In 1984, Bob Geldof (now, Sir Bob Geldof) saw news footage of the starving victims of the famine in Ethiopia, which resulted from a prolonged civil war and extreme drought that plagued the region. This footage prompted Sir Bob to write a song for famine relief, with all proceeds going to food and medical supplies for the victims of the famine.
More below the flip . . .
As many of you may not remember, the song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was a song featuring many prominent British (and American) artists, and debuted at number one on the pop charts in Great Britain, and two weeks later debuted at number one on the American charts. It sold over 50 million copies and raised over $50 million dollars between sales of the single, and the follow up Live Aid concert in July 1985, most, if not almost all of which was directed to famine relief. It also prompted an American version of the same idea, "We Are The World."
While it is not yet Christmas, I am reminded of that song, for, as of last Friday, we too are finally starting to experience relief from a long drought and famine of truth and accountability from an administration we cannot have any faith in. Below I have offered my own Fitzmas "carol" -- a rewrite of that very poignant song, to fit our current situation here in the U.S.
In (slightly) rewriting this most beloved song (which I personally had the opportunity to speak with Sir Bob about in 1985!!), I would like to say that this is not meant to debase or defile any prior, ongoing or future efforts to aid victims of famine (or other humanitarian crises, such as genocide), or to rewrite any copyrighted material (apologies in advance, Sir Bob). As you can see, many of the words are the original words. I (re)wrote it to remind everyone that, while our struggle for truth has been long, and the "wheels of justice" do grind slowly, nevertheless, have patience, as they do bring the promise of a new day and better times ahead. Enjoy!!
"Do They Know It's Fitzmas?"
as sung to
"Do They Know It's Christmas?"
words and music by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure (1984)
/It's Fitzmas time
There's no need to be afraid
At Fitzmas time
He lets in light, so we banish shade
And in our world of Bushies
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Fitzmas time
But say a prayer
And pray for all of us
At Fitzmas time it's hard
But when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of conjured fear
Where war and lies and outings
Bring us the bitter sting of tears
And the Fitzmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them
Instead of you
And there won't be snow in Washington at Fitzmas time
The greatest gift they get this year is life
(Without parole)
Where deficits won't grow
No deals or pardons flow
Do they know it's Fitzmas time at all?
Here's to you, raise a glass for everyone
Here's to them, underneath that prison sun
Do they know it's Fitzmas time at all?
(CHORUS)
Free the world
Free the world
Free the world
Let them know it's Fitzmas time at last
Free the world
Let them know it's Fitzmas time at last
Free the world
Let them know it's Fitzmas time at last
Free the world
Let them know it's Fitzmas time at last