Do They Know It's Christmas?

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure

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
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
Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived
If the tables turned would you survive?
Here's to them
Underneath that burning sun
You ain't gotta feel good just selfless
Give a little help to the helpless

Do they know it's Christmas time at all?


Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world

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

Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world

Appears on: BandAid 20 - Do They Know It's Christmas? single. Get the tracks and video online! http://www.buybandaid20.com
Notes: This song was originally released in November of 1984, and was an instant number 1, eventually selling 50 million copies around the world (3 million of those in Great Britain alone). The song was originally recorded on November 25th 1984, and featured amongst others Bono, Sting, Boy George, Phil Collins, Simon Le Bon, and members of Bananarama, Boomtown Rats, Spandau Ballet and Status Quo.
The song was rerecorded in 1989, and was again a number 1, featuring Kylie Minogue, Wet Wet Wet and Bros.

In October 2004, rumours began of Midge Ure (original coproducer) releasing the song again, and on 20th October, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Fran Healy (Travis), the Darkness and Keane were confirmed on midgeure.com.

Tim recently revealed that he was asked to play piano on the track (opening the song) however the band's touring commitments were too busy.

The band

Lead Vocalists

Backing Vocalists

Serving tea in a pink apron

Click to see who sings which line on each version.

Bookmakers immediately began taking bets for the Xmas number 2, and the X Factor show's singles were pushed back a week - showing the strength of the song. It ended up staying at number 1 for 4 weeks.
The song was recorded at London's Air Studios between 12th-14th November.

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