A	B	C	D	E	F	G
H	I	J	K	L	M	N
O	P	Q	R	S	T	U
V	W	X	Y	Z	#

Browse Categories Random Songfact Random Category Add to Songfacts Take the Quiz SongFAQ Get the Newsletter E-Mail Us Message Boards Songwriter Interviews Song Writing Songfactor's Choice Lyrical Pursuit Song Fallacies

Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono wrote this in their New York City hotel room and recorded it during the evening of October 28 and into the morning of the 29th, 1971 at the Record Plant in New York. It was released in the US for Christmas, but didn't chart. The next year, it was released in the UK, where it did much better.

John and Yoko spent a lot of time in the late '60s and early '70s working to promote peace. In 1969, they put up billboard advertisements in major cities around the world that said, "War is over! (If you want it)." Two years later this slogan became the basis for this song when Lennon decided to make a Christmas record with an anti-war message.

The children's voices are the Harlem Community Choir, who were brought in to sing on this track. They are credited on the single along with Yoko and The Plastic Ono Band.

Lennon and Ono produced this with the help of Phil Spector. Spector had worked on some of the later Beatles songs and also produced Lennon's "Instant Karma." It was not Spector's first foray into Christmas music: he spent the summer of 1963 putting together A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, featuring artists like The Ronettes and Darlene Love. Unfortunately, the album was released on November 22, 1963, which was the same day US president John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and the album was pulled from the market.

This was originally released on clear green vinyl with Yoko Ono's "Listen, The Snow Is Falling" as the B-side.

At the beginning of the song, two whispers can be heard. Yoko whispers: "Happy Christmas, Kyoko" (Kyoko Chan Cox is Yoko's daughter with Anthony Cox) and John whispers: "Happy Christmas, Julian" (John's son with Cynthia). (thanks, Martin - Rostock, Germany)

This has been covered by The Alarm, The Cranes, The December People, and Melissa Etheridge (in a medley with "Give Peace a Chance").

Lennon was shot and killed less than 3 weeks before Christmas in 1980. The song was re-released in the UK on December 20th of that year.

Australian artist Delta Goodrem covered this in 2003. She received special permission from Yoko Ono to record the song. (thanks, Katie - Australia)

This was covered by a group called Street Drum Corps. Bert McCracken, the frontman for rock band The Used, supplied vocals for their cover. It appears on the album Taste Of Christmas, released in the winter of 2005. The album is a compilation of classic and original Christmas songs as done by artists on the Taste Of Chaos tour. (thanks, Chris - Andover, MN)

Comments:

On those posters that said "War is over!.....if you want it", it had below it, Happy Christmas from John and Yoko on it.
- Breanna, Henderson, NV

Is this the same tune as The time of the Preacher by Willie Nelson
- Mark, Preston, United Kingdom

This song is incredibly depressing, it's well written but I can't agree with all the people saying it's "beautiful". I like the fact that it's a reality check: here we are with our Christmas trees and open fireplaces and presents, but what is happening in the rest of the world? So, when people say it's beautiful and sing it merrily at Carols services, I have to wonder whether they really have a clue what it's about...
- Deb, Melbourne, Australia

god listen to yoko in the background of this song... haha.. im sorry but just comparing her voice to johns..... omg.. its terrible!! but i love this song. :] its wonderful and its soo great. i listen to it every Christmas.
- Kelly, Liverpool, United Kingdom

The Come Back to Jamaica song that came out in 1978 was based on the tune of this song. Though I thought Lennon didn't sell songs for commercials? Btw here's an interesting book about alternate viewpoints about brainwashing by tv
- E, Atlanta, GA

Karen, go watch Joyeux Noel. Then tell me attaching war to Christmas is preposterous.
- Trogbob, San Diego, CA

sorry the Vietnam war did not come to an end because of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Probably CBS live coverage of said war during everyone's dinnertime deserves that credit.
- Heather, Los Angeles, CA

Erin and Gary: Yoko whispers "Happy Christmas, Kyoko (to her daughter), then John whispers "Happy Christmas, Julian" (to his son). Jordan: he never said that. What he said was, "We're bigger than Christ", referring to the popularity of the Beatles - but it got so warped out of proportion that some radio stations actually staged album burnings; Stafanie: actually, it was meant as a Christmas song (the "B" side is a another Christmas song, written by Yoko Ono). And Karen, get over yourself - peace and joy is exactly the message they're trying to get across (War is over, if you want it - and that's exactly what happened!!) What have YOU ever done?
- Gregg, Middletown, CT

This song rocks hardcore! Happy Christmas everyone! P.s John & Yoko ain't wacko's
- Bianca Sanchez, Alburquerque, NM

All of this is rubbish. John and Yoko were just plain weird. John was like a child who needed a mommy and Yoko filled the bill. To attach war to Christmas is simply preposterous, and self-serving on his part. Try to remember that THIS GUY WAS A MILLIONAIRE for crying out loud. He was a whiny sniveling little wimp of a man. Paul McCartney released his upbeat Christmas tune "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime" in response to Lennon's negative spin on everything that people enjoy. McCartney saw his won children excited about Christmas and wanted to remind people that Christmas is for children, not over-grown adult "children" who have to ruin even the Yuletide feelings of peace and joy. Poor Sean Lennon (back then), with a couple of wackos like John and Yoko for parents.
- Karen, Baltimore, MD

"IMHO this "could" have been the all-time best Christmas song...however...Yoko just ruins it. She is so off key that it just makes me ill to listen to this song. Lennon was a master...why oh why he ever let her on this track I will never know. - Chet, Washington, DC" I couldn?t agree more. That song just came on and like every time it plays; it literally pains me to listen to it (on account of the ?screeching woman? in the background who is SO off key!!!). I Googled it tonight and had to know who ruined this song (I thought it was some elderly backup singer). Other than that, it?s a very good song...
- Josh, Sunnyvale, CA

I love this song. It is my favorite Christmas song ever. This song was also featuredas a hidden song on the "Instant Karma: Save Darfur" cd.
- Casey, Union, NJ

This is one of his best songs next to Watching The Wheels. It just so beautiful. I like at the beginning in a low whisper Yoko say Happy Christmas Kyoko and John says Happy Christmas Julian it's a little bit hard to hear.
- Krissy, Boston, MA

Annabella yes thats Yoko leading in the choir.
- Krissy, Boston, MA

Kyoko is Yoko Ono's daughter from her first marriage. But she didn't get custody of her.
- Krissy, Boston, MA

Yoko wasn't on it because John thought she was a good singer, she was on it because John loved her and wanted her on it.
- Ruby, CC, TX

jordan of wv, i always wondered that but in a 1972 (i think) photo shoot he can be seen wearing a small cross.
- Ben, cincinnati, OH

This song has such meaning to it. I respect John Lennon greatly, although I never really knew much about him. Wonderful song, and I don't care if anyone seems to disagree.
- Danielle, South Amboy, NJ

Actually, Kyoko is Yoko Ono's daughter, not her mother.
- Annabelle, Eugene, OR

I thought it was John at the beginning saying "Happy Christmas, Yoko...Happy Christmas, Julian."
- Patrick, Tallapoosa, GA

At the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, DC you can see posters advertising "War is Over (If You Want It)" framed and displayed in one section. I think these are the actual posters.
- Patrick, Tallapoosa, GA

Jordan: He didn't mean for it to bea christmas song, the part in parentheses after Happy Christmas is "war is over". That's the key to understanding the song. John is wanting to question what has really been accomplished in the way of making the world a better more peaceful place. RIR. i miss you John.
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

This song makes you think! I love it!!
- Niki, Chicago, IL

john i will miss you i envey you i used to be a real bad bad man but once i heard war is over i changed and did a lot of research on you i kno that your watching over me in heaven so may your soul rip and what kind of man would shoot a nice kind and caring man like you so we miss you and i know the answer to my question the guy was a real ####### RIP JOHN
- dave, ssm, Canada

Maroon 5 covered this song in 2004 for jingle ball.
- Kara, great neck, NY

This is one of my favorite holiday hits. The song was actually based on a Peter, Paul and Mary song titled Stewball.
- Howard, St. Louis Park, MN

Don't you think it's kind of hypocritical for John to write a Christmas song about a year after saying "I don't believe in Jesus"?
- Jordan, WV

Anyone willing to help me begin a peace movement please email me. Onlee4ugrl3@hotmail.com Subject: Imagine John Lennon would have wanted us to keep moving for peace, we have to continue his movement. "War is Over...If You Want It"-John Lennon & Yoko Ono
- Jennifer, New York, NY

I cannot watch this video clip without bawling my eyes out. John Lennon stood for so much, such a big heart and terrific mind.
- Elysia, Hamilton, New Zealand

i agree, yoko is NOT the best singer but she doesn't ruin the song. besides, how 'bout listening to yourselves singing xmas carols? they're not meant to be records, it's the spirit.
- Liliana, Huntley, IL

This is a thoughtful, beautiful song. My most sincere Christmas wish is that it come true. By the way, children, no one ever sings a Christmas song badly. It's the spirit of the season.
- Jude, Thomasville, GA

In England, the expressions "Happy Christmas" and "Merry Christmas" are used about 50/50. In the U.S. you almost never hear anyone say "Happy Christmas."
- Ken, Louisville, KY

chet, we all know that Yoko isn't a good singer, but you've got to respedt the facts that she influenced John... a lot! Great song, by the way!
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

John is not saying anything to his mother at the beginning of the song. Yoko Ono says "Happy Christmas, Kyoko" and John says "Happy Christmas, Julian", a comment directed to his son. If you turn the volume up and listen carefully, you will clearly hear him say "JULIAN". It also states so in the song booklet.
- Natalia, Sydney, Australia

Someone said they say happy christmas john/yoko at the begining of this song. It is actually saying (yoko):'Happy chrismas Kyoko' (John):'happy christmas Julie' the names of their mothers. John obviously had lost his mother at an early age and in his solo career started to deal with it. im not sure if yoko had lost her mother too.
- gary, uk, United States

War is over if you want it.... I want it to be over... it's just up to the 1% of people willing to fight to say "No!!! We want peace." This is xmas music and not propaganda, but John would have wanted us to use this song as a rally for peace. Peace out.
- Loretta, Liverpool, England

The song actually starts with both of them saying Happy Christmas Yoko/John and not "Merry Christmas..." I don't find it cute, but I like the song.
- EJ, Manila, Philippines, Other

Bearing in mind that this isn't a Christmas song at all, it's an anti-war song that uses Christmas as a reference point to say "what the hell have we actually acheived in this last year, or are we as nuts as ever". The idea of one of Lennons most poinent songs being performed at Christmas carols, and being sung with contrived gusto and smiling faces is faintly disgusting, but that's what happens every year.
- Andy, Melbourne, Australia

one of my top 10 favorite Christmas songs, and leave it to John Lennon to make it so unique
- john, williston park, NY

ok, don't diss yoko, she never meant any harm! who cares if she doesnt' have an amazing voice like john;s, or whatever, she's a great lady! i love at the very beginning of the song where they whisper to each other "merry christmas john, merry christmas yoko" it's so cute! i love them
- erin lennon, Toronto, Canada

nice song, celine dion (blehh) also did a cover of this
- Natasha, Chico, CA

Whether you like Yoko as a musician or not you have to respect her influence on John and his music. Don't forget that a lot of the lyrics to Imagine were strait from Yoko's diary.
- Jeff, Barrington, IL

IMHO this "could" have been the all-time best Christmas song...however...Yoko just ruins it. She is so off key that it just makes me ill to listen to this song. Lennon was a master...why oh why he ever let her on this track I will never know.
- Chet, Washington, DC

I agree with Shirley and Geoff. This song is just plain great. No one ever stated that Ono was a good singer. While I don't like her personally, at least shes out there doing something that is saying something.
- Will, Roswell, GA

The Irish band The Corrs also recorded this song in 1998 for their Christmas Special. And who said that Yoko Ono was a good singer? Was she the one singing with the Children's Choir? The woman leading the choir sounds like my Grandma Dorcas! Blaaaaaand!
- Annabelle, Eugene, OR

Never has a more beautiful Christmas song been writen. Pure magic.
- Geoff, Adelaide, Australia