Happy Xmas (War is Over), John and Yoko/Plastic Ono Band


Full on.

John Lennon was pretty much full on. He was either full of hope (“Imagine”). Or full of rage (“Working Class Hero”). Or full of both (“Instant Karma”). Lennon was full on.

And “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” is full on. It begins with a clip over the ear…

So, this is Christmas,
And what have you done?

Ouch.

Often our response is, “Not a lot…” The first line captures one of the big things about Christmas. Reflection.

It may hurt to look back over the year, but it doesn’t hurt to do so. If there are things that need mending, mend. If there are relationships that have drifted, reel them in. If opportunities to do good have passed, do good today.

The song quickly moves from clipping to celebrating…

I hope you have fun

I don’t think he’s being cynical. Or am I being naïve? I think Lennon simply taps into one of the great things about Christmas. It can be/should be fun.

And it ought to be inclusive. The song envelopes everyone...

The near and the dear one…the old and the young…
For weak and for strong…for rich and the poor ones…
For black and for white…for yellow and red ones…

And then there’s the rousing voices in the background exclaiming…

War…is…over!
If…you…want it!
Now……….!

Lennon always seeks to stir the listener. And he finishes by challenging the listener…

Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear

The last line takes us back to the first.

Will we watch another year go by without hope? Without fighting fear? Without including others? Without fun? Without celebration?

Lennon’s message is quite simple. Get off your backside and make it a good one.

That’s pretty full on.

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