Someday At Christmas

Album: Someday At Christmas (1967)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Someday At Christmas" is one of the first Christmas songs with a social and political message. Released in 1967 during the Vietnam War, it takes a stand for peace, equality and compassion - values Stevie Wonder holds dear.

    In the song, Wonder dreams of a Christmas free from warmongers. The opening lines make it clear:

    Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
    Playing with bombs like kids play with toys


    John Lennon sent a similar message in his 1971 song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."
  • This was written by Motown songwriters Ron Miller and Bryan Wells, the team that also wrote Wonder's songs "A Place in the Sun" and "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday." They wrote it for Wonder's first Christmas album, also called Someday At Christmas, which contains several Christmas standards mixed with some new songs, including "What Christmas Means To Me."
  • In 2015, Stevie Wonder appeared in a commercial for Apple where he sings "Someday At Christmas" at home with Andra Day, recording it on his Mac.

    Wonder is a mentor to Day, who released her debut album earlier in 2015. A few years later, her song "Rise Up" became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
  • Lizzo put her own spin on "Someday At Christmas" for Amazon Music in 2022.

    "I chose to cover 'Someday At Christmas' not just because it's a classic, but because it's a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality," she said. "A friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season."

    Lizzo's rendition reached #8 on the UK Singles chart and #59 on the Hot 100.
  • Lizzo sang "Someday At Christmas" on the December 17, 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live. Wearing a silver and gold dress, she performed the song amid decorated and lit Christmas trees.

Comments: 9

  • Jc from ArizonaI have checked several versions of this song online. In verse 5 you have none have fears. Others have "no men have fears."
  • Althea Spikes from Little Rock, ArkansasThis song makes me cry...it is more than a Christmas song... this song breathes Hope...
  • Michael Robinson from New YorkA great song and message
  • Sandra from Massachusetts Ever since I was a little girl when this song first came out by Stevie Wonder, it always brought tears to my eyes. At that time we had the Vietnam War going on and everyone just wanted peace. Now it's 2020 I'm 61 years old and we still have a war going on. A war with Covid-19, a war with racism and a war in the white house. I still have tears in my eyes.
  • J9 from PaThis song is beautiful. To me, not only is it beautiful, but it is inspiring. This is what should go viral, this is about humanity and hope for everyone. This is about the meaning of Christmas: PEACE! We all need to have a dream, and to be able to achieve that dream. I have a lot more to say, but mostly, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all. And stay safe!
  • Brenda from Lawrenceville GaThe lyrics express the same thing people are marching and protesting for in 2020. Still waiting for that shinning moment that will change the world.
  • Jennifer Harris from Grand Blanc, MiThis is an ok song!
  • Alistair from Geelong, Australiawas covered by Jack Johnson for Christmas in 2007
  • Debbie from Brevard, FlI found this song to really hit a spot in this day in time!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.