Greg Lake-I Believe In Father Christmas HQ Audio

[puddypuss]

I always remember driving towards the west near christmas with this on the radio and getting this really content good feeling ,especially on the chord chimes at 1.26

[dalybaz]

Yes 1975 it is. I can't seem to find the single in my collection but a trip to Wikipedia did the trick and confirmed this. Cheers, Baz.

[delphinadolphin]

Why I am listening to this in January? :) I do love it though. I suddenly had it playing in my mind this afternoon :)

[dalybaz]

This is the single release 1973? as opposed to the ELP version from 1977 or so.

[puddypuss]

@dalybaz Im fairly sure it was from 1975, but could have been written earlier

[dalybaz]

Didn't Mr Sinfield write the words to this one?

[flipwiggins]

Actually, this version is a re-mix, as the original did not have the heavenly choir and orchestra throughout and at the end, nor did it have the effects on the words "be it Heaven or Hellllllllllllll". Check it out sometime. The original was released when I was around 13 or so, but I seem to like the re-mix a bit better. See you next holidays!!!

[rmtmiller]

Christmas is still beautiful if you have wonder and joy in your heart.

[BLUESMANRONCHICAGO]

My Xmas wish is that i could have Greg Lake's voice, it is absolutely beautiful!!!!

[WYUA12]

Father Christmas as we knew him in England was not a gift giver. He was a man dressed in green who traveled from house to house to share in a festive meal. He welcomed the coming of a new spring. Yet again it's an American invasion of crap and twisted values that has destroyed the meaning of Christmas.

[VideoMask93]

@WYUA12 Hey, the modern Santa came from Denmark.

[robinbobin11]

@WYUA12 wow... i did not know that.

[SenorSpode]

Emerson, Lake & Palmer. 'nuff said. *wipes tear away*

[garyw930]

I would like to recommedn the book 'An Essential Guide To Music In The 1970s' by Johnny Zero. The author is a big fan of this track.

[SpacemannSpiff]

Awesome! One of the best Christmas songs ever! Thanks for posting it. (And thanks for posting THIS version as opposed to the other version which has a quiet, calm ending--doesn't even compare to this one).

[SuperPatrick777]

@SpacemannSpiff it is the best by a light year , and as per usual takes a rock artist to do it right .

[Jacpeewie]

this song... needs to be 2 minutes longer.

[originalleftside]

This is my favourite song at Christmas time. It demyths the stories told to us throughout our childhood and suggests if we continue to believe in fairytales as grown ups then we shy away from changing for the better what is here and now: 'the Christmas we get we deserve'!!!

[tenpop101]

Who cares when JESUS was born----HE WAS BORN and Died for us. Even if you dont believe the story, Why cant it be a lesson to us?

[SuperPatrick777]

@tenpop101 it was about 3- 4 bc

[ejl1000]

0:53 is my favourite bit :)

[randy11kat]

Thanks for posting! My favorite song too!

[clo4man]

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. Merry Christmas to all even if there is no peace on Earth.

[willis18363]

the 25th is a pagan rite for the return of the sun ,, winter soltice, where people would exchange gifts and dance around a big fire with family and friends , the church sole this date to convert pagans , the real date of christs birth is thought to be 15th march ,,, by the way easter has been used like this ,, another pagan fertility rite

[JolysMusichetta16]

I love this song so much...what I hate is the religious arguments going on around every corner. Seriously, if you don't agree with christianity, I have no enmity for you. Just don't go around picking fights about it!

[walterbrob]

@JolysMusichetta16 That is correct.People are addicted to arguing here as much as they are on the facebook phenonenom...I really do not need to know about peoples moods ;bathroom habits;plans for the day or yesterday.

[Greenockianx]

Simply the best Christmas song - one that actually reminds us about a particular baby!!!

[tonusaitis]

Greg Lake sounds like he's singing that he believes in Santa Claus rather than Jesus. Regardless of the lyrics, the song is kind of weak. The big tympany and heavy-reverb vocals can't prop it up enough to make it good..

[siobhansdaughter]

@tonusaitis It's airy and of the ether. The orchestration at the end is obvious for the host of angels singing the Lord's praises. This was a phase of a music genre that remains to this day. In all my life I've never ever gotten that he was more upset over the loss of Santa, rather than the holiness of the spirit. I'm curious as to how old you are, Not that any particular ages makes anyone's opinion less or impaired. I just really wanted to know where you were coming from.

[yukadoo]

Ummmm...isn't 'Christ' part of the word, 'Christ-mas'?

If not, then why would Christmas even exist?

...just sayin'...

[detoxtc]

@yukadoo Same reason Thursday is named after Thor?

[yukadoo]

@detoxtc I suppose...hope this isn't a 'Thor' point with you...?! :-)

[omgersk8er]

@yukadoo Because most societies have some kind of winter festivals. Christmas is a combination of many pagan festivals, notably the Scandinavian Yule. Jesus could not have been born in wintertime but the church pretended he did to appropriate the winter festivals and make it more appealing to convert to Christianity. In Scandinavia Christmas is still known as Jul and Jól and such Yule-based words. Christmas is a combination of many things, Christianity is just a part of it.

[yukadoo]

@omgersk8er Interesting...!

[wordsmi999]

What a beautiful, beautiful Christmas song. Thank you for sharing this.

[pedmunds62]

@keith4291 congratulations mate stick with it I'm 7 years this sober this Christmas and every year it gets better. My hats off to you and Merry Christmas to you all.

[joanne3623]

This is my favorite Christmas song! Beautifully done!

[27132lower]

I thought the name/album was The Pretentious Song from The Pretentious Album

[athinmoonme]

So beautiful. This has been my favorite Christmas song since it came out.

[fuckwhatyoufeel]

sounds a bit like the beatles.

[bulletheed1970]

@keith4291 Well done Keith ..

[ChristopherRye]

I made this track with Greg Lake's song in mind... because it's my favourite Christmas song and no one makes music with this atmosphere anymore.

[riverbrue]

F A B!

[themitch1966]

@keith4291 Congratulations!! Whatever the reason you're sober, YOU ARE SOBER!!!!!! God Bless and Happy Christmas.

[fritzkr9]

Excellent! Thank you for posting this. :-)

[raiderdanCA]

This is a Christmas MASTERPIECE ... it is the great carol of the 20th century. The transition from a single performer and a couple of instruments to a full orchestra and choir at the 2:05 mark brings a powerful finish and final minute-and-a-half that absolutely blows your doors off. It is simply INCREDIBLE !

[QueensburyPaul]

One of the best Non Christmassy Christmas songs ever, pure classic. I just love the heavy orchestration and timpani drums towards the end. Intrestingly the official video showing tanks and bombing scenes from the vietnam war was origianally cut and edited out, meaning the track was also edited down. The full version is the best.

[cargandaff]

Not to be negative, but Ive tried for years to believe in what you are saying but I think Jesus will be in death what Santa was at age 10 !!! The truth aint nice but whts the difference, magic men doing amazing things, if Jesus is real, then surely santa is too ???

[wooes5]

@keith4291 good on you. have a good xmas m8.

[TheSSMusicChannel]

best down to earth christmas song ever. always makes me tear up remembering my kids growing up and troika as the theme through it is absolute magic, Its my favourite thing to play on my 12 string,

[wasabiluver]

@keith4291 God/dess bless you and your family, Keith. Merry Christmas!

[julesmoody]

@keith4291  well done keep it up

[johnnyblunder]

good on you mate, its a long hard slog giving up the booze but it can be done and Im sure in time to will reap the rewards if you havent already..

[anted62]

@keith4291 good luck to you my friend..

[heldyrob]

xmas song that will last just like white xmas

[genman57]

@heldyrob Damn Right it will..this is THE BEST!!

[itsthemama3]

@keith4291 I am a recovering alcoholic. You can do it...stay sober.....good luck. :)

[FlashSonicAnimator]

This song is about how Christmas is a lie. It should be banned from Christmas stations all over the world. IT'S NOT A CHRISTMAS SONG!!

[givingitashot1]

@FlashSonicAnimator Get over the chip on your shoulder, Christmas isnt just tinsel and happy dinners, if youdont understand it as a christmas song then you just dont get it, but others do. One of the best!

[heystripper]

@FlashSonicAnimator You've obviously been smoking too much meth. Go back to Alabama where people won't mind how insane you are. Bye!

[TheDeadman419]

@FlashSonicAnimator the point is to tell people how the economy and materialism has destroyed Christmas and not many people even realize that. i'm happy Greg Lake wrote this song to let people know that. maybe kids will start to remember again.

[edobriensgrin]

@FlashSonicAnimator of course it is a Christmas song. Listen to the lyrics for goodness' sake!

[999klondike]

4 scrooges dislike this...bah humbug!

[tinnitischannel]

@keith4291 One of the worst Christmas songs EVER. And this is coming from a guy who wrote and performed a song called "I SHOT SANTA CLAUS DOWN".

[SaffyVamp]

Just listening to the words of the song by Greg Lake. Merry Christmas to all our serving troops, may they too share in the wonders of Christmas and soon, perhpas there will no more need to send soldiers to fight in countries we have no need being in.

[MsFanmail]

The 1970s were the golden age of the christmas single now we get is the x factor.

[MrSimonSmith26]

@MsFanmail x-factor rubbish, rarely do ya hear xmas songs now that actually mention xmas

[MrTamiya89]

they should ban the X factor and to keep all of the old songs on

[TheSiblood]

@keith4291 Merry Christmas People.........I'm not religious, but there is something about christmas that makes everyone a little bit nicer to each other! .....All the best!

[mickeymousebiker1]

@keith4291 A million thanks, Keith! Somehow, I KNOW that My Barbra is watching over me and those she loved in this life!! My Barbra is STILL the Darling of my life (and will be forever)! May all of Heaven keep watch over you and yours this Christmas 2011 and for all time! The Peace of Christ and Heaven be yours :-)!

[IndyGlenn]

@keith4291, May God Bless you. A fellow Friend of Bill W's.

[TheJeffman1985]

I remember last Christmas (2010) I woke up to this song. ♥ this tune!

[mickeymousebiker1]

@keith4291 I'm going through my second Christmas without The Darling of My Life -- My Heavenly-Resplendent Wife, Barbra Rose. We were married only two years before cancer stole her away from me on Nov. 21/22, 2010. I love My Barbra Forever! I wish you and your son a "hopeful Christmas and a brave New Year -- may your heart be light and may your road be clear!" A God-graced, Joyful, and Merry Christmas 2011 to you and yours. Hope is yours (just believe in The Christ of Christmas)!

[Awwfc1877]

@keith4291 Merry Xmas mate

[IwshIcldstrtover]

(Cont.) Click on "Facebook" and follow the link included. The article appeared in "Uncut" Jan. 2011, titled "Uncut interview with Greg and Friends".

[dlamiss]

Quite simply the greatest christmas song ever made

[hankbat5149]

A person may be told the truth or told a lie with all the greatest intentions but until each individual finds Christ for their self...they may live in unguided, directionless wandering. Honest seeking for the truth is the first step. Absolutely fantastic, multi-dimensional song. Merry Christmas to one and all.

[mickeymousebiker1]

@hankbat5149 Amen! A Merry and Joyful Christmas 2011 to you and to all!

[mickeymousebiker1]

@THENORTHERNSONGS You are most welcome! May the Christ of Christmas keep you in His care (always). A Merry and God-graced Christmas 2011 to all!

[1960deco]

This is one of only a few Christmas tracks I can listen to anytime of the year.

[mickeymousebiker1]

I'm a Christian. I find nothing offensive in this song. Greg sings of a hard truth here. As with anything else in this life, Christmas is about choices. We make Christmas what it is in this life (or what it could be in the next life). The ending lyrics are positive and wondrous. The official video has a soldier and his young son running towards each other (in Israel) -- they embrace in true father/son love. There will be no more war when Christ returns to this world! Merry Christmas 2011 to all

[IwshIcldstrtover]

@mickeymousebiker1 Everyone needs to Google "The Making of I Believe in Father Christmas". Lake, Sinfield, Godfrey Salmon(who conducted the symphony in this song)and others, tell of the making of this song. Greg Lake and Peter Sinfield point out that this is **NOT** an "atheist" song. (Sorry atheists, but its straight from the horses mouths). Greg Lake said that the studio was filled with emotion as the full choir was singing at the end & people were crying.

[mickeymousebiker1]

@IwshIcldstrtover This song is truth. We make Christmas what it is (or what it could be). It is all about CHOICES regarding what to believe in and follow. God/Christ never forced anyone to accept Him. I can fully understand why people wept at the end of the song -- the chorus is Heavenly-regal! The choral arrangements touched a lot of hearts. The small boy and the soldier running towards each other in greeting is one of the most powerful endings to any music video --ever!

[genman57]

@mickeymousebiker1 Unfortuately I wish there was more PEACE than Snow at Christmas!!..God Bless

[mickeymousebiker1]

@genman57 Someday (very soon, I pray and hope) there WILL be True and Lasting Peace at Christmas time! The little boy who's birth we celebrate every Dec. 25 will come back as a Peace-giver (again). Love, Beauty, Joy, Hope, Peace (and a bit of snow) to you at Christmas 2011!

[HuskyMaxx]

@mickeymousebiker

Jesus is just part of a religious 'story' to help those who cannot comprehend how the universe was created (impossible for man anyway) and how we all got here. Same for the Jewish, Hindu and all other religions.All man made story tales.Obviously some 'God' created everything, but the human brain cannot comprehend anything close to this level and never will. If Jesus makes you feel safer, go for it, but we don't all need to hear the nonsense.We came from apes.

[TheLittleHorseLady]

@HuskyMaxx Sorry but how did man kind create more people if the first two people on earth had 2 sons and one died:| awkward:/ haha love religious ownings.

[siobhansdaughter]

@TheLittleHorseLady Actually, there were multiple children other Cain and Abel. Cain also fled to later marry and bear children. Google Gehenna. After Cain and Abel, there came Seth. Perhaps you should read the bible actually before you try to take a stab at religious ownings. Though I will agree, I'm not a fan of who Did Cain run off to and Mary. People's Legends get passed around through generations. All tales are copies. And copies of copies always lose their integrity.

[siobhansdaughter]

@siobhansdaughter Igore my reference to Gehenna. Mistake

[anonUK]

@HuskyMaxx

I believe that Jesus had something to do with God, but I don't believe that Christians have the monopoly on truth by any means. If they did, then they wouldn't spend their time quarrelling with each other and covering up for their own side's sins. As for evolution from apes, then if that's the way God wanted it, then why bother arguing against it? Has anyone got any better scientific ideas?

[Thecuregalore94]

@mickeymousebiker1 A very poignant message, my friend. Merry Christmas to you too! :)

[Jimmythepin]

@mickeymousebiker1 Hi - Just wondering if you actually listened to all the lyrics. "They told me of fairy stories, 'til I believed in the Israelite".....and, as a Christian, you take no offense? - I agree it is a pretty song with a lot of good lines, but this particular one demonstrates Lake's true feelings about the true meaning of Christmas.

[c0mac0cktail]

@Jimmythepin Maybe the "fairy stories" are what he believed it to be "until [he] believed in the Israelite," ?

[HamSmithy]

@c0mac0cktail I think it's kind of a comparison to the previous "Sold me" lines. Basically, I think he's kind of saying that "selling" is the wrong way to go about getting someone to believe in Jesus - how though he believes, he is sad that people cannot convey the belief the way He intended. I think. I saw an interview with him about that once.

[HamSmithy]

@HamSmithy He as in Jesus, sorry.

[BenKingsley1]

@keith4291 hey man, GREAT !!!!! words :-) and DO make them become true! if not, come here to get your kick in the ass :-p

when on my son's 15th birthday I recently re-told him the first 2 hrs of his life in the world of light, what he & I did together, how I carried him around letting him smell me, hear me, feel me, explaining him what would be expecting him

afterwards I asked him what all this tells him

his answer: "it must be very cool to be a dad"

all I could say was "yes, it sure is" 8-)

[Nacho66]

Finally: Some good audio.

[kringles4]

3 dislikes? amazing...they must have been baseball cap on backward rappers...thank you for posting.

[hopebgood]

I'm already hunting out vids for Christmas.....and this is a must!

:)

[kringles4]

@hopebgood I'm doing the same hope :)

[gutworm45]

I'm getting the feel for christmas already :D

[56DOBO]

CLASSIC....unlike x factior tripe.....

[EyeHawk777]

Does anyone know where I can find guitar tabs for this song?

[ivaa7777JAWA]

@thenorthernsongs . Yes . Thank you !!!

[Satchel334]

Very good Christmas song and I'm an agnostic.

[andor5]

Thanks for posting... very good audio...excellent voice of Greg Lake... one of the best Christmas song ever...

[VoxMax1200]

This voice, this music, these

playing of instruments are TRUE talent and Skill.

[ThisBirdHazFlown]

WOW.. this is LUVERLY, TNS!!! Sweet as can be!

[Reddirtgirl55Again]

A big favourite!

[4fulsealteam]

Great song & the sound was amazing! I gave it thumbs up anyway!