The Story Behind John Lennon & Yoko Ono's Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

[@bacarandii]

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)!

[@01real1]

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. :-)

[@boomitchell989]

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.

[@michaelcarpenter2498]

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.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Michael!

[@brownsoverlane6384]

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 💩

[@garywright8557]

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!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Gary. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@custardpie69]

Agreed

[@martyg7745]

Its sad given what happened in 1980

[@scally1969]

"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.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

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).

[@vphil09]

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!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@abbdabs67]

A christmas classic .always makes me feel good when i hear it

[@drmusic3641]

A song loved by multi generations. Even my rock music hating father loved it.

[@johnalello9233]

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 !

[@ricknbacker5626]

"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

[@tammylewis2408]

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.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

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.

[@five-toedslothbear4051]

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!

[@LeoBaron007]

One of the best Christmas songs ever amazing video and merry Christmas

[@colindeer4908]

Great now ... Great then. Still moves me. Many thanks, particularly upon hearing John's voice once more talking about it all.

[@DamGreek]

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

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your memories.

[@billybrad204]

Thank you for the wonderful information about his song.

[@Parlogram]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Cosford91]

The record label photography is memorable. A fascinating design and clever idea.

[@canis9178]

I guessed right!!! Thanks for your coverage, lots of tasty details. I still have my original 45 on green vinyl and picture sleeve. 💚❤💚❤💚

[@anthonyvigliotti6560]

Beautiful song. Beautiful video about it. Well done, Andrew. And may Brother John be at peace. 🥹

[@amb2745]

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.

[@mgconlan]

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.

[@thegreenbird795]

A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one, with plenty of beer🍺🍺

[@Parlogram]

Cheers! Same to you!

[@timothyflyte9443]

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 .

[@robertnowall488]

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!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

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.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir. I remember those times too working in a record shop!

[@jesserussell7242]

Happy Christmas Andra to you and your whole family.

[@Parlogram]

Same to you!

[@markearnestfromreno613]

Excellent video and nice hat, Andrew! 😁 I do love John’s vocal on this one, keeping up his great work during the Imagine period.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@therealestatecuracao4441]

Great video Thnx!!! Happy X-Mas 🌲

[@brianwilson858]

Great song, great story, great post. Thanks Andrew and Happy Xmas to you and yours.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks. Same to you!

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

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.

[@nicknikipediacaulkin5943]

Great story and video of how this great song came about, Andrew!

[@terrymann1341]

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..

[@ctmcdonaldmusic6787]

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 🇦🇺

[@BeatlePete910]

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.

[@Parlogram]

Happy Xmas Pete!

[@JohnRedshaw]

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.

[@48musicfan]

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

[@strathman7501]

The tune was getting on for 200 years old and of unknown authorship, so credit was not an issue.

[@riccardociofi3162]

Great video, I enjoyed it. Thanks Andrew and Happy Christmas to you, too. 👏👏👏

[@TheCliffandPhilShow]

Always a tinge of sadness at hearing this song. But Happy Christmas and Merry Beatlemas! Andrew! :)

[@johnnytheg]

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.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@deningunapartefilms8257]

great video as always Andrew! the original video always breaks me. TIMELESS

[@doekiller4810]

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.

[@JoJoJoker]

Thank you for the unexpected surprise! It sounds great.

[@davidfisher5809]

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!

[@fnjesusfreak]

Could be that pinching a folk tune helped to make it timeless.

[@strathman7501]

@@fnjesusfreak Spot on.

[@briankellymusician]

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… 👍

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Brian. Same to you!

[@HarryBalz-mx3ss]

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.☮️✌️❤

[@NediSafa]

What John said is still true. If people wanted peace as much as they wanted a new color TV we would have peace.

[@scrambaba]

John himself always went for the colour tv, Yoko too.

[@martyg7745]

@@scrambabatruth

[@laxmoocow]

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.

[@Parlogram]

I dis listen to many different versions, but I didn’t find a best or worst sounding one.

[@laxmoocow]

@ nice. And I do appreciate sound quality wasn’t the point of the video. Thank you again for the lovely history and tribute.

[@stephenraynsford7170]

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. 😊😊😊

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Stephen. Same to you!

[@arminzink1621]

thanks a lot for this great video for a truely great song. Happy Xmas Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, you too!

[@DrefusX]

Merry Christmas, Andrew & InfInite Blessings to you and yours. Keep up the good work.💯💯💯

[@robertfontaine356]

I am saving this one for Christmas Eve, Andrew ! Have a jolly one et Joyeux Noêl du Canada!

[@tomklenk9573]

Merry Christmas Andrew and thank you for all the amazing videos you share with us each week!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@PunkMetalNerd4]

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!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lyndarosborough869]

Beautiful ! Thank you ! Merry Christmas to you ! 🧑‍🎄🎶🎄🔔

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, you too! 🎄

[@LanceHall]

I love that your are using real instrumentals in the background.

[@tonys9102]

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."

[@josiahmitchell4055]

There is no such thing as true peace without Jesus. Love you Andrew, always love your videos

[@idoireallydo]

I was today years old when I found out it was actually "Happy birthday, Kyoko" and "Happy birthday, Julian."

[@HartponderJr]

From across the pond, Merry Christmas Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, you too! 🎄

[@donmcallister3745]

Thank you John , for a Christmas 🎄 song played each year… you are missed… 🕊️🌻🕊️ Peace and Love

[@captainfantastic9158]

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. 🎄🤍

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

Happy Christmas!!!! Thanks you for all your amazing videos... i watch them all

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@turbomario]

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!

[@EmmaEmbla]

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.

[@BalderBorador]

Excellent job Andrew! Like you, the song always makes me sad! 😢

[@LLYMYNT]

Good golly this gave me goosebumps Such a great song. ❤

[@jameswilson7084]

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.

[@drumsticksusa]

Nice job on this! Merry Christmas!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, you too!

[@RonaldBrown59]

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.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Ronald. You too!

[@grahampaulkendrick7845]

Happy Christmas, Andrew! 🙂Another fascinating, if bittersweet video.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kenny-zw1lp]

Just a great vocal from John, Always loved it, best Xmas record 👍

[@bugradio]

Happy Xmas and Merry Krimble, Parlogram!! Thanks!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you too!

[@davidlorryman2681]

Andrew! Another great one. Thank you!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennethshaw9966]

It's one of my favourite Christmas songs 🎵

[@bobbybroadway9513]

Merry Christmas.

[@Parlogram]

Same to you!

[@jamescpotter]

My favorite John Lennon post Beatles song. This is a fantastic piece of work.

[@stingfan16ify]

Great song and great segment as usual Andrew! Happy Christmas to you and your family!!! 🎄

[@Parlogram]

Thanks - same to you!

[@angiethebeatlesgirl228]

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💕😘😇✌️

[@ChristopherClause]

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. :)

[@bwolverton]

Happy Xmas, Andrew! Thanks for all you do!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, you too!

[@nvm9040]

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 🐟

[@ajpp9]

Great work Andrew! Thanks for all you do and have a wonderful relaxing holiday season!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Same to you.

[@78zappaf]

One of your best video presentation! That piano up front sounded nice!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MartysPopParty]

Another enjoyable video Andrew ! Cheers

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rewind2play]

Hippy Christmas to all.peace loving people.. great video

[@dimebagdave77]

Many thanks Andrew ✌️ and Merry Christmas

[@MyWeirdRecordCollection]

Really nice video, Andrew! (Not that your other ones aren't; just felt like explicitly saying so this time!)

[@ghbmdhjhw]

Thank u Andrew as always great job !

[@Parlogram]

My pleasure!

[@chriscampanozzi6516]

Andrew. Merry Christmas. Thank you for your content.

[@Parlogram]

Same to you, Chris!

[@thomassabia5750]

I can play this song anytime

[@davep-newengland1457]

Great video, Andrew. i enjoyed this one a lot.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@clevebaker8399]

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 👌😘

[@Parlogram]

Thanks again, Cleve!

[@robertcalvin2643]

A great tune BUT always reminds me of my Hero's absence. On a lighter note Andrew - A Merry Christmas / Happy New Year and thank you for all the great viewing. Cheers

[@dukeviking]

This is the Give Peace A Chance of Xmas songs...timeless

[@MsDeeVee]

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.

[@eginoandreassa55]

Um grande sucesso aqui no Brasil !!

[@o_guguito]

@@eginoandreassa55 too bad Simone ruined it with her dreadful cover of it…

[@ablestringer9063]

"Yoko is in great voice too" said nobody ever! Lol! I like the stems breakdown, it sounded really cool.

[@theqrm]

Hadn’t heard the PP&M track before. Surprising J&Y weren’t tagged for copyright on that one. Brilliant video 👍

[@strathman7501]

Skewball - it's original name - was a traditional Anglo-Irish song dating from about 1780, so no copyright.

[@stevea1985]

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

[@Parlogram]

Great story! Thanks for watching.

[@Le-fishe-au-choculat]

Like the idea of ending the video with one of the Christmas records

[@dockerdave]

Another fantastic vid

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.