Song: Do they know it's Christmas? - Band Aid

Christmas 1984. A group of British pop stars, led by Irish singer Bob Geldof, get together in London to record "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to raise money for the victims of famine in Ethiopia. Not only was the song a hit but the initiative paved the way to other projects mixing pop culture and social and humanitarian causes. Here is the original clip, featuring some of the most popular British and Irish singers and bands in the 1980s. Read the lyrics and think: what is the main message of the song?



It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time

But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life (Oooh)
Where nothing ever grows, no rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmas time at all

Feed the world, Let them know it's Christmas time again

See also:
Another Christmas song: 12 Days of Christmas
Christmas traditions
Christmas vocabulary activities