John Lennon, who helped form The Beatles and Yoko Ono, a bold artist and musician, are a notable creative pair in recent times.
Starting in the late 1960s, their bond went beyond their personal connection to mix music, art, and social action. They made works that tested social rules, backed peace, and changed culture as a team.
Their joint efforts, like the “Plastic Ono Band” and the famous “Bed-In for Peace” events, have made a lasting mark on music and worldwide peace efforts.
About the Song
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) is a classic holiday song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
The song was written as a Christmas anthem and a protest against the Vietnam War, blending festive cheer with a powerful message of peace.
Over the years Happy Xmas (War Is Over) has become a seasonal standard, covered by numerous artists and played worldwide during the holiday season.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | December 1, 1971 |
| Album | GIMME SOME TRUTH |
| Writers | John Lennon, Yoko Ono |
| Producers | John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Phil Spector |
Happy Xmas Lyrics by John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Intro: Yoko Ono & John Lennon
Happy Christmas, Kyoko
Happy Christmas, Julian
Verse 1: John Lennon
So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you had fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Verse 2: John Lennon & Harlem Community Choir
And so this is Christmas (War is over)
For weak and for strong (If you want it)
The rich and the poor ones (War is over)
The road is so long (Now)
And so happy Christmas (War is over)
For black and for white (If you want it)
For yellow and red ones (War is over)
Let’s stop all the fight (Now)
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Verse 3: John Lennon & Harlem Community Choir
And so this is Christmas (War is over)
And what have we done? (If you want it)
Another year over (War is over)
And a new one just begun (Now)
And so happy Christmas (War is over)
We hope you have fun (If you want it)
The near and the dear ones (War is over)
The old and the young (Now)
Chorus: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Outro: Yoko Ono & Harlem Community Choir
War is over
If you want it
War is over
Now
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Similar Songs Like Happy Xmas
If you enjoy Happy Xmas (War Is Over), you might appreciate these similarly impactful, peace-themed, or holiday-related songs:
- “Imagine“: This iconic anthem is deeply reflective and shares a similar message of peace, unity, and hope. It’s arguably Lennon’s most well-known song outside of The Beatles.
- “Give Peace a Chance“: A rallying cry for peace, this simple and powerful song became an anthem for anti-war movements, much like Happy Xmas.
- “Love“: A gentle, heartfelt ballad from Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band album, focusing on universal themes of love and human connection.
- “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)“: A more upbeat, inspirational track that conveys a sense of global responsibility and optimism, similar to the hopeful tone of Happy Xmas.
Similar Artists Like John Lennon & Yoko Ono
If you enjoy the music and artistic vision of John Lennon & Yoko Ono, you might appreciate the work of these similar artists and collaborators:
- George Harrison
Genre: Rock, Folk, Spiritual Music
Top Albums: All Things Must Pass (1970), Living in the Material World (1973) and Cloud Nine (1987) - Paul McCartney
Genre: Pop, Rock
Top Albums: McCartney (1970), Band on the Run (with Wings, 1973) and Ram (1971) - Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk, Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Top Albums: Highway 61 Revisited (1965), Blonde on Blonde (1966) and Blood on the Tracks (1975) - Patti Smith
Genre: Punk Rock, Art Rock
Top Albums: Horses (1975), Easter (1978) andWave (1979)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did John Lennon and Yoko Ono Meet?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono first met in 1966 at an art exhibition Ono was hosting in London. Their shared artistic vision and love for experimental art brought them together.
What is the Significance of their Bed-In for Peace?
Lennon and Ono staged “Bed-Ins” as peaceful protests against the Vietnam War. They spent a week in bed at two different locations first in Amsterdam, then in Montreal using the event to promote their message of peace.
Did they Face Criticism for their Collaborations?
Yes, John Lennon and Yoko Ono faced significant public and media criticism. Many Beatles fans blamed Ono for the group’s breakup and some critics dismissed their avant-garde projects as overly self-indulgent.
