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Song Lyrics:

It’s Christmastime
And there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmastime
We let in light and we banish shade

It’s Christmastime
There’s no need to be afraid
At Christmastime
We let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmastime

Ahhh ahhhh ahhhhh

But say a prayer

Dawn, and as the sun breaks through the piercing chill of night on the plains outside Korem, it lights up a biblical famine, now, in the 20th century.

There’s a world outside your window
It’s a world of dread and fear

This place say workers here, is the closest place to hell on earth.

Feed the world

But say a prayer
But say a prayer
But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones

At Christmastime / At Christmastime
It’s hard but while you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window
And it’s a world of dread and fear

Where the only water flowing is
The bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom

Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you
Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you

Bring peace and joy to everywhere this Christmas
The greatest gift we share each year is life

Why is comfort to be feared?
Why is to touch to be scared?

Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?

Here’s to you
Raise a glass to everyone
Here’s to them
Underneath that burning sun
Here’s to them
And all there is to come

Do they know it’s Christmastime?
Do they know it’s Christmastime?
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world

Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived
If the table was turned would you survive?

Feed the world

You ain’t gotta feel guilt, just selfless
Give a little help to the helpless

Feed the world
Let them know it’s Christmastime
Feed the world
Let them know it’s Christmastime


This is David Bowie.
Over the next 12 months it is projected well over 360,000 children under the age of 4 will die in Ethiopia. Band Aid is a record that has been made by a lot of recording artists and stars. The proceeds will all go to Ethiopia. It would be wonderful if you could all buy copies of this record. Thank you.

ItalicBBC journalist Michael Buerk
Italic Bold – David Bowie
Bold – Bono