Heh, so, to hear the narrator tell the story, Emerson and Palmer get invited back to help perform the song, but what exactly is their role? In the final shot, it looks like Emerson and Palmer are just talking to each other, while Palmer stands there holding the stick for the big bass drum behind him. (I'll bet it was a big moment when Palmer finally hit that drum!)
The true dichotomy and contridictions of Christmas; what should be and what really is. A sad but beautiful song sung by one of the most talented musicians of our time. We are all different which makes us all the same and must strive to coexisist if we are to survive as a race. I always cry when I hear this song and cant help but be pessimistic. If we havent really changed in 2000 years how long will it take in order to change. Peace to all and Merry Christmas!
Truth is sadness & gladness without pretense nor deception but we all know what truth is-this is truth...2000 years ago Bethlehem was suffering under military occupation-under a different name,with different faces but it is military occupation nonethelesse and i was there 2 years ago...we went to the birthplace of Christ and it was surrounded by 30 foot walls of cement and steel with tinted glass watchtowers full of soldiers with loaded guns What has changed in 2000 years? Peace on Earth..
I remember seeing this on MTV in December 1982 when we DID get rain instead of snow in Wisconsin for Christmas. The song's message of falling short of a hoped for ideal had particular resonance for me as I was transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
The narrator is Bernard Cribbins - voiced all the Wombles on their original 1970s BBC TV series and more recently on Dr. Who. Also on one episode of Fawlty Towers. I'd love to know if the rest of this program is available on youTube. And was that Kate Bush doing the remake?
Greg's voice -- his clean acoustic guitar -- all fantastic. This song is about a hard truth and a great hope. A Merry Christmas 2011 to the UK, Israel, and to the world, at large.
Oh please. The clip at 5:08 with the woman introducing the song as "I believe in father xmas". This isn't the title of the song, lady. It's "I Believe in Father CHRISTmas".
love everything about this song ,great words , really catchy with a message that s as true now as it was when it was written , absolute classic by a great song writer
@Davechop54 Father Xmas, Father Xmas, Father Xmas. Wow, such a forgiving soul you have. Christmas as a celebration has long and varied roots, in northern European pagan rituals, in Roman festivities, as well as the Christian church. None of those for me, just a happy time with family and friends (otherwise what is the point?).
Hit me like a thunderbolt.....sitting on the on the block as I cut wood on Christmas Eve for Christmas Day. Raced down to the record shop (remember those) bought the 45 (remember those) and played it to death. Thanks Greg.
The narrator is patronising us oh my brothers and therefore the video is flawed. Why couldn't Greg do the narrative? All that drivvle about christs birthday celebrations is tedious. Greg did the song for money so we must disregard the romantic nonsense.
Great explaination of where the song came from. The only Christmas Song I love, even though, being Irish, it SHOULD be The Pogues. Can't help it., been a fan of ELP since the 60's, even though like guitar407, I'm only 52 as well. Good music lasts forever. Don't regret passing on the 62 Strat. ELP taught us music, we pass it on.....
If your idea of Christmas is the spectacle of conspicuous consumption and fatuousness that it has become, then that is what you'll get and deserve.
If you make it an argument over which religion's holiday is the alpha male of the season, that argument is what you'll get and deserve.
If, for you, it is about embracing family and friends, and personal generosity (not so much giving gifts, but giving yourself), then that is the Christmas you'll get and deserve.
@rightfredsdead. And do you still have your soul? I occasionally ponder how my life could have been, had i been more selfish and evil. I could have done a fair amount of highly lucrative exploitation. But that is not who i am, or want to be—even if that means that i'll never be rich.
[It may or may not be of any consolation; but tv mostly sucks, anyway. I don't even have one set up anymore; i find ample entertainment elsewhere.]
OMG! I don't think i want to hear how else Toyah mangled it! She has a powerful voice; but that delivery just made no sense (on top of mixing up the words). :s
I am normally all humbug this time of year. But this year I will spend it with my gran kids Rossie and Jim ( real names) and Ive sung this song so much people have ask me to stop. Happy xmas
toyah wilcox is a total sellout with anything and everything she ever said. she now prices out the young with a string of buy to let properties. you can now see all the falseness of her performances in her face. she would sing anything. she believes in nothing.
i like the violence of the war images from the world...makes you realize how fagile life is and every christmas we need to celebrate life while its still here
Reminds me so much of my recent holiday to Israel never forget listening to this song en-route to the church of the nativity. A poignient video of reminding us all on how even though Christmas is a time of peace when in parts of the world people suffer in some shape or form to war and terrorism. Brilliant song through and trhough!
Reminds me so much of my recent holiday to Israel never forget listening to this song en-route to the church of the nativity. A poignient video of reminding us all on how even though Christmas is a time of peace when in parts of the world people suffer in some shape or form to war and terrorism.
@AttilaThe1 Hi friend, you're confusing me with one of your other friends, I'm not gay. Fucktard? That's a bit rich coming from a national of a country that is 98% full of fucktards! Anyway friend, have a nice day (as you silly cunts like to say over there)
@AttilaThe1 Hi friend, you're confusing me with one of your other friends, I'm not gay. Fucktard? That's a bit rich coming from a national of a country that is 98% full of fucktards! Anyway friend, have a nice day (as you silly cunts like to say over there)
My favourite Christmas song of all time....This song reached No2 in Christmas 75 but I suppose that there was no way on earth it would have risen any higher since Be-elzebub had a devil put aside for the No1 spot that year.
I'm with you all the way in your fellings about Big Money and Christmas. I disagree that this song is saying anything about that. This song is about enjoying Christmas regardless of what you believe it's really all about, and I totally agree with that!
I refer to the line "then i woke with a yawn in the cold light of dawn and i saw him and through his disguise" i read it as saying goodbye to childhood ideals and dreams and coming to terms with the rat race that has taken over christmas ;)
If anyone has a link to the audio of Glenn Beck slamming this song, please forward it to me. I got the Insider thing for 9 bucks so I could get his exuberant rants in context, because everyone deserves a fair shake. If he indeed trashed this song, that's worth taking into account. I'm not a guy who just blindly spews out hatred with no basis, like some detractors. I want the truth, no matter what it is.
In our effort to be tolerant, we've achieved just the opposite. We've become EXclusive rather than INclusive. An exclusive society is the most intolerant of all, because it doesn't even recognize its own folly. Christmas is yet another example of, in spite of our seasonal hubris, we will never really achieve the utopia we seek. Life is a process, a journey, of making mistakes and finally, hopefully achieving true redemption. Christmas should bring out the best in all of us - most of all humility
The narrator has it all wrong. Greg Lake did not say "goodbye" to Keith and Carl at all, in 1975. ELP went on to perform together, until 1978. Broke up. Reformed in 1991, and performed until 1998.
Greg Lake is the reason I've played 12 string for 35 yrs Still you turn me on, From the beginning, All great acoustic songs. Thats why I sold my '62 strat ( I paid 300 dollars for in 1975 in 1976 for 400) ! Hind sight is always 20/20 i know but i made a good living because of it. I"m52 no regrets
Interesting little story. I never picked up the similarity to Jingle Bells before. I used to think the song was critical of Xmas. I guess not. I did enjoy the dope reporter saying "Xmas" instead of "Christmas". Funny.
The words made this song for me when it first came out because it was voicing my emotions of betrayed youth and cynical hope for the future. I "wish" we all got the Christmas we deserve BUT Bush will not be dead and the wrongfully killed by his wars will not comfort their loved ones. So UNFORTUNETLY NO we do not always get the Christmas we deserve... BUT this song allows me at least lip service to the notion. Shalom Sabot... I hope your children are not killed by Bush in the brave new year.
....but what Mr.Lake doesn't tell you is that part of this tune was knicked from Prokofiev's Symphonic Suite for orchestra OP.60 Lieutenant Kije - Troika. However as this track is one of the best christmas songs ever i will forgive him! despite scoring 9 out of 10 for most cheesey pop video. bless him!
It was a cold snowy night in Atlanta when I got off around 2 am from working at the Brandy House. My father had left and my mother was dead emotionally. I was 16 years old. I turned on the radio and heard this song. It still brings me peace years later...
toyah sucks and totally ruined this song... she totally gave it a "winy little school girl"/spoiled brat feeling which is not the meaning of it at all! Fuck you Toyah!
as a child i adored this song and do so to this day, first time i saw the video was tonight on you tube - i found the true me five years ago in Oman so the song and the video mean even more to me now. as far as Toyah's version a good song will live for ever and she didnt do to bad a job
I would like to thank Greg for writing my favorite Christmas song ever, and I'm not a Christmas type of guy, but his song gives me chills. I really like the part of the interview where Toyah Wilcox sings it. I think it's the strongest, heart felt rendition after Greg's. Does anyone know where I can view the whole video of Toyah sing this song?
A severe disappointment. Mr. Lake should never've allowed another to perform his song. The woman "singer" butchered it. Sad. the woman calling CHRISTmas "x-mas"(something Mr. Lake himself objects to) should realize: Without CHRIST there is no Christmas.
Perhaps you should actually read Sinfield's lyrics. The song specifically declares Christ a "fairy story". This song is about the human experience of this Western holiday and the hypocrisy that surrounds us during its celebration. Buy a clue.
It is an extremely good Christmas song, in fact probably one of the best (rock) christmas songs ever released. Its a shame he comes across as a such a boring old git these days though!
1 of the radio stations in Atlanta was playing song requests for a donation to Habitat for Humanity. I called in and donated $75 dollars to hear this song, my fav for Christmas.They called me back and told me that they would only play the song if I upped my donation to $275.00.!I was bummed! I just wonder why they took that position. I know for a fact they played other songs ( like country on a Rock station 92.9 DAVE FM) ...any ideas?
great xmas song, great lyrics. its music takes us to the mixed feelings he describes. It also takes me to when I was a little girl and woke up on xmas morning, the uncertainty to find what I expected ...
Fantastic video! I've never seen a lot of this. Lake ---> Crimson ---> Fripp ---> Toyah Wilcox. (BTW, Fripp and Wilcox in Sunday All Over The World was a great album). Thanks for posting!
thank you poster. The only Christmas, I really like.
livedesignsco 1 month ago
The only christmas song I really like!
TheFullBucket 1 month ago
Jesus was born in Palestine, The Sinai desert is in Egypt, in 1975 Israel was in military occupation of the territory. They returned it in 1982.
shahideurope 1 month ago
Can anyone tell me where I can see the whole video of that last little bit there.
GibsonRocks12 1 month ago
Heh, so, to hear the narrator tell the story, Emerson and Palmer get invited back to help perform the song, but what exactly is their role? In the final shot, it looks like Emerson and Palmer are just talking to each other, while Palmer stands there holding the stick for the big bass drum behind him. (I'll bet it was a big moment when Palmer finally hit that drum!)
OBIT3 1 month ago
Best Christmas song ever.
Severinate 1 month ago 2
The true dichotomy and contridictions of Christmas; what should be and what really is. A sad but beautiful song sung by one of the most talented musicians of our time. We are all different which makes us all the same and must strive to coexisist if we are to survive as a race. I always cry when I hear this song and cant help but be pessimistic. If we havent really changed in 2000 years how long will it take in order to change. Peace to all and Merry Christmas!
clo4man 1 month ago 5
Truth is sadness & gladness without pretense nor deception but we all know what truth is-this is truth...2000 years ago Bethlehem was suffering under military occupation-under a different name,with different faces but it is military occupation nonethelesse and i was there 2 years ago...we went to the birthplace of Christ and it was surrounded by 30 foot walls of cement and steel with tinted glass watchtowers full of soldiers with loaded guns What has changed in 2000 years? Peace on Earth..
michaelhandala 1 month ago
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This is a Real Christmas Song!
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RichLucky13 1 month ago
merry xmas anyone fancy a bum
hanghoodiescum 1 month ago
I remember seeing this on MTV in December 1982 when we DID get rain instead of snow in Wisconsin for Christmas. The song's message of falling short of a hoped for ideal had particular resonance for me as I was transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
c8udyp 1 month ago
Best Christmas song ever.
johnredpath 1 month ago 2
Was that a fat joke by the announcer dude near the end? Boo! Greg is adorable no matter what age or weight!
LilyLemony 1 month ago
Damn, never knew what a cute Teddy Bear L had turned into.
Like mrnosmoke, I don't believe in God. I do however believe in this song, for it's beauty and hopeful message.
RockPunkFloyd 1 month ago
Ken5244, bitter? Empty? I am an atheist and I love this song
mrnosmoke 1 month ago
The narrator is Bernard Cribbins - voiced all the Wombles on their original 1970s BBC TV series and more recently on Dr. Who. Also on one episode of Fawlty Towers. I'd love to know if the rest of this program is available on youTube. And was that Kate Bush doing the remake?
IonSpringfield 1 month ago
@IonSpringfield No that was Toyah Wilcox.
Ry42Back 1 month ago
I love the original, but I've never seen the Toyah version before. It's much an angrier. On balance it's a very angry song.
ZegTheIndestructible 1 month ago
Greg's voice -- his clean acoustic guitar -- all fantastic. This song is about a hard truth and a great hope. A Merry Christmas 2011 to the UK, Israel, and to the world, at large.
mickeymousebiker1 1 month ago
God love ya, Greg!
mickeymousebiker1 2 months ago
Oh please. The clip at 5:08 with the woman introducing the song as "I believe in father xmas". This isn't the title of the song, lady. It's "I Believe in Father CHRISTmas".
IwshIcldstrtover 2 months ago
@IwshIcldstrtover
The "X" comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated as "Christ".
The More You Know!
8BitMex 1 month ago 2
LOL at what Greg said at 3:33-3:35!
IwshIcldstrtover 2 months ago
love everything about this song ,great words , really catchy with a message that s as true now as it was when it was written , absolute classic by a great song writer
cRaZyTrAiN265 2 months ago
Toyah? what the hell was that? That blew ass! I think it was sandra berhardt.
MrAgitator 3 months ago
Great Christmas history !!!
ivaa7777JAWA 4 months ago
All people who say Father X-mas should be drawn and quartered, and fed to the Bedouin's camels.
Davechop54 6 months ago
@Davechop54 Father Xmas, Father Xmas, Father Xmas. Wow, such a forgiving soul you have. Christmas as a celebration has long and varied roots, in northern European pagan rituals, in Roman festivities, as well as the Christian church. None of those for me, just a happy time with family and friends (otherwise what is the point?).
originalleftside 1 month ago
MY FAVORITE Christmas song!!!!
marswalker195 6 months ago
Six people never got what they wanted for Christmas.
swampyD1000 7 months ago
I'd still like to....never mind.
rmtmiller 7 months ago
Whar documentary is this from?
MrKayley10 7 months ago
Hit me like a thunderbolt.....sitting on the on the block as I cut wood on Christmas Eve for Christmas Day. Raced down to the record shop (remember those) bought the 45 (remember those) and played it to death. Thanks Greg.
korak74 8 months ago
Actually, the main theme is from "Troika" by Prokofiev.
rkernell 9 months ago
It's just the chords of Jingle Bells expanded and the lyrics altered
ninelivecat 1 year ago
Comment removed
Ken5244 1 year ago
The narrator is patronising us oh my brothers and therefore the video is flawed. Why couldn't Greg do the narrative? All that drivvle about christs birthday celebrations is tedious. Greg did the song for money so we must disregard the romantic nonsense.
frenchexperience 1 year ago
Comment removed
Ken5244 1 year ago
Great explaination of where the song came from. The only Christmas Song I love, even though, being Irish, it SHOULD be The Pogues. Can't help it., been a fan of ELP since the 60's, even though like guitar407, I'm only 52 as well. Good music lasts forever. Don't regret passing on the 62 Strat. ELP taught us music, we pass it on.....
dcarroll74 1 year ago
"The Christmas we get we deserve."
If your idea of Christmas is the spectacle of conspicuous consumption and fatuousness that it has become, then that is what you'll get and deserve.
If you make it an argument over which religion's holiday is the alpha male of the season, that argument is what you'll get and deserve.
If, for you, it is about embracing family and friends, and personal generosity (not so much giving gifts, but giving yourself), then that is the Christmas you'll get and deserve.
ueberRegenbogen 1 year ago
@ueberRegenbogen not really. i have always put others first and here i am, christmas eve on my own with no tv. people SUCK. !!!
rightfredsdead 1 year ago
@rightfredsdead. And do you still have your soul? I occasionally ponder how my life could have been, had i been more selfish and evil. I could have done a fair amount of highly lucrative exploitation. But that is not who i am, or want to be—even if that means that i'll never be rich.
[It may or may not be of any consolation; but tv mostly sucks, anyway. I don't even have one set up anymore; i find ample entertainment elsewhere.]
ueberRegenbogen 1 year ago
OMG! I don't think i want to hear how else Toyah mangled it! She has a powerful voice; but that delivery just made no sense (on top of mixing up the words). :s
ueberRegenbogen 1 year ago
I am normally all humbug this time of year. But this year I will spend it with my gran kids Rossie and Jim ( real names) and Ive sung this song so much people have ask me to stop. Happy xmas
osmaps 1 year ago
@osmaps Thanks, but I don't celebrate "xmas". I celebrate CHRISTmas.
IwshIcldstrtover 2 months ago
toyah wilcox is a total sellout with anything and everything she ever said. she now prices out the young with a string of buy to let properties. you can now see all the falseness of her performances in her face. she would sing anything. she believes in nothing.
rightfredsdead 1 year ago
@rightfredsdead "Just as well there wasn't a Bedouin with a knife handy in 1982"...they don't mince words on the BBC, do they?
surfer53 1 year ago
i like the violence of the war images from the world...makes you realize how fagile life is and every christmas we need to celebrate life while its still here
Dojocho 1 year ago
can't hear a thing, it won't unmute
maryannob 1 year ago
wtf?????????? Who's the red headed marionette singin at the end?
technocrash09 1 year ago
@technocrash09 Think its Toyah Wilcox
cdh601 1 year ago
Reminds me so much of my recent holiday to Israel never forget listening to this song en-route to the church of the nativity. A poignient video of reminding us all on how even though Christmas is a time of peace when in parts of the world people suffer in some shape or form to war and terrorism. Brilliant song through and trhough!
DJCartmell 1 year ago
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Reminds me so much of my recent holiday to Israel never forget listening to this song en-route to the church of the nativity. A poignient video of reminding us all on how even though Christmas is a time of peace when in parts of the world people suffer in some shape or form to war and terrorism.
DJCartmell 1 year ago
Comment removed
DJCartmell 1 year ago
What was that woman covering the song thinking?
Strife1969 1 year ago
Fat Cunt.
popliphaha 1 year ago
@popliphaha
why do you reference your boyfriend fucktard?
AttilaThe1 1 year ago
@AttilaThe1 Hi friend, you're confusing me with one of your other friends, I'm not gay. Fucktard? That's a bit rich coming from a national of a country that is 98% full of fucktards! Anyway friend, have a nice day (as you silly cunts like to say over there)
popliphaha 1 year ago
@popliphaha
Silly fagot ... dicks are for chicks ... FUCKTARD! :D
AttilaThe1 1 year ago
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@AttilaThe1 Hi friend, you're confusing me with one of your other friends, I'm not gay. Fucktard? That's a bit rich coming from a national of a country that is 98% full of fucktards! Anyway friend, have a nice day (as you silly cunts like to say over there)
popliphaha 1 month ago
popliphaha 1 year ago
man he got old and fat! i guess i will too.
youknowme1229physco0 1 year ago
ooh tht cameraman camel-snatcher got shanked! but yes, this is a brilliant song by Greg Lake.
quidnick 1 year ago
getting fat like Peter Roadhouse, oh no...
elephanta2 1 year ago
@elephanta2 He's not fat. He just has a round face.
IwshIcldstrtover 2 months ago
Maybe you talk about him in the 70's.
elephanta2 2 months ago
He looks like Ray Winstone
ThaaWhiteShadow 1 year ago
No he doesn't - Ray Winstone is some slim fella !!
domnal 1 year ago
I still prefer Oh Holy Night or Slent Night or even Away in a Manger but then I am very old fashioned
Aled
ifuliki 1 year ago
I've always loved this song. It's nice to hear how the song came about. Thanks for posting this!
abata15 1 year ago 3
I love Greg Lake!
SharMess 2 years ago 3
jeesh, this is so brilliant. Thanks for sharing.
TheDailyVinyl 2 years ago 3
Greg Lake seems a very genuine warm person. For me this song captures perfectly the christmas mix of happy and sad.
Johnpaulzippybungle 2 years ago
toya destroyed that song......
michaelclarke18 2 years ago
One of the greatest Christmas songs ever written.
theamazing39 2 years ago 2
Meery Christmas from the US
booeyats1 2 years ago 2
happy xmas from ireland
tamereigh 2 years ago 2
Merry xmas from the UK
TheRusskinruss 2 years ago 2
all time favourite Christmas song! Merry Christmas!
scaredypicker 2 years ago 12
I still think he's adorable, and this is my favorite Christmas song!
melissab610 2 years ago 6
has to be the best christmass song ever
patw59 2 years ago
My favourite Christmas song of all time....This song reached No2 in Christmas 75 but I suppose that there was no way on earth it would have risen any higher since Be-elzebub had a devil put aside for the No1 spot that year.
gerrymoran1 2 years ago 2
Oh Greg - you were gorgeous - what happened?
Hang on - so was I in '75!
vie206 2 years ago 4
age catches up with all of us..he still is the same inside
bastlouis 2 years ago 3
Sums up my feelings about christmas hi-jacked by the big corporations and hyped to the death.
paulspalace 2 years ago
I'm with you all the way in your fellings about Big Money and Christmas. I disagree that this song is saying anything about that. This song is about enjoying Christmas regardless of what you believe it's really all about, and I totally agree with that!
mmmrccc 2 years ago
I refer to the line "then i woke with a yawn in the cold light of dawn and i saw him and through his disguise" i read it as saying goodbye to childhood ideals and dreams and coming to terms with the rat race that has taken over christmas ;)
paulspalace 2 years ago
@mmmrccc
couldn't agree more!!
spursbabe77 2 years ago
If anyone has a link to the audio of Glenn Beck slamming this song, please forward it to me. I got the Insider thing for 9 bucks so I could get his exuberant rants in context, because everyone deserves a fair shake. If he indeed trashed this song, that's worth taking into account. I'm not a guy who just blindly spews out hatred with no basis, like some detractors. I want the truth, no matter what it is.
surfer53 2 years ago
My all time favourite christmas song ever!!
RJONES1754 2 years ago 2
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Awesome story & video.
This song is so cool!
zimbalatti 2 years ago
In our effort to be tolerant, we've achieved just the opposite. We've become EXclusive rather than INclusive. An exclusive society is the most intolerant of all, because it doesn't even recognize its own folly. Christmas is yet another example of, in spite of our seasonal hubris, we will never really achieve the utopia we seek. Life is a process, a journey, of making mistakes and finally, hopefully achieving true redemption. Christmas should bring out the best in all of us - most of all humility
surfer53 2 years ago
Eric Thompson, Greg Lake, Chrimbo, etc. Well, fuck me!
Lucretia9000 2 years ago
The narrator has it all wrong. Greg Lake did not say "goodbye" to Keith and Carl at all, in 1975. ELP went on to perform together, until 1978. Broke up. Reformed in 1991, and performed until 1998.
audiophile55 2 years ago
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this song is amazing :)
zapman599 2 years ago
how embarressing the german television presenter... "Father ex-mass"... tss tss
LostGentlemen 2 years ago
anyone ever seen the video to the toyah wilcox version of this song? its cringe city, funny though.
spooksixsix 2 years ago 2
He truely is a lucky man.
billydnc58 2 years ago
Great tune, and I've known it for a long time, but never knew it was Greg Lake singing, cool!
barakshulman 2 years ago
Nothing says "Christmas" like a stripper Greg!
crystalsky84 2 years ago
great song !
ggsxr1000 2 years ago 3
How important was Pete S. to elp!
veryfriendlyok 2 years ago
My all time favourite xmas song. Just noticed what a great speaking voice Gregg has, should have his own radio show or something. Thanks for posting
redredreddd 2 years ago 2
Mine too.
MorganStack 2 years ago
its great seein two of the original King Crimson boys in later years still together
GregLakeAppSoc 2 years ago
Greg Lake is the reason I've played 12 string for 35 yrs Still you turn me on, From the beginning, All great acoustic songs. Thats why I sold my '62 strat ( I paid 300 dollars for in 1975 in 1976 for 400) ! Hind sight is always 20/20 i know but i made a good living because of it. I"m52 no regrets
guitar407 2 years ago 21
same here, lakes the reason i play 12 string, emerson's the reason i play the hammond, and Palmer's the reason i do sit ups
jamalam17z7 2 years ago 2
I love Greg Lake!!!!
susieaxym 2 years ago 3
Interesting little story. I never picked up the similarity to Jingle Bells before. I used to think the song was critical of Xmas. I guess not. I did enjoy the dope reporter saying "Xmas" instead of "Christmas". Funny.
vcoaster 3 years ago
This is one of the best Christmas songs. Sad and deep.
trustbaby7 3 years ago 3
lol @ "it's just as well there wasn't a bedouin with a knife on..."
timtt2 3 years ago 2
what a pretty boy he was :D but he is still the great people and legend of music
NightChariot 3 years ago 3
hes not allowed to grow old ?,we all wish we could keep our young looks forever.Time flys when your having fun Cheers mate
inagod 3 years ago 2
Was a good looking Boy!!
magnum2701 2 years ago
Awesome! One of my favorite Christmas songs!!!
freespirittania 3 years ago
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The words made this song for me when it first came out because it was voicing my emotions of betrayed youth and cynical hope for the future. I "wish" we all got the Christmas we deserve BUT Bush will not be dead and the wrongfully killed by his wars will not comfort their loved ones. So UNFORTUNETLY NO we do not always get the Christmas we deserve... BUT this song allows me at least lip service to the notion. Shalom Sabot... I hope your children are not killed by Bush in the brave new year.
pnfkwfl 3 years ago
is that Pete Sinfield of early Moody Blues fame?
jeff99az 3 years ago
no, that is pete sinfield of King Crimson fame.
inchargenow 3 years ago
Awesome Christmas song!
tantie1959 3 years ago
....but what Mr.Lake doesn't tell you is that part of this tune was knicked from Prokofiev's Symphonic Suite for orchestra OP.60 Lieutenant Kije - Troika. However as this track is one of the best christmas songs ever i will forgive him! despite scoring 9 out of 10 for most cheesey pop video. bless him!
deanoutube 3 years ago
ah just fek off willya
inchargenow 3 years ago
greg lake!!!!
giantcolt08 3 years ago
my dad liked this song when he was a mecanic in the 70"s
stirlingsteamboy08 3 years ago
AGH Cliff Richard is SO annoying!
Y2Jislegend 3 years ago
What show is this from please?
andrebrannan1953 3 years ago
This is a greta song and a great video.
I like ELP.
Silver from Poland.
srtyxczewlsrolkid 3 years ago
It was a cold snowy night in Atlanta when I got off around 2 am from working at the Brandy House. My father had left and my mother was dead emotionally. I was 16 years old. I turned on the radio and heard this song. It still brings me peace years later...
MaxVonStark 3 years ago
...your way with words moved me. continued peace MaxVonStark
ExMicroDotLover 3 years ago
Its a beautiful song mate. My favourite Christmas Song. Very clever use of the Prokofiev music Troika in there too. Absolute Classic.
coolcelt 3 years ago
The Brandy House on Roswell Road? Been there
many times.
Isn't it miraculous how a single song can
touch us so deeply at difficult times.
tuggerss 3 years ago
Hey man, i hope you still have your peace, merry christmas from ireland.
ivonpio 3 years ago
my story is not the same as yours but i understand completely the sentiment. may you be blessed and be at peace this year! shalom
jadebutterfly217 3 years ago
Santa on roller skates? It's Wakeman's King Arthur on ice all over again! What is it with prog-rockers and roller skates?
And for the record, ELP never sang about pixies.
satyr68 3 years ago
I didn't understand the pixies remark either. Could that be based on one line from some obscure song?
Tomgrrl 3 years ago
The media love to stereotype prog-rockers. They've been doing it for 30 years. It's how the media overcompensate for their insecurities.
Still, the prog-rockers don't help their cause much with all the ice-capades. ;)
satyr68 3 years ago
THE Illuminati at work
Democrats08 3 years ago
Lieutenant Kije. No thanks for Prokofiev? ELP always borrowed and never gave credit.
822iam 3 years ago
True. They had no chance without borrowing from the greats. Shit, they even hired lyricists.
822iam 3 years ago
Who replies to their own comment?
TrumpetMan202 3 years ago
IIRC, 'Take a Pebble' is based on a piece from an obscure Polish composer.
Tomgrrl 3 years ago
toyah sucks and totally ruined this song... she totally gave it a "winy little school girl"/spoiled brat feeling which is not the meaning of it at all! Fuck you Toyah!
bobbymackinnon 3 years ago
as a child i adored this song and do so to this day, first time i saw the video was tonight on you tube - i found the true me five years ago in Oman so the song and the video mean even more to me now. as far as Toyah's version a good song will live for ever and she didnt do to bad a job
redsonyaJ 3 years ago
Wonderful song, although they might have at least mentioned Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije.
It seems that there's a certain amount of piss-taking in the interviews.
HCherns 3 years ago
Oh...that's Pete Sinfield!
VallinSFAS 3 years ago
Nice song....depressing lyrics....think I will commit suicide now.
consv 3 years ago 3
Hey, you're still alive? :-))
MarkyMarc78 3 years ago
Toyah is such an idiot.
dyspraxia 4 years ago 3
i agree with lake
jgmaxx11 4 years ago
I would like to thank Greg for writing my favorite Christmas song ever, and I'm not a Christmas type of guy, but his song gives me chills. I really like the part of the interview where Toyah Wilcox sings it. I think it's the strongest, heart felt rendition after Greg's. Does anyone know where I can view the whole video of Toyah sing this song?
Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all.
brokk28 4 years ago
A severe disappointment. Mr. Lake should never've allowed another to perform his song. The woman "singer" butchered it. Sad. the woman calling CHRISTmas "x-mas"(something Mr. Lake himself objects to) should realize: Without CHRIST there is no Christmas.
audiophile55 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
boring !
harrylime22 4 years ago
This is a great christmas song. Maybe your the one who's boring.
iluvbrew0069 4 years ago
You don't get it. He is talking about how he was a child who believed in Santa "till I believed in the Israelite". He was sold "a fairy story".
mesuwright 4 years ago
You must be unaware how the X in Christmas came to be. Learn before bleating.
BrokenWingsTheFallen 4 years ago
You lot dont get it, the song is my favourite Christmas record, I love it.
I said 'Boring' to the coment not the song.
Quote :the woman calling CHRISTmas "x-mas"(something Mr. Lake himself objects to) should realize: Without CHRIST there is no Christmas.
BORING !!
harrylime22 4 years ago
Perhaps you should actually read Sinfield's lyrics. The song specifically declares Christ a "fairy story". This song is about the human experience of this Western holiday and the hypocrisy that surrounds us during its celebration. Buy a clue.
CitizenTed 4 years ago
"shame there wasnt a knife handy in 1982" hahaha
too right - dumb slag!
great vid cheers!!
jackcoffey 4 years ago
Who is narrating the peice? It sounds like Anthony Hopkins! can anyone tell me whether i'm right?
bubbletelescope 4 years ago
Sounds like Bernard Cribbins, but you're right - it is a bit like A.H. in places.
Rainhamster 4 years ago
That woman at 4:35 is terrifying.
agravlin 4 years ago 2
That's Toyah Wilcox.
octomonkey1980 4 years ago
One of the greatest Christmas songs ever.
agravlin 4 years ago
three chords and the trueth
rockingmods 4 years ago
Thank you for posting one of my favorite xmas songs! The other one being "December Will Be Magic Again" by Kate Bush.
asarapi 4 years ago
Right there with you on those two. Shame they don't get played anymore... :¬(
CatFiain 3 years ago
Not seen this before, the interview I mean. Very interesting. Oh and top tune too.
simpson30 4 years ago
ouy you, he was atfter a pensoin when he wrote a bit of an oldie
................
still stands as one of the best all round , hear it in june and its still stands on on its own,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
close one at xmas (familly dontagree) with him and the old jl clasic
folowwed only by the pised party pogues
to me greg lakes lokin to the sky is THE best
but im sure im sooooo wromg lol
ivehadit1 4 years ago
It is an extremely good Christmas song, in fact probably one of the best (rock) christmas songs ever released. Its a shame he comes across as a such a boring old git these days though!
StanPomeray 4 years ago
I just released a new video using this very song. Merry Christmas to all!
minstral2 4 years ago
A man which such a wonderful and perfect voice! I think nobody in the world could ever top the true beauty of his voice.
marylovesfrank 4 years ago 2
1 of the radio stations in Atlanta was playing song requests for a donation to Habitat for Humanity. I called in and donated $75 dollars to hear this song, my fav for Christmas.They called me back and told me that they would only play the song if I upped my donation to $275.00.!I was bummed! I just wonder why they took that position. I know for a fact they played other songs ( like country on a Rock station 92.9 DAVE FM) ...any ideas?
imaclevergirl2 4 years ago
The Christmas we get we deserve... What kind of Christmas for America, or Bush?
pnfkwfl 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Shut the fuck up, you fucking hippy douche.
agravlin 4 years ago
Sounds like I struck a nerve. Try not to let those exposed nerves show your true colors... It is VERY revealing...
pnfkwfl 4 years ago
Heh... the inability to say anything intelligent or realistic - hilarious.
agravlin 4 years ago
Check out a great uptempo version of this song by "Seven Second Orchestra" at Soundclickdotcom
Musicfan1234567890 4 years ago
great xmas song, great lyrics. its music takes us to the mixed feelings he describes. It also takes me to when I was a little girl and woke up on xmas morning, the uncertainty to find what I expected ...
fiorella69 4 years ago
This has always been my favorite Xmas song because it gives exactly the feeling I hope to have on Xmas.
Singemaus 4 years ago
GREG- Thank You!!
surfinbill 4 years ago
Fantastic video! I've never seen a lot of this. Lake ---> Crimson ---> Fripp ---> Toyah Wilcox. (BTW, Fripp and Wilcox in Sunday All Over The World was a great album). Thanks for posting!
crimsonkng 4 years ago