Greg Lake - I Believe In Father Christmas

[72f260]

My first listen of the song for the year!

[musicollector1975]

@clunkster001 spewed forth his ignorance with " I see that one of your favourites is Andy Kim. Well if that doesn't explain where your mind is, nothing does." Nothing like painting everyone with the same brush! That is ignorant! What's wrong with Andy Kim, f****ng fool?

[bordeauxchick]

This is my favorite Christmas song. I wish stations played it more.

[FreedomNetworkDotCom]

i met greg a long time ago at a musicians workshop in the late 70's or early 80's down in hollyweird and i am a staunch man who believes beyond words and i have no probs with greg's beautiful song... it's a great song... some may have a prob with the "fairy story" or the "father christmas" phrases but they don't see the forest for the trees... "greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend" ... jesus said it... he actually did it... argue with that if you can...

[sageofsuccess]

The audio is horrible. You can't hear anything.

[ledieppe]

I like this song, I like the video, and I love this group. However, this a crap video copied from a VHS tape recording of a TV show of the film of the video! Please drop this... ugh.

[ejev33]

second favourite christmas song, behind fairytale of new york

[cindylcain59]

clunkster001...Come on now, language like that shows how unintelligent you are!

[cindylcain59]

The last line means exactly that..."The Christmas we get, we deserve." If you give love and joy, you will most likely get it back, at Christmastime and throughout the year. If there is hate, sadness, discontent, etc in your heart, well, right back at'cha. We humans usually do get what we deserve, be it good or bad, although bad things happen to good people every day. We have the power to change that, if only we would.

[cindylcain59]

For inchargenow...You Go!! I am in complete agreement with you...That is what Greg meant to convey...and he did an excellent job! One of my favorites at Christmas...have it on cassette, and sometimes play it in Summer.

[jenwill11]

Hey aardvarkbark chill out! Americans are not despised, please don't put your own country down. Your country has brought freedom to the world and despite what some say, it has kept world peace for many years. We have much to thank you Americans for. God bless America.

[coxhoe789]

@jenwill11 don,t forget that they could never have done it without us english

[aardvarkbark]

philchemi, it's because of morons like you that America is so deeply despised internationally. We invaded a foreign nation under the false premise that they had WMDs. But OK, let's agree to 'protect ourselves' -- let's have Geo 'W'armonger, Dick 'if it's good for Haliburton' and Donald 'we don't torture' all go over and end this war for us. Maybe as a Christmas present to humanity they'll all come home like Pat Tillman did.

[philchemi]

Americans never start wars,we do not take war lightly,we will protect ourselves and our allies even the French(maybe never again)They could be speaking German now.We have layed down our lives for the world and the world despises us for making ourselves wealthy.Governments do not make people wealthy people do.Obama is on his way to making us 2nd world but it won,t last we will vote him and the democrats out.Don,t mess with us we won,t mess with you.

[ste123456754]

best christmas song ever

[MrEmerson071]

a great song brings back fond memories of what xmas should mean about the true meaning and less shopping presents

[consv]

Leave it to some bozo to take a shot at Bush in a ELP video.

[kurtizzyflush]

@consv Where is there a shot at Bush in a video done years before he was in office? Are you speaking to a comment someone posted? Seriously Rush find somewhere else to hang out.

[jujutiles]

This is a great song musically, but you can't deny that the lyrics " i was told a fairy story 'til I believed in the israelite( Jesus)" are anti christian. The next line Lake compares the fairy story about Jesus to the fraud that is Santa Claus, "I saw him through his disguise". If You listen to the U2 version, Bono, a Christian, changes the words to " but I believed in the israelite." I subtle change but done for a reason.

[umbrellashade]

It is a lovely song, but I do not understand the ending on the video with the planes fighting overhead and the young boy running towards a waiting soldier. Does anyone know what that means?

[desertswo]

The whole song is full of irony. Singing about peace on earth, as many of us who claim to be Christians do each year, whilst anything but peace is taking place, is just one of them. Also, as both the son of, and a career military officer myself, the young boy running to meet what is obviously his father returning from war is particularly poignant because there is nothing quite like the welcome home; particularly at Christmas. As the song, implies maybe they both got the Christmas they deserved.

[scattyzaks]

One man's meat is another man's poison. Personally, for me he sings about the reality of Christmas, Christianity and life.

[inchargenow]

I am sick of this old misconception. Not anti-christian you blind fool. The lyrics mean that he believed in the 'fairy story" 'til (UNTIL) he then believed in the Israelite. He means that he bought into the commercialization of Christmas until he saw throught the disguise and found the real story. Greg has always advocated putting the Christ back in Christmas. Is there no depth to your mind, do you only think on a superficial level? How can you live your life with one-dimensional thinking?

[desertswo]

I interpreted the song similarly. Thank you for making the point.

[IwshIcldstrtover]

I don't think there is a misconception, regarding this tune. If you were to read Lake's opinion on God, in the book "The Show That Never Ends, Emerson, Lake and Palmer", he states that he does not have "Blind faith", and that he almost wishes he did.  Therefore, Greg Lake does not believe in God, according to the quote within that book. It is sad, to me, because the end of this song always rips my heart out.

[Hunsruck]

@inchargenow WELL SAID !! :-)

[kuroistuc]

@inchargenow Very well said! =)

[clunkster001]

@inchargenow ;u r a cunt,get over it u twat

[inchargenow]

@clunkster001 You are vulgar and childish. I see that one of your favourites is Andy Kim. Well if that doesn't explain where your mind is, nothing does.

[inchargenow]

@clunkster001 i am underage and you are a 38 year old man who loves Andy Kim. What kind of way is that to talk to a child? You are a dirty old man with a very filthy mouth. You should be ashamed of yourself.

[ReechReynolds]

@inchargenow

Wow what an un-Christian response, but I can't say I'm surprised. Matthew 5:22 is a passage you should familiarize yourself with. If having invisible, make-believe friends makes one have an in-depth, multi-dimensional mind, count me out.

[inchargenow]

@ReechReynolds I may be young, but I am not stupid. What are you talking about, you make no sense.

[longdog65]

@inchargenow If what you say is true then it means what I have always thought of as a very elegantly written song is ill worded, religious doggerel. I simply can't see how you have mentally twisted the words in to what you claim. You are taking selective words out of context, adding your own and twisting the whole thing to your own meaning.

[BuckaRue55]

@inchargenow j

I respect your view of what the Christmas season is. The commercialization of the holiday is terrible. All we hear about is how it is going to affect the economy if Christmas giving is low and how awful it will be for the "poor" retailers. I wish we could get all the way back to what the season was before Christians took it, like so many other holidays, and applied it to their beliefs. Yes, Christmas was more then just the Christ story at one time. Check history. Merry Christmas .

[0ndrous]

@inchargenow NO SH!T!?!?!?? - That's truly good news since I also had misinterpreted his meaning as atheistic. I've always loved the song but not without a slightly guilt-ridden wince at some of the lyrics.

BTW, the audio on this is extremely low. Thanks

[pnfkwfl]

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.

[apeandbirdgang]

merry christmas to everyone on this comments page!!!

[Brushnumber1]

why the hell do these idiots need explanations and grammar corrections ? It's a rhetorical question yuh freak !!!! Laugh at your useless and pointless self cuz you aint gonna be nothin but dust . goddamn you morons are annoying !!!

[thekingofsurbiton]

Wow. You Septic Tanks are so full of hate, man. Merry Christmas!

[whitewitch8]

why pick apart the lyrics? it is what it is to whomever is listening... Merry Christmas.

[Ken5244]

Quote: "why pick apart the lyrics? it is what it is to whomever is listening... Merry Christmas."

No offense (really), but I respectfully disagree. The song's meaning is what Greg and Pete Sinfield (who co-wrote the lyrics) meant it to be. The meaning isn't just what a given person chooses it to be to suit their own ideological wishes/agenda (atheism or whatever).

This song has often been misinterpreted as being "anti-Christmas," even though Greg has said it's not. And I think he'd know.

[Ken5244]

In addition, audiophile55 posted this in one of the other threads for this song:

He {Lake} said in a Mojo magazine interview: "I find it appalling when people say it's politically incorrect to talk about Christmas, you've got to talk about 'The Holiday Season.' Christmas was a time of family warmth and love. There was a feeling of forgiveness, acceptance. And I do believe in Father Christmas."

[Brushnumber1]

Have a Coke and a smile , and don't choke on the Bile as innocent blood spills all the while . Ain't no such thing as the real thing . So we blind ourselves and cheerfully sing . We remind ourselves of the hope that our prayers might bring . Ding aling ding

[Ken5244]

zaggy3110 said, "Actually it's an anti-Christmas song."

Actually, that's false. Lake has said the lyrics were inspired by violence in the Middle East in the mid-'70s and how, because of human conflict, Christmas wasn't always happy for everyone. The song is a wish for humanity to realize the meaning of Christmas and live up to it. That's why the last lines of the song are "Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve."

It's not "anti-Christmas."

[zaggy3110]

Actually it's an anti-Christmas song.Bute Lake could be clearer. All this christmas kitsch ("White christmas, Santa Claus, christmas presents etc etc.) is rubbish. The christians of the early centuries didn't celebrate this nonsense. Lake isn't aware of the fact that he is more bibical than this stupid evangelicals or the average american consumer.

The only other christmas pop song I can appreciate is "Father Christmas" by the Kinks"

- watch v=CjaPXihbORk

[consv]

Greg Lake's version of life seems very depressing.

The reason why our world is so bad is that we are corrupted by our sin.

Jesus sacrificed his life to give us a way to cover that sin and make us acceptable to God.

We have to ask Jesus as our savior to get that gift of forgiveness.

Jesus said in John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

[Nerfball6]

Well said.

It's a shame that such a beautiful song has such a sad, depressing message. Especially the verse about being sold lies about Christ. But it was a product of the times. In Greg's defense, he did say in an interview that this was not an anti-christmas song, but an anti-commercialization of Christmas song. Though I find that a bit hard to buy. As much as I like Greg Lake, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, there does some to be some athieistic messages that creep into their songs at times.

[EdgeGeraldine]

athieistic messages that creep into their songs at times

Really. I guess you didn't notice the entire song about it.

[Brushnumber1]

you be stupid . no really that's it your just stupid . like wholey crap your dumb

[Ken5244]

Quote: "Have a Coke and a smile , and don't choke on the Bile as innocent blood spills all the while . Ain't no such thing as the real thing . So we blind ourselves and cheerfully sing . We remind ourselves of the hope that our prayers might bring . Ding aling ding."

For the rest of us who weren't toking on that bong with you, what are you trying to say?

[Brushnumber1]

Oh No , I'm straight . you just can't relate to rhymes that are great . Take a good look at Greg . Soon you will see that Greg lake has ate father christmas . who F'N gives a flipping crap what any of this shit means ?!?!?!

[Ken5244]

I think I'm plenty capable of "relating to rhymes that are great," but I think you're overestimating the quality of your rhymes. Just 'cuz it rhymes doesn't mean it makes sense, and I think the only person that your previous "rhyme" makes sense to is you. "Have a Coke and a smile, and don't choke on the bile"? Yeah, I remember the old Coke commercials, but what the hell does that mean? Whose bile? Whose innocent blood? What are you babbling about? We're not mind-readers, Captain Cosmic.

[Brushnumber1]

you are over estimating the quality of your intellect ! I meant to mispell ,Dumbass ! Acting like you're civilized . give up captain douchebag . You've obviously sucked on "bongs" yourself . So now you think you're all growed up . NO you still fucked up Bitch !You tube is asshole central ! And you missed the train again retard .

[Ken5244]

Oh, okay. You meant to spell "you're" and "holy" incorrectly? Okay, whatever you say.

And let's see: You've called me "Dumbass," "captain douchebag," "fucked up Bitch," "asshole" "freak" and "moron." Wow, if I work real hard maybe someday I can become as civilized as you.

As for why we "need explanations," I merely asked what your first post meant because your bizarre pseudo-"rhyme" about Coke and bile and spilling innocent blood seemingly has nothing to do with this video.

[Ken5244]

Oops, I left out "retard." Wouldn't want to sell myself short. *laugh*

FWIW, I wanna thank you for your positive, uplifting contribution to this thread. You've really got the Christmas spirit and are able to express it in such a mature, articulate way. It's not often that the rest of us are treated to a poet as gifted as you, particularly at this joyous time of year. I bet Greg himself would be proud that people like you watch his videos and listen to his music. Thanks again.

/sarcasm/

[Ken5244]

And your rude remark referring to Greg's weight is rather classless. Perhaps you're not as high-minded as you think you are. And BTW, "Greg has ate Father Christmas" is grammatically incorrect. "Eaten" would be the correct word, but maybe that would ruin the, er, "great" rhyme, eh?

As for "who F'N gives a flippin' crap what any of this shit means" (another high-minded remark *rolls eyes*), judging by the number of posts here talking about this song's meaning I'd say a LOT of people do.

[billabongodrum]

they told me a FAIRY STORY i believed in the isrealite...

think about that...

[tcthomas40]

Listen to "Hallowed be thy Name". You will really enjoy that one.

[motley59]

Christmas Eve is the highlight for me, especially around midnight into Christmas morning. At that time I play "Oh Holy Night" on the music box, then play this tune in rememberance to those less fortunate around the world, especially the kids. I think that's why Greg chose this setting for his message of hope and peace in the future for all humans, as in the spirit we are all brothers and sisters. Peace to all of you.

[toothmaker22000]

killer!

[Jojoseahorse]

This is lovely :) Can anyone tell me what town he is from?

[Ken5244]

Quote: "This is lovely :) Can anyone tell me what town he is from?"

Greg is originally from Poole, a large seaport town on the southern coast of England. If memory serves, he moved to London to join King Crimson when he was about 21.

[Jojoseahorse]

Poole, Dorset? Thanks for the info - can't believe Christmas is almost here again. Still love this song, any time of year. Peace :)

[Ken5244]

Yes, Poole in Dorset. That's the one.

I live in the U.S. and am not an expert on British history by any means, but apparently Poole is quite an old town dating back to around the 12th century. And I've read that it was one of the key points of departure when the allied forces launched the D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II. So not only did it give us Greg Lake, it also helped end the war. :-)

Peace to you too.

[maidenman33]

i love his voice

[pnfkwfl]

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.

[Weasler455]

Grow up, moron.

[modsheff1]

piggypiggypiggywoopiggypiggypi­ggywoo! clap clap clap! uttercrap! not this songs folk b4 ya start! jokeLOL! MERRYXMAS

[farscapeone]

blackadder christmas carol is a classic !!!

[fragzzzzzzzzzz]

willies

[wolfkeeper2112]

Only those with a closed mind shall be the ones that do not reap the benifits. Rock on and understand.

[farscapeone]

pel1can!!! leave your hangups on your christmas wish list, and who knows, father christmas may take them away and let your roads be clear!!! failing that!!! take your nonsense elswhere!! may yultide logs slip from your fire and burn your house down!!

[Mato1970]

LOL! You must be a Blackadder fan! I LOVE Blackadder Christmas Carol!

[ROTABAT]

No VOLUME

[pel1can]

the yank people should get the christmas they deserve: hellfire abd damnation. a country founded on genocide, led by a terrorist war criminal, and the biggest sponsor of terrorism on the planet.

[FallenAngelVick]

Please allow me to thank you for your fond Christmas Wishes

May your gods keep you as they see fit

[agravlin]

Die, you fucking hateful pile of human refuse. Actually, educate yourself - then die... painfully.

[pnfkwfl]

agravlin, It must suck to wake up inside that head of yours each day. Your Christmas obviously sucks so for some it is true; you get the Christmas you deserve and you are wallowing in it.

[agravlin]

Nope, I love Christmas because I have the capacity to enjoy things that are purely innocent and joyful, rather than being blinded by some inane hatred that would put some agenda into my feelings toward a song. You fucking pinkos lack the ability to truly enjoy anything that's good and pure. Congratulations.

[katterfelto]

And I suppose anyone who would call someone "fucking pinkos" has the true spirit of Christmas in their heart.

Let us all, pinkos and fascists alike, try to get along for a bit.

[BellyDancerGirl07]

Yes, one of the VERY best. I get chills and tears each time I listen to this - especially in these times. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[dblusher]

one of the BEST Christmas songs...and pnfkwfl can BITE IT......

[wowthisisalloneword]

this was terrible. just kidding. i thought he was tasty. florets.

[pnfkwfl]

The Christmas we get we deserve... What kind of Christmas for America, or Bush?

[agravlin]

Stop posting that fucking mindless hippy bullshit on every fucking video.

[pnfkwfl]

hmmm sounds like I struck a nerve.

[agravlin]

That's what happens when you say something fucking stupid. It pisses off people who don't want to be part of the same species as a piece of shit like you.

[lazer59882]

i hope bush will get a miserable christmas, but as far as america goes, i'm sick of people talking about a nation of individuals as if it were a solitary body of one like mind and of no differing opinions

[Texasjim2007]

I made out my Last Will and Testament when I

was in the Army during the Gulf War and I would do it again. The closest I had to a brother died defending Que Son. He made that choice of his own free will. To fight wars against tyranny saves lives because tyranny kills more innocent people than war, but wars shouldn't be necessary. We should all be better at working things out.

[pnfkwfl]

So scary and sad...

[Texasjim2007]

Fewer people historically have died fighting

wars against a tyranny than living under one.

More people died in the Cambodian Killing Fields than died on both sides in the whole 12 years of the Vietnam War. Yes, its very sad but true. Christ was among other things a political prisoner who died for speaking the truth in an intolerant military dictatorship. The truth needs to be spoken no matter what.

[gazhanson]

the best christmas song ever...

[Datadog314]

This is Greg Lake's take on the commercialism of Christmas. It's kind of a protest song. Excellent songwriting, rips the true meaning of the holiday.....and I couldn't agree more.

[stratele]

Right on..I totally agree...You can find this tune(without the orchestration)on ELP's Works 2.

[SAULGENESISFANREBORN]

True, even though it wasn't really his message, he didn't write the lyrics, Peter Sinfield did.

[Thedivinewoman]

I loved this when it first came out and 30 years later it's still the greatest Christmas song with a relevant video that shows that we still haven't learned anything.

A beautiful voice, a beautiful song and a beautiful video.

[Musicfan1234567890]

Check out an awesome version of this song by "Seven Second Orchestra" at Soundclickdotcom.

[Musicfan1234567890]

Awesome!

[kimmilizzy]

very sad but a brilliant christmas song.

[xleloo]

at least I found it...the best Christmas song.

thank you very much.

[PaganWitchMichi]

This is only version (choir and orchestra accompanying him) that has the true magic of the song. The war scenes sadly reflect what is going on today. The father coming home from a war at the end to his son makes me cry every time. @##$^^#$^^# BUSH needs to see this video.

How many familes will be denied such a happy homecoming thanks to an uncaring and out of touch so-call president???

[x101st]

Hey Hon, This is the life we soldiers choose. We follow our Commander in Chief. That is our job. I disagree with the war too, but I follow my orders. God Bless You!

[EXPL721]

One of my favorite Christmas songs. Beautiful song. Love the guitar intro.  Has a great message: The Christmas you get you deserve.

It's what you make it.

[flo160]

fantastic! my favorite christmas song!

[passionateaboutmusic]

You take the song and the vid to the end...not like others...could you please adjust the sound quality...it is very soft in volume...Thanks so much...this is a beautiful song.

[liljovi93]

Great xmas song this

[x101st]

I Love this song! It is my favorite Christmas song. God Bless Y'all! Jesus is the reason for the season. Amen

[SlushPile]

I love this. He still has big cheeks

[tinytanner1961]

ive always loved ths song ,such a clasic

[sidhaguru]

a messed up view of christmas.for all those who dont like jesus stay at work and stop taking His holiday.

[EXPL721]

It's not a messed up view of Christmas, it's a realist perspective, but I agree their seems to be some sarcasm in the lyrics. This is a really good song. "The Christmas we get we deserve." If you you hate Christmas then the day will have no meaning and you will miss out on one of the great joys of this world.

[sweethomeala07]

My Son Loves this Song!

Sweethomeala07

[markfmark1988]

by him the greg lake collection

[sweethomeala07]

Yes~of course~I have an swesome sound system and it sounds perfecto! I LOVE IT TOO!!!!!

[allthingslucid]

Terrible sound quality!!! Otherwise, great Christmas song!!

[garda611]

one of my favorite christmas songs makes me cry every time i hear it

[trossachs2003]

The only reason I can tolerate x-mas is to hear this fantastic piece. You know of course that it is mainly Prokofiev's "Troika" from "Luitenant Kije". That's the piece forming the chorus.

[EcclesvilleLad1959]

Yes! have to agree that this is a great song, gotta agree with the Military Guy, an Anti-War song taped in the early 70s so not expected to be the highest of quality.

Always nice to see this footage in whatever quality...

Patrick, Fintona, Ireland...

[Yeti1967]

load of crap, best song of the season but poor copy. Not impressed.

[hantonp60]

You need to pull your head out where the sun doesn't shine, it was video taped in 1974!  Your proably some young impetious person, go play your Play Station 3!

This music and anti-war message any way you slice or dice it pertains to 1974 to Iraq 2006! Oh, before you attack me about the military, I retired with twenty plus years!

[EXPL721]

I never thought of this song as an anti-war song, but you may be right. Many in my family have served in the military including me. Iraq was a mistake, but now we are stuck there.

[244829]

awesome, thanks for posting. This wonderful song brings tears to my eyes every year.

[SergioMartorelli]

Awfully low sound quality.

[22Crystalline22]

One of the best Christmas songs!

[temiscaming]

Very dramatic ending!

[droog69]

one of the few Xmas songs to give me goosebumps.Love it.

[Pebzrockz]

My favourite EVER xmas song , love it when xmas comes around as i can play this song over n over, Fantastic song.

[lakelvr]

This song is very beautiful. Greg is the acoustic King!

[ZephyrInTheSky]

Best Christmas song after Fairytale of New York, this is for the cynics really. Simply inspiring!

[misterkrispy]

great tune that i have been looking for over the last couple of weeks. tis a wonderful tune to have around this time of year. cheers!

[fibibullshitfuckyou]

what a great song. shame for the poor video quality. but still happy watching it.

[tribles]

Greg Lake = perfection.