Song
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
by John Lennon with Yoko Ono, Plastic Ono Band
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) is a 1971 song by John Lennon, 4:23 long, which peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. A karaoke version is available on KaraFun. It fits the Christmas song themes.
Released 1971 Hot 100 peak #38 · 7 weeks Length 4:23
Also known as Happy Xmas; War Is Over
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Christmas protest song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, credited to John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir, and released as a single in the US in December 1971 (UK 1972). It grew out of the couple's 1969 War Is Over! billboard campaign against the Vietnam War.
Performance tips
- Sing it gently and sincerely; this is a hopeful anthem, not a belter.
- Get the room to join the choir-style refrain, the way the Harlem Community Choir does on the record.
- Keep the waltz-like sway steady and let the final repeats build with the crowd.
In these themes
Karaoke versions
There's a karaoke version of this song. Most karaoke services carry it; KaraFun lists it among its catalog.
- Find karaoke versions on YouTubeOpens a YouTube search for "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" karaoke
Other versions
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)Cover by Diana Ross1994
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)Cover by REO Speedwagon2009
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)Cover by Train2015
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)Cover by Albert Hammond2024
- REO SpeedwagonAlso recorded this song
- Diana RossAlso recorded this song
- TrainAlso recorded this song
- Albert HammondAlso recorded this song
More songs by John Lennon
- #9 Dream1974 · 4:47
- Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)1998 · 11:30
- Going Down on Love1974 · 3:54
- Grow Old with Me1984 · 3:09
- Imagine1997 · 2:57
- Mind Games1973 · 4:12