‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ turns 40, watch the documentary about single that raised money and awareness

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As a child of the 80s who grew up with a passion for music and a heart for humanity, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” holds a special place in my memories. This song, born out of tragedy and desperation, united the world’s most popular musicians to raise funds and awareness for the Ethiopian famine.

On November 25, 1984, Bob Geldof from The Boom Town Rats and Midge Ure of Ultravox assembled a team of musicians from Britain and Ireland, forming what would be known as Band Aid. This extraordinary group united with the aim of generating funds and increasing awareness about the famine affecting Ethiopia.

Back in December 1984, the tune “Do They Know It’s Christmas” was unveiled and quickly turned into a classic Christmas melody not just for the ’80s but also for years afterwards. In the UK, it soared to the number one spot on the charts, but unfortunately, in the US, it didn’t quite make it to the top due to insufficient airplay by radio stations. However, as time went on, this song became a must-listen during the holiday season.

Below is the Band Aid – The Making Of The Original ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ documentary released in 2024. This behind-the-scenes look features events held in 1984 during the recording of the single that proved to all that music can change the world. The footage seen was compiled 40 years ago, some of it never seen until now.

Geldof and Ure assembled an impressive lineup of famous musicians from that era, such as Tony Hadley, Paul Young, George Michael, Bono, Phil Collins, Sting, Boy George, members of Duran Duran, Bananarama, Kool & the Gang, and numerous others.

Often, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is criticized more for its lyrics than appreciating its underlying message – to remember those in need and take action. The songwriters chose to refer to Africa instead of specifically mentioning Ethiopia, not as a way to generalize the situation, but because it was simpler from a lyrical standpoint.

Pointing out that Africa lacks snow during winter might seem straightforward, but it serves as a symbol for the joy many people feel during Christmas as they witness snowfall. The phrase “Do they know it’s Christmas?” is not meant to be taken literally; instead, it aims to highlight that the concerns of Ethiopians extend beyond holiday celebrations, focusing more on when their next meal will be or addressing more pressing issues.

When a song describes the harsh circumstances in Ethiopia, it aims to create a vivid image for listeners about the difficult conditions faced in certain parts of the country. It’s important to note that this song was made before the widespread use of the internet, so many people were unaware of the famine in this distant land until BBC journalist Michael Buerk brought it to global attention. The lyric “Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears” is intended to tug at one’s heartstrings, hoping to inspire others to donate money to aid those in need.

Geldof & Ure made a recent appearance on This Morning, check it out below.

Geldof had this to say to The Conversation regarding the song.

“Haha … It’s a pop song ffs.”

As a passionate observer, I can’t help but paint a vivid picture of Ethiopia, where the harsh soil conditions persistently thwart crop growth and water scarcity is a constant struggle, with few reliable wells to quench this thirst. The once predictable rainfall has become less reliable, adding to the challenges faced by its people. Climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable, making life even tougher for those already struggling. Wars only serve to worsen these conditions. Christmas is celebrated two weeks later according to their unique calendar. Traditional religious and cultural ceremonies have been suspended during critical periods like 1984-1986 and more recently, due to the same heartbreaking reasons. These aren’t just “colonial tropes”; they are undeniable facts. Frankly, it’s my perspective that has become a worn-out cliché, as this argument has been made time and again, only to receive similar tired responses. I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t some clever AI trick after all?

The small pop song has played a significant role in saving the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. Today alone, Band Aid donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to aid those fleeing the atrocities in Sudan and enough money to feed an additional 8,000 children in the same affected regions of Ethiopia as 1984. These exhausted women, their traumatized children, any male over 10 who survived the massacres, and the 8,000 Tigrayan children will sleep safer, warmer, and with greater care tonight because of that incredible record. We wish it were otherwise, but it isn’t. The label of “colonial tropes” is far from accurate in this context.

For over forty years, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” remains a popular discussion point. Band Aid revolutionized charitable fundraising with their unique approach, which eventually led to the Live Aid concerts in 1985, significantly contributing to alleviating famine. This demonstration showcased the power of music and motivated musicians to channel their influence towards noble causes.

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2024-12-17 01:01