Controversial Christmas tunes: Is Christmas cancelled?

As the holiday season approaches, Christmas music begins to play all over the world, establishing a sense of joy and warmth just in time for the festive season. Although many find comfort in these festive hits, in recent years, many have been questioning the lyrics of some of these Christmas classics. From Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, to Frank Loesser’s ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’, these holiday tunes are being heavily debated as to whether we should still be playing them in our homes. As the world evolves and values change, is it time to retire these songs for good?

Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ has been regarded as a Christmas staple for many years now, as the 1984 collective saw big names such as Bono (U2), George Michael (Wham!) and Sting (The Police) coming together to raise money for the 1983-1985 famine which occurred in Ethiopia. Factors such as drought, agriculture, poverty and government caused the worst famine in Ethiopian history, killing an estimated 1.2 million people. This single alone managed to raise over £8 million in 1984 to support those who were struggling. So, the question is, why are many disputing the song from their playlists now? Four decades since the song’s release, it has become a source of controversy, with many critiques describing how the lyrics paint quintessential views of Africa, expressing citizens as helpless and impoverished. Not only do they impose racial stereotypes onto Ethiopians, but they also inaccurately depict the continent as being a barren wasteland, where life does not grow – “and there won’t be snow in Africa… where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow”.

Ed Sheeran, who was featured on the 40^th anniversary edition of the song, expressed his attitudes towards his vocals being used without his approval, and if he had the choice, would have “respectfully declined”, stating how his understanding of the song has changed. To further support this, he shared a story on Instagram, posted by Ghanian-English singer, Fuse ODG, who assesses the impact Band Aid’s song has had on cementing African stereotypes: “While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying it’s dignity, pride and identity”.

Fuse ODG, further states that “today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands”.  The impact of these words has resonated with many throughout the world, and the underlying implications that this song has on solidifying negative stereotypes has resulted in its justified controversy. Has this song become problematic in today’s world, where the importance of culture has become central to many lives? Is this timeless classic outdated? These questions have been raised, and perhaps it is time to let go of this tune once and for all.

Band Aid has not been the only song subject to controversy this Christmas, but Frank Loesser’s ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ has also been scrutinised for its lyrics which carry themes of misogyny and non-consensual pressure.

Nevertheless, Band Aid has not been the only song subject to controversy this Christmas, but Frank Loesser’s ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ has also been scrutinised for its lyrics which carry themes of misogyny and non-consensual pressure. This song has been revised by many artists since its release in 1944, including Dean Martin, Idina Menzel with Michael Bublé, and Sammy Davis Jr. with Carmen McRae. The song portrays a conversation between a man and woman, where the man is persuading her to stay. However, in a modern era, the song reflects the issues surrounding consent and pressure between two people, as the man relentlessly attempts to force her to spend the night with him – “what’s the sense in hurting my pride?”. As a result, the song has been banned on multiple radio stations, and many have debated whether this song should be retired altogether, and continues to be questioned with each festive season.

Maybe it is worth holding space for those around you and ascertaining whether they may be impacted by any of the lines you sing.

The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s ‘Fairytale of New York’ has seen annual arguments due to the language used in their exchange of insults. Most importantly, the use of the ‘f-slur’ spoken in the second verse has been continuously censored on radio, and debates have been sparked as to who gets the rights to sing it, with many stating it has harmless intentions, whilst others suggest it attacks those part of the LGBTQ+ community. Being part of this community myself, I have always questioned why people feel the need to overly emphasise this line within the song. I understand that when the song was released it was not meant with such intentions, but in present day, it can be interpreted the wrong way. Nevertheless, it is my favourite Christmas song and I would not mess with the classics – however, maybe it is worth holding space for those around you and ascertaining whether they may be impacted by any of the lines you sing. Another Christmas classic which has been subjected to controversy is Jimmy Boyd’s ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, in which Boyd was thirteen years old when he first performed this song, and upon closer examining of the lyrics, the song alludes to an extramarital affair. The song had been banned by several radio stations, resulting in Boydexplaining the Santa in question is his father, leading to the song’s reappearance on radio.

Therefore, are these songs considered outdated in the 21^st century? Although these songs, and many others, have faced backlash over the years, they are continuously played each holiday season, and many regard the songs as Christmas classics that cannot be removed from playlists. In my opinion, imposing modernistic views on older songs may remove the festivity that they initially encouraged, and I feel we should continue to play these songs during the winter season, whilst also making room for new music to make their way onto the charts!