John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

Know something about this song or lyrics? Add it to our wiki.
Send "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" Ringtone to Cell

(Happy Xmas Kyoko
Happy Xmas Julian)

So this is Xmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Xmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Xmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Xmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Xmas
And what have we done
Another year over
A new one just begun
And so happy Xmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over, if you want it
War is over now

Happy Xmas

Send "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by kevin

Track duration: 03:36


Happy Xmas (War Is Over) song meanings
Add your thoughts

52 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment:I often think of Charles Dickens when i hear this song - why? Because he upset the system, the government and a who lot of people by highlighting the realities of the high and working classes and the gulf between them. In so doing, Dickens became one of the most read and influential authors of all time. Still as popular more than a century later. Much the same as i believe John here has the same intention. 'Another year over and a new one just begun' he is saying we achieved nothing and will continue to achieve nothing unless we act. 'The rich and the poor ones- the world is so wrong' This is an obvious quote. Global unification and peace is the main message to this song. 'for black and for white - for the yellow and red ones - let's stop all, the fight. this is John Lennon wanting world peace and a world without suffering and wars. A very clever man knowing that this song - a very well known christmas anthem as we have come to know it is known by and sung by millions of people the world over every year. His way of repeating his quest for peace every year? This song is a good example of John Lennon at his memorable best!
    Flag jessyjackon October 24, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Favorite Christmas song of all-time. So happifying
    Flag claireisdumbon December 11, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Simply, amazing!
    Flag MaynarDLennoNon January 09, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Classic Christmas song.
    It's not really Christmas until you've heard this, "Last Christmas" and "Do they know it's Christmas".

    But there's two lines I've never understood.

    Another year over
    And a new one just begun

    As far as I know Christmas is celebrated at the end of the year.
    So what does this mean?
    Flag Tyler2004durdenon December 16, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:R.I.P. -- John Lennon

    War Is Over (If You Want It).
    Flag SubSickAlienon December 08, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Clearly part of John and Yoko's political protest against war, but we already knew that.

    I don't care so much for the choir's chant, but the song carries a positive message and will certainly remain part of my Christmas playlist.
    Flag doomsjayon December 06, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The version of this song in the box set is my favorite Christmas song. It doesn't have the "war is over if you want it, war is over now" chant until the very end of the song; much better version, I don't like the chant all through the song like in the original released version, although it's alright, it's good, I just like the alternate version much better, check it out.
    Flag stpittsson October 03, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:makes me cry all the time..

    Love John!
    Flag bear_hug20on July 18, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:John's Christmas song always sounds 'corny', until I hear it. Every time.

    Genius! I never tire of hearing it, only hearing about it; and it's one song which cannot be covered. No-one comes over as sincere as John.

    The meaning is plain - We have to _desire_ an end to war for it to cease. Imagine...
    Flag Libraquariuson December 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:John Lennon is rolling in his grave.

    Show some respect to each other.
    Flag InCaseOfEvidenceon January 29, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top
explain