For the 30th anniversary of Band Aid – Live Aid , Sir Bob Geldolf and Midge Ure have joined forces again to release “Do They Know It’s Christmas”.
The original became the biggest selling single in UK Singles Chart history, selling a million copies in the first week alone, and subsequently passing three million sales at the end of 1984. It stayed at Number 1 for five weeks. It raised massive worldwide awareness about the Famine in Ethiopia and approximately £8 million was raised.
Band Aid 30 is another charity release, this time highlighting the ever increasing threat of the Ebola virus which is sweeping West Africa with stars such as Bono, Roger Taylor, Robert Plant, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Chris Martin, Paloma Faith and many more, stepping up and giving their time for free.
Band Aid 30 was recorded on Saturday 15th November 2014 and has its first television airing on the X-Factor on Sunday 16th November 2014. The song was then made available to download on Monday 17th November 2014. The original lyrics have been reworked to reflect the Ebola Crisis.
Backing Track
Lyrics (Band Aid 30)
Do They Know It’s Christmas
It’s Christmas time – and there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time – we let in light – and banish shade
And in our world of plenty – we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time
But say a prayer – pray for the other ones
At Christmas time – it’s hard but while you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window – and it’s a world of dread and fear
Where a kiss of love can kill you – and there’s death in every tear
And the Christmas bells that ring there – are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you
No peace and joy this Christmas in West Africa
The only hope they’ll have is being alive
Where to comfort is to fear
Where to touch is to be scared
How can they know it’s Christmas time at all
Here’s to you
Raise a glass to everyone
And here’s to them
And all their years to come
Let them know it’s Christmas after all
Feed the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Feel the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Heal the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again