The original Band Aid song Do They Know It’s Christmas came out in December 1984. I was fifteen years old, and I adored that song and video. I bought it as a 45 rpm single (kids, go ask your parents what that is) and years later I bought it as digital file. It’s on every Christmas mix I’ve ever made, from mixed tapes on cassette to iTunes playlists.
So it’s little surprise that I would love this: Band Aid 30, a remix organized by orginal Band Aid founders Bob Geldolf and Midge Ure to raise funds toward the Ebola crisis in Africa.
I knew every single participant back in the original Band Aid, back in 1984. It made me feel more than a little old to watch the new one and scratch my head while peering at the unfamiliar faces. Oh wait! There’s Seal, I know him! And Sinead O’Connor. And holy crap, Bono is showing his age, isn’t he? Ooo and, um, that guy from Coldplay. If you’re peering at the screen and puzzling about who all these babies with microphones are, here is the line-by-line list of who sings what, along with the updated lyrics:
‘It’s Christmas time, and there’s no need to be afraid’ – One Direction
‘At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade’ – Ed Sheeran
‘And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy’ – Rita Ora
‘Throw your arms around the world, at Christmas time’ –Sam Smith
‘But say a prayer; Pray for the other ones’ –Paloma Faith
‘At Christmas time it’s hard, but when you’re having fun’ –Emeli Sande
‘There’s a world outside your window, and it’s a world of dread and fear’ –Guy Garvey (Elbow)
‘Where a kiss of love can kill you’ – Dan Smith (Bastille)
‘And there’s death in every tear’ – Angélique Kidjo
‘And the Christmas bells that ring there, are the clanging chimes of doom’ – Chris Martin (Coldplay)
‘Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you’ – Bono (U2)
‘Bring peace and joy this Christmas to West Africa’ – Seal
‘A song of hope, when there’s no hope tonight’ – Ellie Goulding
‘Why is to comfort to be feared’ – Sinead O’Connor
‘Why is to touch to be scared’ – Sinead O’Connor
‘How can they know it’s Christmas time at all?’ Bono (U2)
‘Here’s to you’ – All
‘Raise a glass for everyone’ – Olly Murs
‘And Here’s to them’ – All
‘And all their years to come’ – Sam Smith
‘Can they know it’s Christmas time at all?’ – Rita Ora
Feed the world, let them know it’s Christmas time again – All
Feel the world, let them know it’s Christmas time again – All
Heal the world, let them know it’s Christmas time again – All
(source)
Regardless, I will definitely buy this single and add it to my Christmas 2014 mixed tape playlist.
What do you think of the remix? And more importantly, what other songs do I need to add to the Christmas 2014 playlist?
i am so pathetic that i got goosebumps just reading the lyrics.
i loved the original and will love this as well.
stupid lump in my throat every single time it comes on.
Me too, Angela! 🙂
Thanks for that – I heard it on Ottawa Morning this morning, and couldn’t identify anyone. Now at least I know which line Bono sang… still no idea about the others. Was it just me, or the radio play, or what – weren’t there more voices in the original? I thought this one sounded thin somehow.
Thanks for the list. I was scratching my head too. I still have the original ’45!! I wonder if it’s worth anything? I just loved loved loved it. 30 years ago. Gah!
Oh man, I am SO OLD. Who are all those young pups in there? I have GOT to put away my 80s CDs and start listening to HOT 89.9.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the original. and it too is a complete must on all of my christmas playlists. i have to say that i only recognized the “old” singers on the new one. and to be completely honest i really don’t like the new one. i read a really interesting op ed in the Telegraph yesterday about it. i’ll see if i can find the link. it’s an interesting point of view.
here it is.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11236278/Why-Adele-was-right-to-ignore-Bob-Geldof-and-Band-Aid.html