Greg Lake wrote to the Guardian newspaper in 2005 in response to a question from a reader about whether it's possible to exist on the annual royalties from one big Christmas hit (like Hugh Grant's character in the film About a Boy). Here's what he said: "In 1975, I wrote and recorded a song called I Believe in Father Christmas, which some Guardian readers may remember and may even own. It was a big hit and it still gets played on the radio every year around December, and it appears on more or less every Christmas compilation going. So I can tell you from experience that it’s lovely to get the old royalty cheque around September every year, but on its own, the Christmas song money isn’t quite enough to buy my own island in the Caribbean. I’m on tour at the moment and the Christmas song is as well received now as it was 30 years ago - maybe even more so. If Guardian readers could all please request it be played by their local radio stations, maybe that Caribbean island wouldn’t be so far away - and if I get there, you’re all invited."
By comparison, I heard Noddy Holder and Jim Lea split around £500k a year in royalties as co-writers of "Merry Xmas Everybody" and Paul McCartney makes around £400k a year from "Wonderful Christmastime" so I'd guess "I Believe In Father Christmas" likely generates around £350k-£500k annually. And that's 3 songs that were pretty much just big in the UK, god knows what a worldwide Xmas hit generates.
Great to see the video shot in the desert with camels, where Jesus was born. Something that gets forgotten in the commercialised Christmas we have today.
What I love about this song is that it's not necessarily cynical or bitter, it's just very blunt. As a grownup, Christmas isn't magical, it's another day of the year and as grownups it's on us to make it a good day for ourselves and for others. It's a stoic and sobering song.
Greg Lake to me is a musician for all times. What an incredible vocalist, writer, and performer. And I rarely hear anybody talking about his bass playing, but he's played bass with two of the proggiest prog bands ever. True genius. My favorite rock voice!
We were so lucky to have both Greg Lake and John Wetton. I love that Greg filled in for John on Asia in Asia (a live Asia video) as it really brought home how these guys were two of the giants of singing bass players.
Greg was one of the most talented musicians ever in popular music- great bassist, guitarist, producer, and most of all singer. I’ve view several ELP tribute videos, and the most difficult part to recreate, IMO, is vocals.
This is one of the most important songs ever written in my opinion. I love christmas, I love meeting the family, I love the food, I love this feeling of well-being. but we always need to be reminded that the broken world doesn't change just because of a date: wars continue, poverty continues, hopelesness continues. But also hope continues and maybe we can make the dreams of christmas come true. I wish you all a hopeful christmas and a brave new year
I agree. It’s a humanist anthem. Stars and tinsel won’t make the world everything wonderful that it could be. We have to put wish thinking to one side and roll up our sleeves if we want that.
Something about Greg Lake’s vocals really hits me every time. The guy could sing a jingle for dish soap and I’d drop everything to listen. When you get a chance, I really want to know how he can chew bubblegum and sing “Still, You Turn Me On” at the same time.
The version in a church with Ian Anderson is a must. The acoustics the church gives amplifies the song to greater heights. Also you must react to “Still you Turn Me On” live. It’s just him with a 12 string guitar and chewing gum while singing. It’s outstanding.
@@WolfhandsRUclips Obviously you missed the point of the verse. The commenter (as well as Greg Lake) is saying that whatever we put into Christmas (or don't), this is EXACTLY what we deserve.
The last part of the video with the boy running towards his father who is obviously a soldier on leave or returning from conflict always brings tears to my eyes, and I'm a 72 year old guy.
My absolute al time favourite Christmas song. I cannot listen to it without crying like a baby. "I looked to the sky with excited eyes" "christmas tree smell and eyes full of tinsel and fire"...So evocative....All that innocence. It REALLY takes me back to my own childhood (whicj means so much more to me now I have kids) But in the cold light of dawn you see through the disguise...meanwhile war rages for some other poor unfortunate child. Awesome song
This is my favourite Christmas Song - a brilliant contrast of Christmas music with a searing indictment of humanity. It's one of those songs where people don't realise what the lyrics actually mean.
It's about "adulting". As children we believe in Father Christmas or Santa Claus, and then learn that it's all about commercializstion and capitalism and finding that perfect present. I'm 62, and still miss the Christmases of my youth, the gathering of family, the worship, the joy.
There is a video of Greg playing this in a church featuring Ian Anderson on flute, a very well done version. You have to reflect upon when this was written and recorded, middle east war, Viet Nam war, even with all the conflict in the end Greg has a positive message about this time of the year.
This is my favourite Christmas song too. Despite all the bad things happening in the world, it ends on a message of hope. And the line "but instead it just kept on raining" really resonates with me as someone living in England as most years we get rain rather than snow at Christmas. Well done for choosing this one Doug and a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you and yours.
My all time favourite Christmas song too, ever since I heard it as a 9-year-old when it first came out. Oh yeah and I live in Wales, so if you think England gets a lot of rain, you should see what it gets like here (it's absolutely pi55ing down as I write this :) ) Still a classic song after all this time, and as relevant today as it ever was. Merry Christmas to everybody here
This is why we always have 12 strings on Christmas songs. He is miming with his Zematis 6 string though, a lovely guitar in it's own right. Greg's voice is always so pure, so natural.
And me. For anyone who didn’t know, a troika is a sleigh pulled by three horses abreast. It’s such an evocative piece, and I can see the sleigh in the snow in my mind’s eye as it plays.
Thanks for letting us know that. I always wondered why Greg Lake wasn’t more famous for inventing that Christmas sounding tune, and there’s the answer; he didn’t. Great song but the best part of it, he didn’t write!
I wish you a hopeful Christmas I wish you a brave new year All anguish, pain and sadness Leave your heart and let your road be clear They said there'd be snow at Christmas They said there'll be peace on earth Hallelujah, Noel be it heaven or hell The Christmas we get we deserve
Every year I will play Christmas music that nobody know about. This is my favorite of them. I am surprise that hardly anybody knows this song. Greg Lake is a great songwriter. RIP to Greg Lake. Thank You.
Just played both versions (I have the original vinyl's) back to back to double check my memory and yup, as I remember, this WAS the original single version by Greg that you reviewed. The ELP album version removes the choir and the orchestra is replaced by heavy synth by Keith. Love this version so much more.
It’s based around Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé. This music is now associated with Christmas thanks to Greg Lake. I’m surprised classical composer Doug didn’t pick up on that. 😜
The filming of this video was quite harrowing when Greg and a cameraman had to scale a thin ledge to get to the peak of the caves. He first reacted saying “ I’m not going up there ! “….he was told “ You have to ! “.
Excellent, Doug ! Greg Lake is one of my most favorite musicians. So glad I got to see him and Keith Emerson in Peekskill NY not to long before they both passed on. Greg was multi-talented. Listen to some of his bass guitar work on the ELP recordings. At the Peekskill show I was still blown away by his acoustic guitar work. Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for a great channel !!! Doug
This is the Single from 1975 NOT the version on the Works LP, there is also a third version of it done in 1993, I think the 1975 version is by some margin the better one. It was also an anti Vietnam war song as well as an anti commercial Christmas Record. The first time I heard it it became my favorite record and forty eight years later it still remains my all time favorite record. Your view of the record and its meaning is very well done in my opinion and thank you for putting it on here. Happy Christmas to you.
Thanks for this Doug! One of my all-time favorites from "ELP." Yes, Greg's voice is awesome, the beautiful guitar part, the little wink to Prokofiev, sleigh bells and little synth fills...perfection, IMHO. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and Megan.
I just love Greg’s playing, so precise and sharp that the notes sound like bells (intentionally, I’m sure.) He should be considered one of the great guitarists just from this song, Take A Pebble, and C’est La Vie.
My favourite Christmas song of all time. Haunting, truthful , beautiful. Please look on RUclips at the video of him singing this live in a church supported by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson on the flute. RIP Greg Lake.
One of the best Christmas songs. Wish he'd released it in 74, it would have hit the top spot. This is the original single version. The heavy orchestra playing Prokoviev acts as the traditional counterpoint to Greg's realist, slightly cynical view, and the acoustic guitar. As the nativity is set in the middle east, it seems appropriate that that imagery is used. It reflects on our view of Christmas that it jars.
My all time favourite Christmas song and I listen to it all year long. I agree you have to listen to the version in the church with Ian Anderson. Rip Greg you always live on with this masterpiece ❤️
Thank you for this reflection. I was 16 when this was released and remember walking through a rainy Manchester (UK) and it being so fitting. More recently spent a while last year learning troika on my flute. What a gorgeous piece. Oh. And the bass line in that recording. Wonderful.
Best Christmas Song EVER !!!!!! I know it's not a jingly 'Christmas' song and I know Greg Lake's intention. But Christmas isn't actually 'jingly'. It's supposed to be something else altogether.. and this song tells it like it is. LOVE IT.
This is the single from the 1970s, it is not a reworked version. Likewise the video was broadcast when the single was released on a BBC programme called Top of the Pops - prime time viewing.
I commented on Doug's superb video on Marillion the other night that they had recorded for 2023 their version of Greg's epic classic. And that I think it is rather excellent. Given Doug's appreciation for Marillion (and so right), I wonder if he will add to his Patreon vid the other evening which I presume will form the basis of this video, by including the Marillion version? There is a super version by Lake and Ian Anderson too.
This was the single version, the version on “Works vol 1&2” was stripped down but featured piano (there’s no choir or orchestra, just Keith Emerson on piano and keyboards.
So right Doug ! The world is a messed up place, always war and violence somewhere. The song really encapsulates the things that make up Christmas but at the same time it is telling us of the strife that goes on around the world. Very thought provoking and yet a fantastic song, well written and performed. The power of music to send such a strong message in evidence in this performance.
This song was highlighted in the BBC radio 4 ‘Soul Music’ series. The lyricist Peter Sinfield conceded that it does include a touch of cynicism but says ultimately it's a song of joy and hope.
Doug, irrespective of the original intention of the song, your positive energy and interpretation of the message shines through as a beacon to us all. Wishing all the best to you and yours.
Hi Doug, I was just introduced to your blog and I am Thrilled. There is a video of him performing this on Christmas Eve in a London Church with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull playing Flute. Of course, the incorporation of the Lt. Kije movement Troika helps with imagining a winter scene. Many of the ELP songs were based on classical music melodies.
This is on my christmas jukebox selection, along with my all time fave, which appeared on a link at the end of this video, that is Slade and 'Merry Xmas Everbody' from 1973. Yes it's 50 years old this year!
My friend the amazing singer songwriter Keith Christmas (that's his real name) insists that he provided the line 'a veil of tears for a virgin birth', no royalty asked for or given. He moved in those circles back in the 1970's and has absolutely no reason to make this up.
Awesome! I am thrilled that you chose to do this new classic Christmas song. My favorite Christmas song other than a few of the classics. Merry Christmas, Doug!
I Believe in Father Christmas is one of the best Christmas songs despite it being an anti-Christmas Christmas song. It's timeless and beautiful and showcases Greg's true talents.
I'll suggest that it's not anti-Christmas. It's about the true meaning--hope for peace and joy among all humankind. There is no greater meaning to Christmas than that.
Thanks for covering this great song. The instrumental between verses is from the classical piece Troika by Prokofiev written in 1934. Peace and Joy to all.
Thank you for wrapping that up so nicely, and for your open-mindedness and positivity. I need that right now. Going through some shit and I need to hear that kind of stuff.
Great Christmas Song that I listen to every Christmas season. It put another perspective on the Christmas season. The melodic songwriting is beautifully done.
Once again Doug you prove to be an awesome person. Here I was thinking you'd talk about the "Troika" from Three Oranges Suite borrow that is in Keith's keyboards. Love you take on then lyrics. Happy Solstice, Let your road be clear.
DOUG IT`S A POWERFUL SONG FROM START TO FINISH THE VIDEO IS FROM 74 AND IT IS STILL HAS SOMETHING TO SAY BECAUSE AT CHRISTMAS TIME AS THERE IS CONFLICT - BAD NEWS DEATH OF LOVED ONE - CHRISTMAS CAN BE SUCH A HARD TIME FOR ANYONE AND LIKE HE SAYS AT THE END "WE GET THE CHRISTMAS WE DESERVE" AND THERES NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT.
True story. I was driving to work one late January. We just had rain at Christmas. So I've got the radio on. Then it starts to snow as I'm driving through Stanley Park, the DJ plays this song. So just as I'm driving over the Lions Gate Bridge. I'm treated to millions of snow flakes as the orchestra is leading up to the cresendo . It was such a beautiful moment. It wasn't Christmas but it was a perfect moment. I think this is partly why I love this song so much. Along with the deep message in it.
Great song. Have you reacted to A Christmas song by Ian Anderson with Jethro Tull Like the Greg Lake tune Ian shows his sensitive side about the poor and suffering!☮️❤️🥲 The holiday was originally meant to be giving and caring of our fellow human beings and especially of the needy!
Just to add/confirm several points; this version is indeed Greg's solo/orchestral version, the version that showed up on ELP's Works, Volume 2, is sans orchestra. Kind of puzzling they would do that, as Keith's hit single - Honky Tonk Train Blues - was on WV2 in its original/single form and ELP was still in the wake of its orchestral adventure both live and in the studio in support of Works, Volume 1. Greg's co-writer - Peter Sinfield - has repeatedly stated that the song is not anti-religious but comes from a secular humanist approach; when discussing Christmas the religious aspect can't help but come to the forefront. Greg and Sinfield were certainly not friends of established religion, practically every one of Lake's songs from his side of WV1 makes a negative comment regarding religion (although they only really harp on one of the montheistic traditions...guess which one) and Greg made some very pointed observations on Tarkus (especially Side 2) regarding religion (in the Christian sense) as well. On the other hand, that they would have no (obvious) problems in the greater context of subject matter as far as Christianity/religion comes from the fact that they were from an era where being a so-called cultural Christian was just a reflection of society; i.e. they make no personal profession - and engage in critique - while realizing that it is part of the greater cultural tradition(s) of where they were raised (with England having an official church, just like Scandinavian countries). I think if Greg *really* had a problem with Christianity/religion he probably wouldn't have performed Jerusalem (technically not a hymn, and its flirtations with British Israelism) from Brain Salad Surgery or sung Silent Night with a church choir at one of their legendary shows at Madison Square Garden in support of Brain Salad Surgery (December 1973); OTOH, Greg was a very, very calculating individual (words of Carl Palmer). Also, it's worth to search out the B-side - Humbug - to show that Greg and Peter had a sense of humor in the face of all the bombast and pomp. If this would have been released as an ELP track (as was Greg's original thought), it might have prevented the derailing of ELP as they plunged into the great orchestral adventure that was WV1 with all the attendant stress/fallout that occurred.
Thanx very much Doug for playing and reacting to Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas". One of my fave Christmas songs. I wish you and Megan a very Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! I am looking forward to catching many more of your videos next year.
I'm a Muslim and I don't celebrate Christmas. But I was raised a Catholic before I converted, and there's aspects of Christmas I must confess I have an emotional attachment to. This song is one of the few that evokes powerful emotions for me.
My favourite Christmas song which is actually a protest song against the hypocrisy of what Christmas is. To walk in a shop and here this fills me with work that no one hears the true message but hey is that not true of every faith?😊
St. Bride's Church -- ruclips.net/video/U6-PAKOt7sM/видео.htmlsi=-HEUp2PjEJClYJti&t=39 Salisbury Cathedral -- ruclips.net/video/RPm_C2yoCxo/видео.htmlsi=D3hZYr4TzVvWuFfW
I Believe in Father Christmas is a very cynical Christmas song, but it's got absolutely nothing in common with Dear God. XTC's song is an anti-religious non-Christmas rock song.
This song should be regarded as a modern day Christmas Carol ... ok I'm biased but it's my favourite Xmas song ... RIP Greg sadly missed but never ever forgotten and this song will be part of everyones soul at Christmas time for many many generations to come x
With all due respect to your fine review, Doug, you neglected to mention Keith Emerson’s beautiful, Prokofiev inspired keyboard playing and Carl Palmer’s fine percussion playing. This song on Works II is definitely a collaborative effort by ELP. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
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when Greg was asked why he set the video in the desert and not snow, he said something like isn't that the place where Jesus was born?
Then I find it curious that he borrowed the melody from Prokofiev's song "Troika" which is a three horse sleigh.
Greg Lake wrote to the Guardian newspaper in 2005 in response to a question from a reader about whether it's possible to exist on the annual royalties from one big Christmas hit (like Hugh Grant's character in the film About a Boy). Here's what he said:
"In 1975, I wrote and recorded a song called I Believe in Father Christmas, which some Guardian readers may remember and may even own. It was a big hit and it still gets played on the radio every year around December, and it appears on more or less every Christmas compilation going. So I can tell you from experience that it’s lovely to get the old royalty cheque around September every year, but on its own, the Christmas song money isn’t quite enough to buy my own island in the Caribbean.
I’m on tour at the moment and the Christmas song is as well received now as it was 30 years ago - maybe even more so. If Guardian readers could all please request it be played by their local radio stations, maybe that Caribbean island wouldn’t be so far away - and if I get there, you’re all invited."
Richard!! 👍👍. Thanks for posting.... 🤣🤣👃✌️🇨🇦
By comparison, I heard Noddy Holder and Jim Lea split around £500k a year in royalties as co-writers of "Merry Xmas Everybody" and Paul McCartney makes around £400k a year from "Wonderful Christmastime" so I'd guess "I Believe In Father Christmas" likely generates around £350k-£500k annually. And that's 3 songs that were pretty much just big in the UK, god knows what a worldwide Xmas hit generates.
@@bannjaxx Yeah Noddy said long ago that MXE is his pension plan as it pays out so much in royalties every year.
Greg was also sitting near the cave where the Dead Sea scrolls were found
My favorite Christmas song.
The part of the video where he's standing in front of a cave, thats where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
Great to see the video shot in the desert with camels, where Jesus was born. Something that gets forgotten in the commercialised Christmas we have today.
Good for you for sharing the obvious, that Doug apparently forgot.
I met Greg in the 80s, he made me a cup of tea in his tour bus. A real gentleman.
What I love about this song is that it's not necessarily cynical or bitter, it's just very blunt. As a grownup, Christmas isn't magical, it's another day of the year and as grownups it's on us to make it a good day for ourselves and for others. It's a stoic and sobering song.
Couldn’t agree more……. You articulated my feelings on this tune perfectly. I will always love this song.
It’s somehow hopeful hopeful and cynical simultaneously. It’s a miracle to pull that off.
Superbly stated.
I'm a Humanist and this song expresses my views. I cry every year the first time I hear it.
Best Christmas song next to Bob segars little drummer boy
Greg Lake to me is a musician for all times. What an incredible vocalist, writer, and performer. And I rarely hear anybody talking about his bass playing, but he's played bass with two of the proggiest prog bands ever.
True genius. My favorite rock voice!
We were so lucky to have both Greg Lake and John Wetton. I love that Greg filled in for John on Asia in Asia (a live Asia video) as it really brought home how these guys were two of the giants of singing bass players.
Greg was one of the most talented musicians ever in popular music- great bassist, guitarist, producer, and most of all singer. I’ve view several ELP tribute videos, and the most difficult part to recreate, IMO, is vocals.
December 2024' 12:30pm
Thanks for someone else who knows what music 🎶 is supposed to sound like.
This is one of the most important songs ever written in my opinion. I love christmas, I love meeting the family, I love the food, I love this feeling of well-being. but we always need to be reminded that the broken world doesn't change just because of a date: wars continue, poverty continues, hopelesness continues. But also hope continues and maybe we can make the dreams of christmas come true.
I wish you all a hopeful christmas and a brave new year
I agree. It’s a humanist anthem. Stars and tinsel won’t make the world everything wonderful that it could be. We have to put wish thinking to one side and roll up our sleeves if we want that.
Please let there be Peace On Earth❣️
Something about Greg Lake’s vocals really hits me every time. The guy could sing a jingle for dish soap and I’d drop everything to listen. When you get a chance, I really want to know how he can chew bubblegum and sing “Still, You Turn Me On” at the same time.
❤He is / was SO HANDSOME while playing and singing it !! 😊
One of my favourite Christmas songs
The version in a church with Ian Anderson is a must. The acoustics the church gives amplifies the song to greater heights. Also you must react to “Still you Turn Me On” live. It’s just him with a 12 string guitar and chewing gum while singing. It’s outstanding.
st, brides in fleet street. fantastic.
I just listened to the version with Ian Anderson in the church! Here's the link ruclips.net/video/U6-PAKOt7sM/видео.html
Agreed, everyone should see this. Incredible performance by everyone.
You're so right @Andy-Capp. It's breathtaking.
Agreed! I just watched it and Ian Anderson was awesome.
Hallelujah noel be it Heaven or hell, the Christmas we get we deserve. Stunningly profound
Isn’t it just? Happy and peaceful Christmas, brother. And to all.
I think I was about 16 the first time I heard that line ? It's always resonated with me ever since . RIP Greg .
It’s not ‘stunningly profound’ at all - what a melodramatic comment. It’s a literary quip, at best. It’s a song lyric. 🙄
@@WolfhandsRUclips Obviously you missed the point of the verse. The commenter (as well as Greg Lake) is saying that whatever we put into Christmas (or don't), this is EXACTLY what we deserve.
The magical Prokofiev interludes with sleigh bells is truly magical and uplifting
I was waiting for Doug to mention 'Troika' too, but I'm assuming he dealt with the song rather than the music?
After Chris Rea driving home for xmas this is my favourite xmas tune
The last part of the video with the boy running towards his father who is obviously a soldier on leave or returning from conflict always brings tears to my eyes, and I'm a 72 year old guy.
Yes this was the orchestra version. I knew Greg personally, he was the most wonderful man I'd ever met. I miss him every day.😢😢😢
My absolute al time favourite Christmas song. I cannot listen to it without crying like a baby.
"I looked to the sky with excited eyes" "christmas tree smell and eyes full of tinsel and fire"...So evocative....All that innocence. It REALLY takes me back to my own childhood (whicj means so much more to me now I have kids)
But in the cold light of dawn you see through the disguise...meanwhile war rages for some other poor unfortunate child.
Awesome song
This is my favourite Christmas Song - a brilliant contrast of Christmas music with a searing indictment of humanity. It's one of those songs where people don't realise what the lyrics actually mean.
Similar to Cohen's Hallelujah in that regard.
It's about "adulting". As children we believe in Father Christmas or Santa Claus, and then learn that it's all about commercializstion and capitalism and finding that perfect present. I'm 62, and still miss the Christmases of my youth, the gathering of family, the worship, the joy.
There is a video of Greg playing this in a church featuring Ian Anderson on flute, a very well done version. You have to reflect upon when this was written and recorded, middle east war, Viet Nam war, even with all the conflict in the end Greg has a positive message about this time of the year.
The video with Ian Anderson is on RUclips. It’s excellent with decent live acoustics.
it is from St Bride's Church in London.....a great performance.
This is my favourite Christmas song too. Despite all the bad things happening in the world, it ends on a message of hope. And the line "but instead it just kept on raining" really resonates with me as someone living in England as most years we get rain rather than snow at Christmas. Well done for choosing this one Doug and a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you and yours.
You read message of hope into this song?
@@pedroV2003 Yeah, in the sense that we have the choice to set aside malice, and make war no more. But we have a choice, "and get what we deserve." ☮
@@bobsavage3317 I reckon that's one way to read it. I don't but I can see how it could be interpreted that way.
Last verse, wishing us or hoping for us a "clear road" @@pedroV2003
My all time favourite Christmas song too, ever since I heard it as a 9-year-old when it first came out. Oh yeah and I live in Wales, so if you think England gets a lot of rain, you should see what it gets like here (it's absolutely pi55ing down as I write this :) )
Still a classic song after all this time, and as relevant today as it ever was.
Merry Christmas to everybody here
Almost 50 years and I still well up when I hear this, can't explain it. Thanks Doug!
Same 👍💯🤘
One of the best Christmas songs ever.
This is why we always have 12 strings on Christmas songs. He is miming with his Zematis 6 string though, a lovely guitar in it's own right.
Greg's voice is always so pure, so natural.
One of my favorites. I’m surprised you didn’t comment on the melody in the interlude, it’s from the Troika from Prokofiev.
Doug looked like he found the tune familiar, but as you say, didn't mention it - nor did Greg on the credits lol.
That’s what struck me. Not mentioning the Lieutenant Kije Suite
And me. For anyone who didn’t know, a troika is a sleigh pulled by three horses abreast. It’s such an evocative piece, and I can see the sleigh in the snow in my mind’s eye as it plays.
Thanks for letting us know that. I always wondered why Greg Lake wasn’t more famous for inventing that Christmas sounding tune, and there’s the answer; he didn’t. Great song but the best part of it, he didn’t write!
I wish you a hopeful Christmas
I wish you a brave new year
All anguish, pain and sadness
Leave your heart and let your road be clear
They said there'd be snow at Christmas
They said there'll be peace on earth
Hallelujah, Noel be it heaven or hell
The Christmas we get we deserve
Every year I will play Christmas music that nobody know about. This is my favorite of them. I am surprise that hardly anybody knows this song. Greg Lake is a great songwriter. RIP to Greg Lake. Thank You.
In the UK everyone knows this song.
Not in the U.S. Lot of my friends never heard of it.
Just played both versions (I have the original vinyl's) back to back to double check my memory and yup, as I remember, this WAS the original single version by Greg that you reviewed. The ELP album version removes the choir and the orchestra is replaced by heavy synth by Keith. Love this version so much more.
It’s based around Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé. This music is now associated with Christmas thanks to Greg Lake. I’m surprised classical composer Doug didn’t pick up on that. 😜
Thanks for bringing this up! Was hoping Doug would mention it… also, Sting used a theme from that suite for his song Russians…
I’m sure you have heard ELP’s Troika. It has become one of my favorite Christmas songs! It is such a joyfully exuberant piece by the band!
REALLY surprised
I think Doug got totally distracted by the lyrics and missed all the musical bits!
@@johnmorris8799 For a channel predicated on musical analysis Doug gets distracted by lyrics all the time 😀
The filming of this video was quite harrowing when Greg and a cameraman had to scale a thin ledge to get to the peak of the caves.
He first reacted saying “ I’m not going up there ! “….he was told “ You have to ! “.
Excellent, Doug !
Greg Lake is one of my most favorite musicians.
So glad I got to see him and Keith Emerson in Peekskill NY not to long before they both passed on.
Greg was multi-talented. Listen to some of his bass guitar work on the ELP recordings.
At the Peekskill show I was still blown away by his acoustic guitar work.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for a great channel !!!
Doug
This is the Single from 1975 NOT the version on the Works LP, there is also a third version of it done in 1993, I think the 1975 version is by some margin the better one. It was also an anti Vietnam war song as well as an anti commercial Christmas Record. The first time I heard it it became my favorite record and forty eight years later it still remains my all time favorite record.
Your view of the record and its meaning is very well done in my opinion and thank you for putting it on here. Happy Christmas to you.
Thanks for this Doug! One of my all-time favorites from "ELP." Yes, Greg's voice is awesome, the beautiful guitar part, the little wink to Prokofiev, sleigh bells and little synth fills...perfection, IMHO. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and Megan.
I just love Greg’s playing, so precise and sharp that the notes sound like bells (intentionally, I’m sure.) He should be considered one of the great guitarists just from this song, Take A Pebble, and C’est La Vie.
My favourite Christmas song of all time. Haunting, truthful , beautiful. Please look on RUclips at the video of him singing this live in a church supported by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson on the flute. RIP Greg Lake.
One of the best Christmas songs. Wish he'd released it in 74, it would have hit the top spot. This is the original single version. The heavy orchestra playing Prokoviev acts as the traditional counterpoint to Greg's realist, slightly cynical view, and the acoustic guitar.
As the nativity is set in the middle east, it seems appropriate that that imagery is used. It reflects on our view of Christmas that it jars.
My all time favourite Christmas song and I listen to it all year long. I agree you have to listen to the version in the church with Ian Anderson. Rip Greg you always live on with this masterpiece ❤️
This is why a True Christmas should last all year 'round.
Peace on earth,
Can it be?
That would be my favorite Christmas present Ever.
Thank you for this reflection. I was 16 when this was released and remember walking through a rainy Manchester (UK) and it being so fitting. More recently spent a while last year learning troika on my flute. What a gorgeous piece. Oh. And the bass line in that recording. Wonderful.
There's an excellent version Greg performs with Ian Anderson in a small church. Awesome song by an amazing singer.
Best Christmas Song EVER !!!!!!
I know it's not a jingly 'Christmas' song and I know Greg Lake's intention. But Christmas isn't actually 'jingly'. It's supposed to be something else altogether.. and this song tells it like it is.
LOVE IT.
Wonderful Song! Alas the Lyrics are still valid today and still drive tears in my eyes. Masterpiece.
This is the single from the 1970s, it is not a reworked version. Likewise the video was broadcast when the single was released on a BBC programme called Top of the Pops - prime time viewing.
So powerful with a touch of “Troika from Prokofiev” best christmas song ever
I put this on repeat every Christmas.
One of my favorite songs about the Christmas season.
I commented on Doug's superb video on Marillion the other night that they had recorded for 2023 their version of Greg's epic classic. And that I think it is rather excellent. Given Doug's appreciation for Marillion (and so right), I wonder if he will add to his Patreon vid the other evening which I presume will form the basis of this video, by including the Marillion version? There is a super version by Lake and Ian Anderson too.
This was the single version, the version on “Works vol 1&2” was stripped down but featured piano (there’s no choir or orchestra, just Keith Emerson on piano and keyboards.
So right Doug ! The world is a messed up place, always war and violence somewhere. The song really encapsulates the things that make up Christmas but at the same time it is telling us of the strife that goes on around the world. Very thought provoking and yet a fantastic song, well written and performed. The power of music to send such a strong message in evidence in this performance.
This is the most beautiful song about Christmas in music history
This song was highlighted in the BBC radio 4 ‘Soul Music’ series. The lyricist Peter Sinfield conceded that it does include a touch of cynicism but says ultimately it's a song of joy and hope.
Doug, irrespective of the original intention of the song, your positive energy and interpretation of the message shines through as a beacon to us all. Wishing all the best to you and yours.
Hi Doug, I was just introduced to your blog and I am Thrilled. There is a video of him performing this on Christmas Eve in a London Church with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull playing Flute. Of course, the incorporation of the Lt. Kije movement Troika helps with imagining a winter scene.
Many of the ELP songs were based on classical music melodies.
Please make mention of the fact that it was the genius lyricist Peter Sinfield who wrote the words to this amazing song. He deserves the recognition.
This is on my christmas jukebox selection, along with my all time fave, which appeared on a link at the end of this video, that is Slade and 'Merry Xmas Everbody' from 1973. Yes it's 50 years old this year!
Happy Christmas, Peace and Love, for All !!! Beautiful lyrics by Peter Sinfield - Greg Lake collaboration! 🙏
I'm surprised you didn't mention Prokoviev's air probably played by Keith. A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you, Doug.
Love this song so much! Merry Christmas Doug, catch you in ‘24! 🎅🎁🎉🎄
My friend the amazing singer songwriter Keith Christmas (that's his real name) insists that he provided the line 'a veil of tears for a virgin birth', no royalty asked for or given. He moved in those circles back in the 1970's and has absolutely no reason to make this up.
Awesome! I am thrilled that you chose to do this new classic Christmas song. My favorite Christmas song other than a few of the classics. Merry Christmas, Doug!
The music is Prokofiev's Troika, music everybody has heard during the holidays without knowing it.
Only because of this song.
That was the Lake version, backed by Emerson and Palmer😊
My favourite Christmas song, because the lyrics bring a sense of reality to the whole thing.
I Believe in Father Christmas is one of the best Christmas songs despite it being an anti-Christmas Christmas song. It's timeless and beautiful and showcases Greg's true talents.
I'll suggest that it's not anti-Christmas. It's about the true meaning--hope for peace and joy among all humankind. There is no greater meaning to Christmas than that.
Thanks for covering this great song. The instrumental between verses is from the classical piece Troika by Prokofiev written in 1934. Peace and Joy to all.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Doug.
Thank you for wrapping that up so nicely, and for your open-mindedness and positivity. I need that right now. Going through some shit and I need to hear that kind of stuff.
Great Christmas Song that I listen to every Christmas season. It put another perspective on the Christmas season. The melodic songwriting is beautifully done.
Once again Doug you prove to be an awesome person. Here I was thinking you'd talk about the "Troika" from Three Oranges Suite borrow that is in Keith's keyboards. Love you take on then lyrics. Happy Solstice, Let your road be clear.
DOUG IT`S A POWERFUL SONG FROM START TO FINISH THE VIDEO IS FROM 74 AND IT IS STILL HAS SOMETHING TO SAY BECAUSE
AT CHRISTMAS TIME AS THERE IS CONFLICT - BAD NEWS DEATH OF LOVED ONE - CHRISTMAS CAN BE SUCH A HARD TIME FOR
ANYONE AND LIKE HE SAYS AT THE END "WE GET THE CHRISTMAS WE DESERVE" AND THERES NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT.
True story. I was driving to work one late January. We just had rain at Christmas. So I've got the radio on. Then it starts to snow as I'm driving through Stanley Park, the DJ plays this song. So just as I'm driving over the Lions Gate Bridge. I'm treated to millions of snow flakes as the orchestra is leading up to the cresendo . It was such a beautiful moment. It wasn't Christmas but it was a perfect moment. I think this is partly why I love this song so much. Along with the deep message in it.
I just want to thank Doug for doing this one. I love this song and it means a lot to me every Christmas, especially as each year passes by.
He was in middle east at Christmas, where it occured. It looked like he was at the area where the caves that contained dead sea scrolls
It's such a great song. And one of my favorites too. Merry Christmas, Doug!
Watch the version with his son and Ian Anderson live from some church. Beautiful!!!
This song is so appropriate for the hour we are in.
This song might be a protest of Christmas, but it feels more of the Season than any other holiday song.
My all time favourite Christmas song, takes me back to my childhood. Merry Christmas
Thanks for this Doug, my most favourite Christmas song since I was 11, haven't heard it so much on our UK radio this Christmas.🤔
Best Christmas song, ever. Brings goose pimples every time. Evokes the real spirit of Christmas, better than any other
Great song. Have you reacted to A Christmas song by Ian Anderson with Jethro Tull Like the Greg Lake tune Ian shows his sensitive side about the poor and suffering!☮️❤️🥲 The holiday was originally meant to be giving and caring of our fellow human beings and especially of the needy!
This, along with Ring Out Solstice bells and Fanfare for the Common Man are my December staples. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🏴👍🦉
RIP Greg and Peter. May your road be clear.
Just to add/confirm several points; this version is indeed Greg's solo/orchestral version, the version that showed up on ELP's Works, Volume 2, is sans orchestra. Kind of puzzling they would do that, as Keith's hit single - Honky Tonk Train Blues - was on WV2 in its original/single form and ELP was still in the wake of its orchestral adventure both live and in the studio in support of Works, Volume 1. Greg's co-writer - Peter Sinfield - has repeatedly stated that the song is not anti-religious but comes from a secular humanist approach; when discussing Christmas the religious aspect can't help but come to the forefront. Greg and Sinfield were certainly not friends of established religion, practically every one of Lake's songs from his side of WV1 makes a negative comment regarding religion (although they only really harp on one of the montheistic traditions...guess which one) and Greg made some very pointed observations on Tarkus (especially Side 2) regarding religion (in the Christian sense) as well. On the other hand, that they would have no (obvious) problems in the greater context of subject matter as far as Christianity/religion comes from the fact that they were from an era where being a so-called cultural Christian was just a reflection of society; i.e. they make no personal profession - and engage in critique - while realizing that it is part of the greater cultural tradition(s) of where they were raised (with England having an official church, just like Scandinavian countries). I think if Greg *really* had a problem with Christianity/religion he probably wouldn't have performed Jerusalem (technically not a hymn, and its flirtations with British Israelism) from Brain Salad Surgery or sung Silent Night with a church choir at one of their legendary shows at Madison Square Garden in support of Brain Salad Surgery (December 1973); OTOH, Greg was a very, very calculating individual (words of Carl Palmer). Also, it's worth to search out the B-side - Humbug - to show that Greg and Peter had a sense of humor in the face of all the bombast and pomp. If this would have been released as an ELP track (as was Greg's original thought), it might have prevented the derailing of ELP as they plunged into the great orchestral adventure that was WV1 with all the attendant stress/fallout that occurred.
Thanx very much Doug for playing and reacting to Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas". One of my fave Christmas songs.
I wish you and Megan a very Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! I am looking forward to catching many more of your videos next year.
I see them larks in the background, when will you make a video on this masterpiece?
Favourite Christmas song of all time. Remember when it first came out in 1975 and it is as impotent now as ever. A truly beautiful beautiful song
I'm a Muslim and I don't celebrate Christmas. But I was raised a Catholic before I converted, and there's aspects of Christmas I must confess I have an emotional attachment to. This song is one of the few that evokes powerful emotions for me.
Jethro Tull's "A Christmas Song" is a good follow up
My favourite Christmas song which is actually a protest song against the hypocrisy of what Christmas is. To walk in a shop and here this fills me with work that no one hears the true message but hey is that not true of every faith?😊
Una gran voz en la música progresiva.nadie como greg lake.
Check out the live version with Ian Anderson on flute
St. Bride's Church -- ruclips.net/video/U6-PAKOt7sM/видео.htmlsi=-HEUp2PjEJClYJti&t=39
Salisbury Cathedral -- ruclips.net/video/RPm_C2yoCxo/видео.htmlsi=D3hZYr4TzVvWuFfW
Thanks for all your hard work Doug and Megan - Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Goes very well with XTC’s “Dear God”, another excellent Christmas song. 😊 Talk about expressing an innocent heart.
I Believe in Father Christmas is a very cynical Christmas song, but it's got absolutely nothing in common with Dear God. XTC's song is an anti-religious non-Christmas rock song.
Yeah - I like both songs a lot. And John Lennon's too!
...we get what we deserved....the most sincere xmas song, ever
That melody that appears between the verses is borrowed from Prokofiev's Lt. Kije suite. Doug, I would have thought you'd pick up and comment on that!
This song should be regarded as a modern day Christmas Carol ... ok I'm biased but it's my favourite Xmas song ... RIP Greg sadly missed but never ever forgotten and this song will be part of everyones soul at Christmas time for many many generations to come x
With all due respect to your fine review, Doug, you neglected to mention Keith Emerson’s beautiful, Prokofiev inspired keyboard playing and Carl Palmer’s fine percussion playing. This song on Works II is definitely a collaborative effort by ELP. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
They don't play on this version.
"Troika" by Prokofiev. A troika is a Russian sleigh, pulled by more than one horse.
This is the original version. Greg thought that he would never make any money from it as he had a full orchestra and choir performing on it.