The Band Aid Song_ _Do They Know It's Christmas__

The Band Aid Song: ”Do They Know It's Christmas?”

”Do They Know It's Christmas?” is a charity single originally recorded in 1984 by Band Aid, a supergroup of British and Irish musicians. While not an American song, it gained significant popularity in the United States and has become a holiday classic on both sides of the Atlantic. The song was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to reports of famine in Ethiopia.

The original recording featured some of the biggest names in British and Irish music at the time, including Bono, Sting, Phil Collins, George Michael, Boy George, and many others. The single was an immediate success, becoming the fastest-selling single in UK chart history at the time and raising significant funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

In the United States, the song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received extensive radio airplay during the holiday season. Its success in America helped to raise awareness about the famine crisis and inspired similar charitable efforts in the U.S., most notably the ”We Are the World” project in 1985.

The lyrics of ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” paint a stark contrast between the celebratory nature of the holiday season in the Western world and the harsh realities faced by those suffering from famine in Africa. Some of the most memorable lines include:

”It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade”

And the chorus:

”Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again”

While the song has been praised for its charitable intentions and the awareness it raised, it has also faced criticism over the years for its portrayal of Africa and some of its lyrics, which some have described as patronizing or reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Despite these criticisms, ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” has endured as a popular holiday song. It has been re-recorded several times with new groups of artists in 1989, 2004, and 2014, each time raising funds for various charitable causes.

In the United States, the song continues to be played regularly during the holiday season and is often featured on Christmas compilation albums. Its message of global awareness and charity during the holiday season resonates with many American listeners, contributing to its lasting popularity.

The impact of ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” extends beyond its musical merits. It helped to establish the concept of the charity single and inspired numerous similar projects worldwide. In the U.S., it paved the way for ”We Are the World,” which brought together American music stars to raise funds for African famine relief.

While not originally an American song, ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” has become an integral part of the holiday music landscape in the United States. Its blend of pop sensibility, star power, and charitable message has ensured its place in American Christmas music traditions for nearly four decades.