The iconic Christmas song Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid has been a holiday favorite since 1984. But in 2024, people are looking at it differently. Even though it was made to raise money for a good cause, some people are wondering if the lyrics still make sense — or if it’s time to finally let this holiday classic go.
The song sparks fresh debate every December
Every December, like clockwork, people start debating whether Die Hard is really a Christmas movie, if the lyrics to “Baby It’s Cold Outside” are problematic, and, of course, whether it’s time to stop playing Do They Know It’s Christmas?
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A closer look at the controversial lyrics
Some are now asking if it’s time to remove Do They Know It’s Christmas? from the holiday playlist because the lyrics don’t really hold up in 2024.
One person even questioned, “Was it ever okay to sing ‘Thank god it’s them instead of you’?” While some enjoy the music, they just can’t get past the lyrics, calling it the “most banging use of absolutely godawful lyrics” even though they like the instrumental parts.
Criticism of outdated stereotypes about Africa
The 40th anniversary edition of the song features artists like Ed Sheeran and Sting. In a story post by Sheeran on Instagram, he mentioned that if he were asked, he would have “respectfully declined” to keep his vocals in this new edition.
This came after rapper Fuse ODG criticized the track, saying it helped to “perpetuate damaging stereotypes” about Africa. Others also pointed out errors in the lyrics, especially the line “there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time” since there’s “snow on Kilimanjaro.”
Even contributing artists are rethinking their involvement
The 40th anniversary edition was released last month, but Ed Sheeran wrote, “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release. Had I had the choice, I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals. A decade on, and my understanding of the narrative has changed, as @fuseodg has eloquently explained.”
Critics question whether it’s time to let the song go
Many people are now feeling that it might be time to move on from the song after 40 years.
Some believe the track “needs to be retired,” and that the “lyrics to Do They Know It’s Christmas? really haven’t aged well.”
Bob Geldof defends the song’s legacy
Bob Geldof responded to the critics, telling The Conversation, “It’s a pop song, ffs.” He listed some “empirical facts” about the situation in Ethiopia when the song was written and said he’s tired of hearing the same criticisms over and over.
He went on to say, “This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people alive,” pointing to the work Band Aid did in the past and still does today with the proceeds from the song.
Proceeds from the song saved lives
He explained that the money raised helped feed 8,000 children in the same parts of Ethiopia that were hit by famine in 1984. He argued that because of that “miraculous little record,” thousands of people would “sleep safer, warmer, and cared for tonight.”
The line between charity and cultural insensitivity
While the song raised important funds, critics argue that it also reinforces “colonial tropes” and offers a narrow view of Africa. Many find this hard to accept in today’s world.
Fans separate the tune from the lyrics
Some fans say they enjoy the music but can’t stand the lyrics, calling it the “most banging use of absolutely godawful lyrics” even if they like the instrumental parts.
Will the song survive another decade?
Each decade, Do They Know It’s Christmas? gets updated, but some think it might be time to retire it for good. Geldof finished his response by saying, “We wish that it were other, but it isn’t. ‘Colonial tropes,’ my ar*e.”
