Brad nailed it. The song was written WHILE the Vietnam War was going on... and it was Lennon telling everyone that the War could be over if you work for it to be over. With all the bad stuff going on... he still wished everyone a Happy Christmas without fear.
Yes and no. It was more about the wars causes, religion, race, etc. He was anti Vietnam but was not an American. He dropped all the peace stuff after the 1972 election.
@@johnmavroudis2054 Why would someone in the UK care about a war they had nothing to do with was my point. Why are you so hostile? Your boyfriend raw dog you with a cricket bat?
Plenty of people get it without having to have been there . The song addresses racism, bigotry and war but adds a positive chorus . Really worried about gen z
One of my favorite Christmas songs! Happy Xmas was released in 1971 and the Vietnam War would drag on for another 3 years so this song is more of a hopeful wish and admonition that the war would end "if you want it." It's always been a very emotionally evocative song for me.
Funny that you say that because song always makes me feel really freaking sad. I'd probably feel differently if John wasn't assassinated. Such a great soul and he was taken from us way too soon.
"...let's hope it's a good one, without any fear..." A good way to tell if a leader is good or bad is to pay attention to how much fear mongering he or she does. Fear is a great divider, pitting people against each other. Oh, how I miss the spirit of "Peace on earth, goodwill to all" that used to be a part of the holiday season. Let's all strive to practice goodwill to all and relearn to get along with each other. Blessings to all!
They figured out a whole long time ago, that fear is one of the motivators to keep you from thinking logically. Politicians who appeal to our racial tribalism, who are themselves racist, or class envy, who are themselves selling out the country to make themselves rich, or who create fake Russian dossiers, to try and impeach their opponent, or change the definition of words and phrases, so they can give your Chinese enemy, your money, to develop a virus to kill millions and collapse the word economy, to get rid of the President that is actually calling them out, might be a good clue. And don’t forget meddling in Ukraine, to force Russia’s hand, so they can potentially make a few bucks, risking all of our lives, in an escalation to world war 3.
This was a Christmas anti Vietnam war song but a couple of years later Vietnam war ended on Christmas day and the song was re released and was a hit again. ( as the war was actually over ) 1973 , but it came out in 70 or 71 i think
@@pulsarlights2825 thanks true . I think they broke the treaty almost immediately. It just took two years for siagon to fall . And they were strangely quiet when China invaded later . ( communists vs communists) John Lennon was an incredible hypocrite ( in lots of ways ) champagne socialist working class hero , tax exile. ( and i wont even go into his private life) never trust an artist on the subject of war or politics. Or economics. Actually on any subject. I read an open letter to a European newspaper by a famous academy award winning actress/movie star , condemning commercialism and greed and lobbying for climate change policy, a few weeks later she was flying around the world a several ( non work) events and signed a multi million dollar deal with a famous perfume company ( advertising a product, tv commercials ect ) they are all hypocrites. Remember the actress gal gadot sang john Lennon's imagine ( with other celebrities) she is a proud nationalist and Israeli army veteran. ( singing an any war anti country anti religion song ) very questionable. No ?
@@shanenolan8252 It's so easy to criticise from the comfort of your armchair. I may be wrong but I don't recognise your name from the peacekeeping efforts you've made to the world. John Lennon was a simple man, he never said otherwise, and it was his right to campaign for peace and to use his influence to get the government to end war. I think you're aiming your criticism at the wrong place. Lennon had no actual power to change government policy, any more than you do. Indeed, there were plenty of artists who kept quiet (and still do) but you seem fine with these. The easy way out is to do nothing, go along with the flow, and pick your money up. Lennon didn't do that, and you've got to respect him for that (and by the way, 'socialist' isn't the swear word in Britain that it is in the US). And tax exile? What even is the meaning of that when the President of the USA (or in fact anyone with power) doesn't even have to show that they pay taxes? And let's not forget he was British, so using the American model (like Google, Amazon, Facebook and the like in other countries) he shouldn't even have to pay taxes in the US.
Sad Story...this song was on Every Radio Station back in December of 1980 after we Lost Mr Lennon 😭....ALOT of Tears she'd that year, even My Mom was sad because she was a Beatles fan!
Yeah, that's something about anti-war songs--it's much less about welcoming the troops home or about the troops at all. It's about stopping the war--stopping the violence and protesting the psychopaths that started the wars. It's not like the songs that came out during the early days of the Iraq/Afghan wars in 2002 onward that as all kicking ass and supporting the troops. Earlier anti-war songs was more about how evil the war machine is and sadly, there's very few newer anti-war songs like that. This one is hopeful for the Vietnam's war end--because it was written around 1971 and granted other wars were going on at that time too but also, since it isn't specific to a war, it can be for any time, any war and honestly for any rough time.
Welcoming troops home was certainly NOT the mindset of the demonstrations going on at the airports, as the communist-lead radical left protesters showed up to greet our homecoming soldiers with spit & slander, and accusing our boys of everything, including baby-killing and other atrocities.
Being from England (who was NOT involved in the Vietnam War), John still was very aware of the world's conflicts and had adopted his campaign for peace. The song is aimed at war in general. The Beatles were HUGE. Anything they did or said got in the papers and had an influence on societies perspectives, especially the youth. Wherever they went on their tours, the press would meet them and do grand interviews. However, it had been suggested to them to NOT talk about controversial things like the war. All 4 Beatles were anti-war. John especially felt frustrated that he couldn't say anything substantial. He noticed that people were picking through every quote and nuance. He also got into a major controversy early on when he told a British journalist that the Beatles were more POPULAR than Christ. That he was talking about British youth at the time didn't matter. That the statement was very likely true of the British youth at the time didn't matter either. People across the US Bible Belt were offended as they latched onto a corrupted version of the quote to say the Beatles were GREATER than Christ. There were protests and bonfires burning Beatle records and other merchandise. John ended up having to apologize like 800 times for something he didn't actually say. He was humiliated and was suspicious of the media after that. Noticing the influence he had, he decided to use it and became the king peacenik. He performed all kinds of stunts in his own war FOR peace. It became a theme in his music. This is one example. The Beatles were also promoters of the equality of the races and would refuse to play venues where the races were segregated. This rubbed promoters the wrong way. No pop group had ever spoke out on this before. Who do they think they are? Well, they were the Beatles and one could make a lot of money having them show up for a concert. So, promoters grumbled but acquiesced. The races got to sit anywhere they wanted.
Na, dann ist doch alles bestens. Ist völlig egal welcher Chor da singt. Schau das unzensierte Video und gut. Lennon ging es nicht um Schnickschnack. Die Message!!
In this holiday episode of Brad & Lex, the genius irony of this classic by the late great John Lennon brings depth to this Christmas song which sets an atmosphere of awareness seemingly unifying the movements of both Brad & Lex by reducing the couple to a melancholy "sway" in unison.
This song is of course always revelent through the years. This was if I remember right this was for the Vietnam War. John was a strong advocate against the war which at the time was called a Police Action. It was nothing but a chemical testing ground for our enemies and our own soldiers.
Its a great song and I am a big fan of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but Paul McCartney had a more realistic view on the issues of war and peace. Its a bit naive. The Vietnam war was a civil war between the Viet Cong rebels in the north of Vietnam and the government in the south. It wasn't caused by a "war machine". It was caused by national issues left over from French colonialism, but the USSR/China and USA/NATO took opposite sides out of fear of one another, but there would have been a Vietnam war even if the USA and USSR didn't exist.
Happy Christmas,kyoko (Kyoko Chan Cox is the daughter of the Japanese multimedia artist and singer, Yoko Ono.) Happy Christmas,Julian (Julian Charles John Lennon is an English singer, songwriter, photographer, filmmaker, author, and philanthropist. He is the son of Beatles member John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia, and he is named after his paternal grandmother, Julia Lennon. )
For me, the war he is talking about is the universal war we fight with ourselves within ourselves. When we give up those wars, the external wars will end too.
Two Beatles here in Canada made the Most and Least Favourite Xmas song. Most favourite is this one by Lennon - Happy Xmas and least favourite Xmas song is Paul McCartneys Wonderful Christmastime.
This is also a rare occurrence of Yoko Ono, who was John's love at this time, singing without her signature screeching. For a take on what Yoko usually sounded like, listen to the Barenaked Ladies' song "Be My Yoko Ono."
One of Yoko's best vocal contributions... her voice is perfect for the chorus.... in December, 1969, John and Yoko were staying at a farm near Toronto and hired a skywriter to write ""War is over, if you want it. Happy Xmas from John and Yoko" over the sky in Toronto... it was very cool.
It's the love vs. fear thing which is always relevant. Fear is something we have to fight everyday at all times. So every Christmas or any day for that matter we can hope the future has no fear.
At the time this song was written, the fighting in Vietnam (it was not a formally declared war) was not only at its peak escalation by the US government, but, under the orders of President Nixon was being expanded across the borders into Cambodia. Each day, the evening news on the 3 major networks was filled with news about the fighting there (It was the first time TV news daily presented the footage of soldier in the fighting). Lennon, in an interview, described the song origins, recounting that everywhere one looked was a commercial for war. He stated that his motivation for writing this song was to create a commercial for peace..."war is over, if you want it." The song's release was backed by billboards in cities like New York and Los Angeles stating that phrase in huge letters. The recording of this song included the Harlem Childrens' Choir.
Just listened to this song, and it brought tears to my eyes. I have heard this song since it came out in 1971, but it never really hit me the way it just did. I was thinking first about John not being with us anymore and how sad that is, secondly I was thinking of all the young men that died in Viet Nam needlessly. Back then, we all felt we needed to fight that war, but nothing came of it, and so many of our soldiers died. Very sad for all of their families.
That sound Lex is hearing is probably a sitar, an Indian instrument. The Beatles used it a lot after their trip to India. Now do Jethro Tull's A Christmas Song...
Something about using a youth choir really hits different. Similar effect to Another Brick in the Wall. "Let's hope it's a good one without any fear" is a hard hitting line. It's totally well meant, but rooted in an understanding that times are tough.
Good one guys. This was released in 71 and yes Brad, Vietnam war anti war protest here. Those were crazy times and there was a lot of fear in the world. The nuclear arms race was in full swing with Russia and you just didn't know. One false sensor goes off at a missile sight and it could have been Armageddon. Scary thing is here we are 50 years later and there's more nukes in the world then ever, think about it. This song was released as an anti war song and had been an anthem for 50 years now and I don't think John would have ever thought that it would go on too be a Christmas classic also. You here his wife Yoko Ono singing along with a NYC childrens choir backing him up, pretty cool. John Lennon was an incredibly intelligent man and a damn shame some piece of human filth took him from us at age 40. Not only was he a musical and literary genius but at some point he had his IQ tested and he clocked in at over 160 do he was literally a genius, very smart man. Hope you two had a great Christmas. I just got home from my son's house and he lives on Mt. Washington which sits above a cliff overlooking the city of Pittsburgh. You wouldn't believe the beautiful view of the city. His home is a five minute walk away from the overlook platforms and the Monongahela incline which was built in 1870.We rode it down and up tonight and it's crazy, your riding this incline down like 1,000 feet and the view is incredible. This is the oldest incline in the nation and on the national historic register if historic things. The buildings at the top and bottom are all original and the woodwork inside is amazing. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. No city has the three rivers and views like the burgh. Absolutely beautiful. 🎄🦌☮️✌️💕
This song always makes me cry because 12/8/1980 was so close to Christmas. It’s a beautiful song. That’s the Harlem Boys’ Choir in the background. 🎄🌺✌️
This song was recorded at the height of the Vietnam war. Nixon was secretly not only escalating the war in Vietnam, but also extending it into Cambodia. The nightly news constantly showed footage of the war, this was the first war that viewers, through television coverage , could witness every night. This being the case, Lennon made the comment about this song was that every time you looked on TV the news was providing a commercial for war. Lennon said he wanted to write a Christmas song that was a commercial for Peace.
John and Yoko were icons 50 years ago. Ricky Nelson mentions them in his hit Garden Party from 1972 "...everyone was there. Yoko and her Walrus, there was magic in the air" (Referring to I am the Walrus by the Beatles)
War Is Over When we are ready to partner in each other's children's future, war is over when we realize we can end it, by simply sharing, instead of stealing for dominance
Hard times? Fear of being drafted and sent to a hot war in Viet Nam was a very real fear. My number came up, but the draft ended in 1973, so I didn't have to go. As others have said on your channel "you had to be there"...Thank you, Brad & Lex, for being fearless in your choice of music.
Really great analysis of this song guys! It isn't a Christmas song but have you checked out Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon? It's a positive vibe and really catchy.
If you listen carefully that is Yoko Ono in the background with the Children's Choir this year 2022 will be 42 years since he has gone I remember where I was in 1980 when he passed away suddenly from a person that shot him I was watching TV and a sudden news flash came up and my mother didn't believe me and then we watched it right after I watched the show that I was watching I was really surprised because I was just watching him about a year before that on the new album that he had made and he was making a new album just before he was shot and they finished the album and then I've got it now on CD
Yoko can sing! Though her voice can get a little screechy, it is so high. Every one knows John had a great voice but I think Yoko's harmonies carried this song. She seems pretty cool even though she was the one that got the hate when the Beatles broke up. I don't remember who it was but Yoko made a nice comment on one TH-camrs channel. That's cool!
@@alibabaghanoujtv Thanks for the reply. My memory isn't what it was...It is cool when you hear from someone you think would never even give you a second thought, Tom MacDonald has messaged me a few times and I don't even make any content.
"Fear"..... do yourself a Favor.... React to "Instant Karma"... if you already have, Im sorry... Instant Karma is a Wonderful Hopeful... 2022 New Years Song.......Required Listening!!!!
He’s trying to convey happier times as people have pointed out the Vietnam war ended 2 years after this song came out it ended on Christmas i was born the year this came out in 1971
I remember when this first came out. It was during the Vietnam war and John & Yoko paid to have big billboards made up and displayed that said "War Is Over- If You Want It"
A picture of John Lennon standing next to his killer, with his arm around him, taken mere hours before he shot John, hangs in my bedroom. To me it represents the best of humanity and the worse. It's been a rough year for all of us. Be kind to one another.
A man who talk about peace, followed my millions and millions of people in tje world, he was definitely a threat to the globalist elite and some other obscure entities ruling this world, but soon humanity will give them a dose of their own medicine Great song👌🏻, merry chirstmas to everybody, hope you all find happiness and freedom
Part of John & Yoko's campaign to end the Vietnam War. They rented out a lot of billboards with the same message "War Is Over (If You Want It)" It's saying it is possible if you can "Imagine" it.
The sentiment is a bit broader than just Vietnam - all war is a choice and we can choose for wars to be over - always! John and Yoko (who sang background here) were all about peace. Merry Christmas!
Considering war and conflict has been around since prehistoric times, I'm calling bullshit on choosing peace as a realistic option for humans...PS Yoko anywhere near a microphone is like a terrorist attack
If you read about what kind of person John was, you will get to know he wasn't a good guy at all. He abused people including Yoko. By today's standards he would be canceled.
Yes - Vietnam but the war wasn’t over. We didn’t fully get out of Vietnam until 1975 but many of the troops started leaving before 1975. In 1972 there are still almost 70,000 troops there. Lennon words were directed at the public saying the war is over if you want it to be - in other words through protest and political action. Which is ultimately what happened anyway. After the Tet offensive of 1968 the public really began to lose support for the war- especially young people.
FYI, the Vietnam War started in 1955 and wasn't over for nearly 20 years. There are many many protest songs written during this period, especially from the mid-60's on.
That song helped end the stupidity. Everyone, EVERYONE right and left spoke of ending the thing, they all pretended to want it... He wanted to know if you really wanted it.
while it was written with the vietnam war was happening, the songs message is timeless. that's the mark of a great song writer. the lyrics are simple,but the message is so powerful it transcends time. he is speaking to us now as much as he was then. was is over now... IF WE WANT IT. he dropped it all in our laps.
This was a Christmas/Protest Song, Not just for Vietnam, but ALL Wars. The Female Lead (Almost Over-shadowed by the Choir) was Yoko Ono. Another Christmas/Protest They did was "Don't Worry Kyoko (Mommy's only looking for her hand in the snow). NOT a good song. To get Lexi's Reaction vibe in Overload, Might I suggest Jermaine Stewart's 1986, "We don't have to take our clothes off".
fine song, i wonder why u guys havent listen to : The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra: ez 50k views , happy holidays :)
Beautiful. Can I suggest Kansas, carry on my wayward son. It's something you'd like I think. Btw, I absolutely love you both, like a breath of fresh air. You have so much amazing music to choose from. I can only say I'm very jealous at the age of 50. Best of luck to you both. Love you and Merry Christmas xx
Its a shame that this was his song, only for "war" to claim him..a weapon of war. Still terrible hes gone. While I may not agree with how he changed before death, his musical impact will last forever
This was very anti-Vietnam. The message was that peace could be had. You just really needed to want it and do something about it. Not wait for others to end the war for you.
@@josephamoraz7990 Hogwash. The US gun homicide rate is more than double the average for all other countries. What’s the key differentiator? US gun ownership rate is also twice of all other countries.
Brad nailed it. The song was written WHILE the Vietnam War was going on... and it was Lennon telling everyone that the War could be over if you work for it to be over. With all the bad stuff going on... he still wished everyone a Happy Christmas without fear.
So much for that
🎯
Yes and no. It was more about the wars causes, religion, race, etc. He was anti Vietnam but was not an American. He dropped all the peace stuff after the 1972 election.
@@StanSwan Who said he was an "American?" He LIVED in America. "Dropped all the peace stuff"? What are you on about. Get your facts straight.
@@johnmavroudis2054 Why would someone in the UK care about a war they had nothing to do with was my point. Why are you so hostile? Your boyfriend raw dog you with a cricket bat?
You had to be there to appreciate the emotion of this song. An anti war song, as the war was happening at the time...the fear that comes with war etc.
Plenty of people get it without having to have been there . The song addresses racism, bigotry and war but adds a positive chorus . Really worried about gen z
John called this song an advertisement for peace. That is the reason the song was like a mantra. He was pounding home the message.
One of my favorite Christmas songs! Happy Xmas was released in 1971 and the Vietnam War would drag on for another 3 years so this song is more of a hopeful wish and admonition that the war would end "if you want it." It's always been a very emotionally evocative song for me.
Still probably my favorite Christmas song ever. It’s catchy and not depressing like most Christmas songs are. And has a great message also.
Funny that you say that because song always makes me feel really freaking sad. I'd probably feel differently if John wasn't assassinated. Such a great soul and he was taken from us way too soon.
this song feels really honest to me.. I don't know why but most of Christmas songs sound very plastic and fake to me
This and The Fairytale of The Pogues
What are you talking about? Most Christmas songs aren’t depressing at all.
i wanna cry all the time listening to this
the "war is over, if you want it" is a statement about war in general, as well as the current situation at the time.
"...let's hope it's a good one, without any fear..." A good way to tell if a leader is good or bad is to pay attention to how much fear mongering he or she does. Fear is a great divider, pitting people against each other. Oh, how I miss the spirit of "Peace on earth, goodwill to all" that used to be a part of the holiday season. Let's all strive to practice goodwill to all and relearn to get along with each other. Blessings to all!
Says a lot about our leaders atm
@@TpolTime I was thinking the very same thing!
Nothing like a man made and orchestrated Scamdemic/Plandemic. To scare all the masses throughout the world ! 🌎
All i want for Christmas is to reach 10k on TH-cam
They figured out a whole long time ago, that fear is one of the motivators to keep you from thinking logically. Politicians who appeal to our racial tribalism, who are themselves racist, or class envy, who are themselves selling out the country to make themselves rich, or who create fake Russian dossiers, to try and impeach their opponent, or change the definition of words and phrases, so they can give your Chinese enemy, your money, to develop a virus to kill millions and collapse the word economy, to get rid of the President that is actually calling them out, might be a good clue. And don’t forget meddling in Ukraine, to force Russia’s hand, so they can potentially make a few bucks, risking all of our lives, in an escalation to world war 3.
It was recorded in 1971 . Vietnam protests were going on . I believe they stopped drafting men in 1973. Was finally ended in 1975.
Spot on.
My fave without a doubt. A Xmas song that can bring tears to your eyes
This was a Christmas anti Vietnam war song but a couple of years later Vietnam war ended on Christmas day and the song was re released and was a hit again. ( as the war was actually over ) 1973 , but it came out in 70 or 71 i think
Correct.
Then the Communists violated the Peace Treaty and Saigon fell in 1975....and you could hear crickets coming from John and Yoko, why?
Pulsar Lights : Tell us, Einstein.
@@pulsarlights2825 thanks true . I think they broke the treaty almost immediately. It just took two years for siagon to fall . And they were strangely quiet when China invaded later . ( communists vs communists) John Lennon was an incredible hypocrite ( in lots of ways ) champagne socialist working class hero , tax exile. ( and i wont even go into his private life) never trust an artist on the subject of war or politics. Or economics. Actually on any subject. I read an open letter to a European newspaper by a famous academy award winning actress/movie star , condemning commercialism and greed and lobbying for climate change policy, a few weeks later she was flying around the world a several ( non work) events and signed a multi million dollar deal with a famous perfume company ( advertising a product, tv commercials ect ) they are all hypocrites. Remember the actress gal gadot sang john Lennon's imagine ( with other celebrities) she is a proud nationalist and Israeli army veteran. ( singing an any war anti country anti religion song ) very questionable. No ?
@@shanenolan8252 It's so easy to criticise from the comfort of your armchair. I may be wrong but I don't recognise your name from the peacekeeping efforts you've made to the world. John Lennon was a simple man, he never said otherwise, and it was his right to campaign for peace and to use his influence to get the government to end war. I think you're aiming your criticism at the wrong place. Lennon had no actual power to change government policy, any more than you do. Indeed, there were plenty of artists who kept quiet (and still do) but you seem fine with these. The easy way out is to do nothing, go along with the flow, and pick your money up. Lennon didn't do that, and you've got to respect him for that (and by the way, 'socialist' isn't the swear word in Britain that it is in the US). And tax exile? What even is the meaning of that when the President of the USA (or in fact anyone with power) doesn't even have to show that they pay taxes? And let's not forget he was British, so using the American model (like Google, Amazon, Facebook and the like in other countries) he shouldn't even have to pay taxes in the US.
It's an anti-war film The Vietnam War was continuing. That's why they sing 'war is over IF you want it'.
Sad Story...this song was on Every Radio Station back in December of 1980 after we Lost Mr Lennon 😭....ALOT of Tears she'd that year, even My Mom was sad because she was a Beatles fan!
This is not about welcoming troops home. It's about all of us worldwide putting our feet down and telling the psychopaths no more war.
Yeah, that's something about anti-war songs--it's much less about welcoming the troops home or about the troops at all. It's about stopping the war--stopping the violence and protesting the psychopaths that started the wars.
It's not like the songs that came out during the early days of the Iraq/Afghan wars in 2002 onward that as all kicking ass and supporting the troops. Earlier anti-war songs was more about how evil the war machine is and sadly, there's very few newer anti-war songs like that.
This one is hopeful for the Vietnam's war end--because it was written around 1971 and granted other wars were going on at that time too but also, since it isn't specific to a war, it can be for any time, any war and honestly for any rough time.
Welcoming troops home was certainly NOT the mindset of the demonstrations going on at the airports, as the communist-lead radical left protesters showed up to greet our homecoming soldiers with spit & slander, and accusing our boys of everything, including baby-killing and other atrocities.
The kids singing were from a choir from Harlem.
You both are spot on with this one. War is never over.
It could be. People can refuse to fight.
@@mcjs8640 War is over, if you want it.
I had a feeling you'd do this song today. It's my favorite Christmas song.
Being from England (who was NOT involved in the Vietnam War), John still was very aware of the world's conflicts and had adopted his campaign for peace. The song is aimed at war in general.
The Beatles were HUGE. Anything they did or said got in the papers and had an influence on societies perspectives, especially the youth. Wherever they went on their tours, the press would meet them and do grand interviews. However, it had been suggested to them to NOT talk about controversial things like the war. All 4 Beatles were anti-war. John especially felt frustrated that he couldn't say anything substantial. He noticed that people were picking through every quote and nuance. He also got into a major controversy early on when he told a British journalist that the Beatles were more POPULAR than Christ. That he was talking about British youth at the time didn't matter. That the statement was very likely true of the British youth at the time didn't matter either. People across the US Bible Belt were offended as they latched onto a corrupted version of the quote to say the Beatles were GREATER than Christ. There were protests and bonfires burning Beatle records and other merchandise. John ended up having to apologize like 800 times for something he didn't actually say. He was humiliated and was suspicious of the media after that.
Noticing the influence he had, he decided to use it and became the king peacenik. He performed all kinds of stunts in his own war FOR peace. It became a theme in his music. This is one example.
The Beatles were also promoters of the equality of the races and would refuse to play venues where the races were segregated. This rubbed promoters the wrong way. No pop group had ever spoke out on this before. Who do they think they are? Well, they were the Beatles and one could make a lot of money having them show up for a concert. So, promoters grumbled but acquiesced. The races got to sit anywhere they wanted.
Thats the Harlem Community Choir singing along 🙏
Na, dann ist doch alles bestens. Ist völlig egal welcher Chor da singt. Schau das unzensierte Video und gut. Lennon ging es nicht um Schnickschnack. Die Message!!
In this holiday episode of Brad & Lex, the genius irony of this classic by the late great John Lennon brings depth to this Christmas song which sets an atmosphere of awareness seemingly unifying the movements of both Brad & Lex by reducing the couple to a melancholy "sway" in unison.
This song is of course always revelent through the years. This was if I remember right this was for the Vietnam War. John was a strong advocate against the war which at the time was called a Police Action. It was nothing but a chemical testing ground for our enemies and our own soldiers.
...I think maybe a bit more than that.
Its a great song and I am a big fan of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but Paul McCartney had a more realistic view on the issues of war and peace. Its a bit naive. The Vietnam war was a civil war between the Viet Cong rebels in the north of Vietnam and the government in the south. It wasn't caused by a "war machine". It was caused by national issues left over from French colonialism, but the USSR/China and USA/NATO took opposite sides out of fear of one another, but there would have been a Vietnam war even if the USA and USSR didn't exist.
Happy Christmas,kyoko (Kyoko Chan Cox is the daughter of the Japanese multimedia artist and singer, Yoko Ono.)
Happy Christmas,Julian (Julian Charles John Lennon is an English singer, songwriter, photographer, filmmaker, author, and philanthropist. He is the son of Beatles member John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia, and he is named after his paternal grandmother, Julia Lennon. )
Woow thanks for the information! I didn't know that👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is one of John Lennon greatest songs along with imagine,you need to watch the video for the song
For me, the war he is talking about is the universal war we fight with ourselves within ourselves. When we give up those wars, the external wars will end too.
Two Beatles here in Canada made the Most and Least Favourite Xmas song. Most favourite is this one by Lennon - Happy Xmas and least favourite Xmas song is Paul McCartneys Wonderful Christmastime.
I am exactly on your wavelength here.
The backing vocals are The Harlem youth choir. Tragic John was killed in New York a city he loved. Breaks my heart
The chorus is sung by Yoko and the Harlem Boys Choir.
Love the kids' voices. Lennon had such a good heart. Glad he found Yoko. God bless
This is also a rare occurrence of Yoko Ono, who was John's love at this time, singing without her signature screeching. For a take on what Yoko usually sounded like, listen to the Barenaked Ladies' song "Be My Yoko Ono."
King Diamond - No Presents for Christmas. A must hear every Christmas 🤘
One of Yoko's best vocal contributions... her voice is perfect for the chorus.... in December, 1969, John and Yoko were staying at a farm near Toronto and hired a skywriter to write ""War is over, if you want it. Happy Xmas from John and Yoko" over the sky in Toronto... it was very cool.
Best Christmas song ever........................
This song would go perfectly with Stevie Wonder's Someday At Christmas.
It's the love vs. fear thing which is always relevant. Fear is something we have to fight everyday at all times. So every Christmas or any day for that matter we can hope the future has no fear.
Fear is the mindkiller
At the time this song was written, the fighting in Vietnam (it was not a formally declared war) was not only at its peak escalation by the US government, but, under the orders of President Nixon was being expanded across the borders into Cambodia. Each day, the evening news on the 3 major networks was filled with news about the fighting there (It was the first time TV news daily presented the footage of soldier in the fighting). Lennon, in an interview, described the song origins, recounting that everywhere one looked was a commercial for war. He stated that his motivation for writing this song was to create a commercial for peace..."war is over, if you want it." The song's release was backed by billboards in cities like New York and Los Angeles stating that phrase in huge letters. The recording of this song included the Harlem Childrens' Choir.
I love so many Christmas songs, old and new, but this is my No. 1. Thanks you for the reaction, great as always.
Just listened to this song, and it brought tears to my eyes. I have heard this song since it came out in 1971, but it never really hit me the way it just did. I was thinking first about John not being with us anymore and how sad that is, secondly I was thinking of all the young men that died in Viet Nam needlessly. Back then, we all felt we needed to fight that war, but nothing came of it, and so many of our soldiers died. Very sad for all of their families.
John was all about love and peace ✌️✌️✌️
Great Christmas song, but it has a very deep message
This is ALWAYS the first Christmas song I play at gatherings and more than once. So heartfelt...
Without watching their reaction, I’m willing to bet he turns to her at some point saying “So, what do you think this song is about?”
America is not at war on Christmas for the first time in 20 years!!!
Damn!,it brings back
Memories"
J.Lennon never to be
forgotten!
That sound Lex is hearing is probably a sitar, an Indian instrument. The Beatles used it a lot after their trip to India. Now do Jethro Tull's A Christmas Song...
That is a great Christmas song
"...I'm not sure what war...". Yes, exactly. There have been too many to keep them all straight. I think that was the whole point of the song.
Power to the people. It’s over if we want it.
Greg Lake, I believe in Father Christmas. My favourite xmas tune. Proper music. Great lyrics.
...love that song
I just (re)listened to ELPs "ep" today, which ends with the fantastic electric version of the nutcracker!
Something about using a youth choir really hits different. Similar effect to Another Brick in the Wall. "Let's hope it's a good one without any fear" is a hard hitting line. It's totally well meant, but rooted in an understanding that times are tough.
Check out "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" "Instant Karma" & "Mind Games" by John Lennon, they are all excellent.
Don't forget "Nobody Told Me"
And Watching the Wheels
Yall workin hard for us on Christmas, have a great holiday, thank you...
Good one guys. This was released in 71 and yes Brad, Vietnam war anti war protest here. Those were crazy times and there was a lot of fear in the world. The nuclear arms race was in full swing with Russia and you just didn't know. One false sensor goes off at a missile sight and it could have been Armageddon. Scary thing is here we are 50 years later and there's more nukes in the world then ever, think about it. This song was released as an anti war song and had been an anthem for 50 years now and I don't think John would have ever thought that it would go on too be a Christmas classic also. You here his wife Yoko Ono singing along with a NYC childrens choir backing him up, pretty cool. John Lennon was an incredibly intelligent man and a damn shame some piece of human filth took him from us at age 40. Not only was he a musical and literary genius but at some point he had his IQ tested and he clocked in at over 160 do he was literally a genius, very smart man. Hope you two had a great Christmas. I just got home from my son's house and he lives on Mt. Washington which sits above a cliff overlooking the city of Pittsburgh. You wouldn't believe the beautiful view of the city. His home is a five minute walk away from the overlook platforms and the Monongahela incline which was built in 1870.We rode it down and up tonight and it's crazy, your riding this incline down like 1,000 feet and the view is incredible. This is the oldest incline in the nation and on the national historic register if historic things. The buildings at the top and bottom are all original and the woodwork inside is amazing. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city. No city has the three rivers and views like the burgh. Absolutely beautiful. 🎄🦌☮️✌️💕
My heart is torn with this song... A wonderful message, yet saddened by Lennon's unneccessary death! Tugs at the heartstrings!
This song always makes me cry because 12/8/1980 was so close to Christmas. It’s a beautiful song. That’s the Harlem Boys’ Choir in the background. 🎄🌺✌️
This song was recorded at the height of the Vietnam war. Nixon was secretly not only escalating the war in Vietnam, but also extending it into Cambodia. The nightly news constantly showed footage of the war, this was the first war that viewers, through television coverage , could witness every night. This being the case, Lennon made the comment about this song was that every time you looked on TV the news was providing a commercial for war. Lennon said he wanted to write a Christmas song that was a commercial for Peace.
The words you were looking for about the feel of the song is cautiously optimistic.
John and Yoko were icons 50 years ago. Ricky Nelson mentions them in his hit Garden Party from 1972
"...everyone was there. Yoko and her Walrus, there was magic in the air"
(Referring to I am the Walrus by the Beatles)
War Is Over
When we are ready to partner in each other's children's future, war is over when we realize we can end it, by simply sharing, instead of stealing for dominance
Hard times? Fear of being drafted and sent to a hot war in Viet Nam was a very real fear. My number came up, but the draft ended in 1973, so I didn't have to go. As others have said on your channel "you had to be there"...Thank you, Brad & Lex, for being fearless in your choice of music.
Really great analysis of this song guys!
It isn't a Christmas song but have you checked out Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon? It's a positive vibe and really catchy.
If you listen carefully that is Yoko Ono in the background with the Children's Choir this year 2022 will be 42 years since he has gone I remember where I was in 1980 when he passed away suddenly from a person that shot him I was watching TV and a sudden news flash came up and my mother didn't believe me and then we watched it right after I watched the show that I was watching I was really surprised because I was just watching him about a year before that on the new album that he had made and he was making a new album just before he was shot and they finished the album and then I've got it now on CD
Yoko can sing! Though her voice can get a little screechy, it is so high. Every one knows John had a great voice but I think Yoko's harmonies carried this song. She seems pretty cool even though she was the one that got the hate when the Beatles broke up. I don't remember who it was but Yoko made a nice comment on one TH-camrs channel. That's cool!
@@alibabaghanoujtv Thanks for the reply. My memory isn't what it was...It is cool when you hear from someone you think would never even give you a second thought, Tom MacDonald has messaged me a few times and I don't even make any content.
Yes, on Rob Squad Reactions channel
If you edit Yoko out of this song and out of John's life entirely everything would be improved immensely.
@@bernie4366you truly are a massive cretin if you believe that.
"Fear"..... do yourself a Favor.... React to "Instant Karma"... if you already have, Im sorry...
Instant Karma is a Wonderful Hopeful... 2022 New Years Song.......Required Listening!!!!
He’s trying to convey happier times as people have pointed out the Vietnam war ended 2 years after this song came out it ended on Christmas i was born the year this came out in 1971
I love Yoko Ono and i can't believe she's 88 years old and still is kicking butt😀😀
She sounds great in this song.
I have much admiration for her
"War is over / if you want it"
I remember when this first came out. It was during the Vietnam war and John & Yoko paid to have big billboards made up and displayed that said "War Is Over- If You Want It"
Happy Christmas, War is over. Imagine!
An ultimate song for peace.
One of my favorite Christmas songs
A picture of John Lennon standing next to his killer, with his arm around him, taken mere hours before he shot John, hangs in my bedroom.
To me it represents the best of humanity and the worse.
It's been a rough year for all of us. Be kind to one another.
A man who talk about peace, followed my millions and millions of people in tje world, he was definitely a threat to the globalist elite and some other obscure entities ruling this world, but soon humanity will give them a dose of their own medicine
Great song👌🏻, merry chirstmas to everybody, hope you all find happiness and freedom
Part of John & Yoko's campaign to end the Vietnam War. They rented out a lot of billboards with the same message "War Is Over (If You Want It)" It's saying it is possible if you can "Imagine" it.
So after the US left Vietnam, how many people did the Communists kill after they violated the treaty? What did John and Yoko say about that?
@@pulsarlights2825 ask Yoko
Christmas is an extremely dark time for a lot of people, suicide goes up. I think this song is to give hope and a hug.
The sentiment is a bit broader than just Vietnam - all war is a choice and we can choose for wars to be over - always! John and Yoko (who sang background here) were all about peace. Merry Christmas!
Considering war and conflict has been around since prehistoric times, I'm calling bullshit on choosing peace as a realistic option for humans...PS Yoko anywhere near a microphone is like a terrorist attack
If you read about what kind of person John was, you will get to know he wasn't a good guy at all. He abused people including Yoko. By today's standards he would be canceled.
@@pulsarlights2825 Yep, you are spot on!
My feelings exactly! Merry Christmas!
@@pulsarlights2825 As if evolution didn't exist and things stayed static forever. Nah, things change. Peace will come.
Yes - Vietnam but the war wasn’t over. We didn’t fully get out of Vietnam until 1975 but many of the troops started leaving before 1975. In 1972 there are still almost 70,000 troops there. Lennon words were directed at the public saying the war is over if you want it to be - in other words through protest and political action. Which is ultimately what happened anyway. After the Tet offensive of 1968 the public really began to lose support for the war- especially young people.
This year is the first Christmas in a long time without war.
Are you sure there is no war anywhere?
You are only not very knowledgeable about current affairs.
Merry Christmas everyone!! ❤️❤️🍻
2u2 brother!
Christmas without religion - Lennon
FYI, the Vietnam War started in 1955 and wasn't over for nearly 20 years. There are many many protest songs written during this period, especially from the mid-60's on.
That song helped end the stupidity.
Everyone, EVERYONE right and left spoke of ending the thing, they all pretended to want it...
He wanted to know if you really wanted it.
The greatest Anti War Song ever made. Made at the height of the Vietnam War.
Hey there , I think John meant all war is over, not any specific war. Keep listening.
while it was written with the vietnam war was happening, the songs message is timeless. that's the mark of a great song writer. the lyrics are simple,but the message is so powerful it transcends time. he is speaking to us now as much as he was then. was is over now... IF WE WANT IT. he dropped it all in our laps.
Problably the best Xmas song...... Maybe you can give " Give Piece A Chance" from John Lennon a chance to?
Nailed it Brad
This was a Christmas/Protest Song, Not just for Vietnam, but ALL Wars. The Female Lead (Almost Over-shadowed by the Choir) was Yoko Ono. Another Christmas/Protest They did was "Don't Worry Kyoko (Mommy's only looking for her hand in the snow). NOT a good song.
To get Lexi's Reaction vibe in Overload, Might I suggest Jermaine Stewart's 1986, "We don't have to take our clothes off".
Love this song🌲
Nailed it Brad.
Very melancholly song
It was during US involvement in Vietnam. 1970-ish.
This song was written when the Vietnam conflict was still going on and the whole country was torn apart 💔 😔.
fine song, i wonder why u guys havent listen to : The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra: ez 50k views , happy holidays :)
The children singing are the Harlem Community Choir.
Beautiful. Can I suggest Kansas, carry on my wayward son. It's something you'd like I think. Btw, I absolutely love you both, like a breath of fresh air. You have so much amazing music to choose from. I can only say I'm very jealous at the age of 50. Best of luck to you both. Love you and Merry Christmas xx
They've already done that one.
It's an anti-war protest song, for christmas. John Lennon was just human, but he was a warrior of peace.
Open on Christmas. You two should unionize 😉 Merry Christmas
..that way we can all reduce the abilities of our best employees, to the ability of the worse employees
...wish I could take that back...Merry Christmas to all
NP humor is subjective . Merry Christmas
@@TJ-ht3jb ✌️2u2🎅
Its a shame that this was his song, only for "war" to claim him..a weapon of war. Still terrible hes gone. While I may not agree with how he changed before death, his musical impact will last forever
This was very anti-Vietnam. The message was that peace could be had. You just really needed to want it and do something about it. Not wait for others to end the war for you.
Poor John shot in his back in NYC. His wife Yoko there with him when he died. America’s love of guns makes me sad.
If you Ban guns only outlaws will have guns.. dont think it would have made a difference bad guys always find weapons
@@josephamoraz7990 Hogwash. The US gun homicide rate is more than double the average for all other countries. What’s the key differentiator? US gun ownership rate is also twice of all other countries.
@@unkindestcut Most of those people shot in the US are shot by illegally purchased hand guns.
@@unkindestcut NYC, where the murder took place, bans handguns
@@josephamoraz7990 Rubbish. We have far less gun killings in the UK.
This is the only Christmas song we play every Christmas. Guys this was 1971, post Vietnam. War is over, if you want it!
You should react to I’ll be Home for Christmas by Bing Crosbie which was written during WW2 for the troops.
He was murdered in December, so the wishes for a year without any fear were spot on.