John Lennon's classic Christmas hit, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is typically treated as a song to celebrate the end of war and to bring in the festive season. However, one small lyric goes over everyone's heads that flips the script.
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The song is inherently hopeful, advocating for the end of war, equality between all people, and a joyous time for all. However, Cheatsheet pointed out that there is a less comfortable meaning that the writers intended. It's just easy to miss.
John Lennon, outside of music, was an avid advocate for peace, and joined protests calling for the end of the Vietnam war (1995 to 1975). One phrase he used in his protesting was "War Is Over If You Want It," meaning that the layman is just as responsible for stopping war as those making the decisions.
And wouldn't you know it. He uses the same phrase as a lyric in "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." During the chorus, everyone clearly hears the kids singing "War is over!" What a lovely lyric. If you pay close attention, however, they'll follow that up with "If you want it."
The song isn't celebrating the end of war, it's reminding us that we are just as responsible for war as those who start them.
John Lennon Confirmed This Meaning In An Interview
In a 1980 interview, in the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John Lennon confirms this meaning.
He said, "Happy Xmas' Yoko and I wrote together. It says, 'War is over if you want it.' It was still that same message — the idea that we're just as responsible as the man who pushes the button. As long as people imagine that somebody's doing it to them, and that they have no control, then they have no control."
Although the phrase is supposed to inspire people to act, it may only serve as a bitter reminder of the feeling of hopelessness many of us feel when thinking about our governments and the choices they make.
However, to resign is to give up. Although the last thing we want to hear when listening to Christmas music is a reminder that we're not doing enough to stop war, it's a potent message that when push comes to shove, the people have the power. And that we shouldn't forget.
