being in the war... and those who believed the U.S. needed to get out of Vietnam and end the war. Lennon was loudly and proudly on the side of ending the war. John & Yoko paid to have huge billboards with "War is Over If you want it" put up around the world in different languages... trying to spread their message of peace. Basically John was asking the people of the world... will you join us in trying to end war... and promote peace.

[@barrykeleher2659]

This song is one of my all-time favorites. Joyful, hopeful, and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes… Especially considering how this man, who advocated peace and love, had his life tragically cut short. On a different note, you said that you enjoyed how it started off simple and became more complex and layered as the song went on. If you like that kind of thing, I’d like to suggest that you listen to Skating Away (on the Thin Ice of a New Day) by Jethro Tull. It is a masterwork of that kind of thing. There must be 20 or more instruments that join in during the course of the song but it never feels cluttered and it works so well. Merry Christmas to you!

[@madp3d]

Every morning I skate away.

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon got what he deserved lolololol

[@mirrlamp]

This song always hits me in the feels. The tune, the violins, John and Yoko wishing their children a Happy Christmas, the childrens voices and knowing the terrible fate awaiting John. Thank you for your in depth analysis of the works of the greatest band the world will ever see and ignore those complainers! I know this is a solo work of John's but those four will always be the Beatles as far as Im concerned.

[@dr.alimpije511]

I was hoping for Gregg Lake's " I Believe in Father Christmas",one of the best Christmas songs ever written in my opinion.There's also wonderful performance of this song recorded in a church ,by Gregg and Ian Anderson( Jethro Tull ).Well, maybe next time :)

[@Williamottelucas]

Took your advice and listened to it for the first time. I must say I agree with you! Jethro Tull has some fine christmasy tunes too.

[@dr.alimpije511]

@@Williamottelucas I'm glad you liked it

[@splodge5714]

Agree. My favourite Christmas song, along with John Lennon.

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

Yoko's voice is excellent here and takes the song to a new level

[@kschulwitz]

It makes me cry - in a good way.

[@calebclunie4001]

When you said, "Create It, Now", it inspired me, to make a New Life's Resolution. It's time, to use my voice, rhythm, dance, and talents.

[@BradReddekopp]

It makes me cry. Clearly we don't want it badly enough.

[@stevenharris7614]

Lennon voice is iconic

[@SeansMusicVault]

Excellent choice to celebrate the idea of this season, in hopes that we may one day actually live in peace and happiness. May you and Vlad (and ALL of your relations and friends) have a wonderful, peaceful + enlightening celebration. And to all of your appreciative viewers I wish much joy and contentment. ☮✝🕉☸✡☯💝

[@pwoody9416]

This song always makes me cry. So lovely….especially the children’s choir.

[@JohnWilliams-mn7gw]

When you mentioned that you didn't know if you'd heard it inadvertently, my thoughts moved immediately to Carols by Candlelight, but you're stuck with "in a store". We're lucky, in Australia, to enjoy Christmas in summer, outdoors in the evening, together singing Christmas songs.

[@thefinestgreen]

Such a wonderful tribute to the power of the people. War is over if We the People want it. Asks what individuals have done to make a difference as citizens. Such as demanding, by our votes and through fearless action, an end to wars.

[@jasfan8247]

As long as people can vote there will be war

[@a2zme]

Happy Holidays to all the music lovers .. hope the light of creativity stays in everyone's hearts & minds. ps: Rock on Amy! :)

[@barriehull7076]

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" enjoyed immediate success in Britain when issued there in November 1972.[30] The song peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart[38] and number 10 on the listings compiled by Melody Maker.[39] Since then, it has re-entered the UK Singles Chart nine more times. The most notable of these instances occurred immediately following Lennon's death on 8 December 1980. The single peaked at number 2 - behind another reissued Lennon single, "Imagine" - and remained on the chart for nine weeks.[26][38] Wikipedia.

[@Technoidmania]

My favourite Christmas song

[@davidgagne3569]

Thanks for this reaction - nice Christmas gift. Hey - I really like your understanding of how we celebrate holidays. Yeah - this "War Is Over" idea ties in with the ideas in the great "Imagine" - "You may say I'm a dreamer / But I'm not the only one / I hope someday you'll join us / And the world will be as one". The build up in the arrangement is something the Beatles often did. Hey Jude is a good example. Thanks again - Happy Christmas

[@eimajish]

I've been deaf in my right ear as long as I remember (since 3-years-old I'm told). As a teenager I explored with Shaun, my late close friend, the Beatles' use of stereo in their songs. We were amazed and delighted by the dramatic differences in left/right channels - especially in early/mid work (e.g. Blue Jay Way). During your analysis of this beautiful/hopeful/poignant classic, I heard for the first time that at the beginning, John whispers "Happy Christmas Julian" in the right channel. I turned my headphones 'inside out' to check, and.... Thank you - I've just recently discovered your channel, enjoying and captivated by the 'Floyd/Wall' episodes. Looking forward to more! Merry Christmas.

[@TimLamb-ri9ib]

I was delighted to see this tribute to what is becoming an enduring Christmas classic. I think of it poignant messages and questions every year at this time. John really cared. When was the last time anyone created a Christmas song that has endured over decades and is instantly memorable? Happy Xmas!

[@wdechand]

This song makes me a little melancholy, but i love it. John really sings well.

[@isanewday]

The song is in line with ‘Imagine’ . . . Imagine ’The war is over’ . . . Christmas is just one more holiday like The New Years’. And the chords very traditional . . . as it should be. Happy day Amy & Vlad . . .

[@markhellman-pn3hn]

one of the greatest songs - EVER !!

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Merry Christmas to Virgin Rock, all commenters and...everybody else...from Italy !

[@pepoloco27]

This is great! Your reaction. Yes! I am religious and even so, you are right in every word and every feeling you express... Thanks! And Merry Christmas!

[@Accam570]

The melody is from a song called 'Stewball' that is hundreds of years old. A well known modern version of it was recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary.

[@mrichmon]

I’ve always thought “what have you done?” to be a question about “what have you done to spread joy and goodwill?”, “what have you done to reduce conflict in the world?”. A rhetorical reminder to try to put positivity out into the world.

[@adamfindlay7091]

Lennon wasn't atheist. In fact he read, and respected Jesus until his assassination in 80. It's true he went through many beliefs and phases in his short life; but he also backtracked and reassessed his mindset over the decades- was not a full atheist, Buddhist, Christian*, Psychedelic freak, etc He was a living man with complicated liasons.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

Very well put😘

[@jasongress8764]

Just because someone read or liked a person doesn’t mean they believed in their divinity. And there is no such thing as “not a full atheist,” you either are or you aren’t. If you aren’t sure, you’re agnostic. No one but John and probably Yoko know for sure. But it’s clear that he imagined the world without religion at one point and that resonates with atheists, as does the message of this song, that we control our fate. Not politicians, not governments, not deities, just us, if we can ever overcome our petty differences - if we want it.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

@@jasongress8764 - I always heard ‘imagine no religion’ as an admonishment of fighting over religion, - who’s right, who’s wrong; letting ideology divide & destroy. I don’t hear the line as a conclusion on his part or his beliefs.

[@jasongress8764]

@@edwardmeradith2419 I never said it was a conclusion, I said he imagined it, meaning it crossed his mind that it’s a problem, which is in line with atheism. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@alecspeer]

One of a kind. Took his pop platform to song-pray for world peace. It's the truth. War is over if you want it. Imagine ... all the people living life in peace. The ordinary people don't want the battles of the masters of war. They don't want to be cannon fodder of lives lost in the chess games of the power draculas. Change the world from the heart out.

[@LeeKennison]

Merry Christmas to all. Some very nice thoughts and insights. As you were expressing some of these sentiments it felt like you could have been commenting on his song "Imagine" which has some of the same themes you were noting. John and Yoko had been actively protesting the war, in part by renting billboard signs in major cities saying, "WAR IS OVER! If You Want It - Happy Christmas from John & Yoko." They started putting these signs up in 1969, two years before the song was released. But as you noted, I think the theme was broader than just the Vietnam war.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Merry Christmas.

[@steveh7108]

Merry Christmas Lee. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. Like John Lennon, I am an atheist and a dreamer, and I know it's all up to us as individuals to be better people for a better world. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to spread the message of positive human relations.

[@steveh7108]

@@Hartlor_Tayley Merry Christmas Hartlor Tayley.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@steveh7108 merry Christmas Steve H.

[@LeeKennison]

@@Hartlor_Tayley Merry Christmas Hartlor. I hope you are having a good one.

[@michavandam]

1. 20:58 Amy, I've not seen you actively enjoying a song here like this before. That was a joy to watch (especially since it was induced by John Lennon). 2. "WAR IS OVER (if you want it)" was a global poster campaign by John & Yoko in 1969. They had posters with this slogan translated in many languages hung up in many countries. They were into "advertising peace" during this hippie period. Google the photos. 3. 15:20 "War is over if you want it" - this choir melody had been anticipated all along by the guitar chords (check 3:16). 4. What I miss is a remark about the minor chord during the line "Let's hope it's a good one" (4:04). Another artist (like Paul McCartney) would have played a major chord there.

[@WayneKitching]

She enjoyed it so much, she didn't say anything about the strings playing the melody of Silent Night just after that. But it's heartwarming to see someone enjoying themselves.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

The global posters were in 1969, song in 1971

[@michavandam]

@@ricardo_miguel13 You're right. I'll edit my original comment. Wikipedia: ""Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" was the culmination of more than two years of peace activism undertaken by John Lennon and Yoko Ono that began with the bed-ins they convened in March and May 1969, the first of which took place during their honeymoon. The song's direct antecedent was an international multimedia campaign launched by the couple in December 1969 - at the height of the counterculture movement and its protests against America's involvement in the Vietnam War - that primarily consisted of renting billboard space in 12 major cities around the world for the display of black-and-white posters that declared "WAR IS OVER! If You Want It - Happy Christmas from John & Yoko"."

[@michavandam]

@@WayneKitching Great observation! Even though I know those violin lines in this song very well, it had never occurred to me that they are a quote of Silent Night. Thank you for pointing this out!

[@granfall00n]

Does no one else notice at least a slight edge in his song. I don’t think it is entirely celebratory. “And so this is Christmas and what have you done” perhaps implies we haven’t done enough. War is over if we want it. Obviously we don’t want it enough. It’s still going on. Is there a hint of sarcasm in “ I hope you have fun”. I’m not saying that this song is entirely negative but I feel we are missing some subtleties here.

[@carmelovillena6174]

lennons touch is outstanding and very unique

[@craigphillips884]

Absolutely love the way you explain and break down the song,,Merry Christmas 🎄

[@labajadaman]

Thank you for first listening to the song in its entirety! I enjoy your insight and perspective, but I think every song deserves a full listen before the dissecting begins. Merry Christmas!

[@diegocostantino2830]

He sang "war is over if you want it", but since the beginning of mankind war is never over, whether you want it or not...

[@RandallMorris222]

Thank you and Merry Christmas! In my opinion, this is one of the very few good Christmas songs and it was fun to hear. On your point, if I heard correctly, of the futility of dreaming impossible things: you should listen to John Lennon's "Imagine." It's all about the power of dreaming impossible things. EDIT: I should have waited. You came around to Lennon's "Imagine" point of view before the end. You should still listen to it. It's a great song.

[@luvpants2012]

Never seen video of the children singing, precious.

[@alansmith1989]

I recall buying this in mid December 1972 (In the U.K) it was in the thicker card picture sleeve and deeper shade of green vinyl. Still got it. Made No 2 in UKs "New Musical Express" chart as the NME was the only one from the Three UK charts at that time, to produce a chart for Christmas. Record made in 1971 and only released in the USA just before Xmas 1971 - but too late to get into US charts. Released in early December 1972 in the UK. Maybe next year it'll be `Slade` or `Wizzard` ? Can only hope!

[@jeffmoore9487]

The ultimate decider of policy is us. Working people make and do everything that's required for our existence. If we collectively stop obeying and working, war is over! It has always been and will always be in our power to decide policy but it's very hard to agree to disobey our bosses or to even agree on our demands but it's doable, and John understood this.

[@jrmil1454]

Amy, Have been enjoying all your first-listens and deep-analysis of the many songs. This has been my favorite so far. You have given us a wonderful gift. I do not have a musical background but I find myself listening to music in an entirely new way because of you.

[@Mikewatchestube]

A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family, Amy. Your channel is one of the best discoveries I’ve had this year. You give such a fresh perspective and welcome enthusiasm to so many songs that have been a real part of my life for decades. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re a real breath of fresh air 🎄⛄️🎅🏻❤️

[@billmorrissey7680]

Well said. I agree whole heartedly.

[@bruceschmidt8752]

Thank you for this. I love to see you smile and enjoy the music. Merry Christmas to you and Vlad.

[@Kieop]

The WAR IS OVER! campaign was launched on 15 December 1969 at the Peace for Christmas concert, a benefit for UNICEF held at London’s Lyceum Ballroom. Anyone growing up in the 80s and 90s would be familiar with the song as it continued to be played every year at Christmastide in television commercials for UNICEF -- at least I believe it was for UNICEF, since that would make the most sense.

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

A Very Merry Christmas to you and Vlad!

[@michaelvallee1263]

merry christmas amy thank you

[@szeleddie]

Blessed Christmas to you Amy and Vlad!!!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Merry Christmas Amy and Vlad and everyone.

[@adamclark6756]

Merry Christmas, this was a lovely bonus today.

[@Stephen-by7wv]

Thank you for this. I've always thought that the message of the song is aspirational and empowering. Lennon was fiercely anti war and anti establishment. I think he means to say that only 'we' (all of us) can end war if we want to. Merry Xmas.

[@scenevision356]

woman beating scumbag lennon

[@MrCatandMe]

Love the new format! Love watching Amy experience a song in its entirety for the first time! Love the nuance of her professional analysis!

[@dadano48]

You made me cry .!! Merry Christmas to you and everybody !!

[@aamontalto]

Happy Christmas. What an apt choice. Thank you for your videos.

[@ragnes18]

Happy Christmas!!!!! 🌲

[@andrewburgin4580]

Essential message

[@johnranachan1604]

Merry Christmas Dear, you bring a whole new meaning to the word Music.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Hope you both have a lovely Christmas, Amy and Vlad. And an absolutely fabulous 2023!

[@LeeKennison]

Merry Christmas Helene 😀I hope you are doing well.

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@LeeKennison snd a merry Christmas back atcha, Lee! All is well, thank you! Hope for you as well?

[@hoodatdare7039]

THANKYOU FOR THE SONG. MERRY XMAS.

[@victordevonshire807]

You blow my mind you educate me all the time. Love you. Happy Christmas. ❤🙏❤

[@jogamaes]

I discovered your channel something like a week ago and I really love it. Very interesting analysis and ways of showing and expressing your ideas. Love this Lennon song!

[@bugsby4663]

It is such a simple and beautiful idea.

[@jdubs712]

Merry Christmas Amy. Congratulations on your channel. Phenomenal growth. After John was shot It took me about 3 years before I could listen to this without crying.