John Lennon Wrote a Hit Because He Was Sick of ‘White Christmas’
John Lennon produced one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time just because he was sick of “White Christmas.” Interestingly, the “Imagine” singer worked with a musician who was associated with “White Christmas” to make his Christmas song. He also took some inspiration from a classic track that has nothing to do with the holiday.
John Lennon wrote ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ as a response to ‘White Christmas’
According to a 2011 Guardian article, John penned “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” at a time when he was about to go back on tour. “I’ve got a lot to learn,” he sighs. “It’s been seven years, you know … but it’s important to get the band on the road, to get tight. It’s been fun just turning up at odd gigs like Toronto and the Lyceum and the Fillmore, but I’m sick of having to sing ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ because we haven’t rehearsed anything.”
He wrote “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” because he was “sick of ‘White Christmas,'” a Bing Crosby song written by Irving Berlin that eventually inspired a movie. Another musical inspiration behind “White Christmas” was The Paris Sisters’ “I Love How You Love Me.” John admitted that the opening line of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” sounded like that song. “I like quoting from old songs, but you get into such trouble with copyrights,” he said. “It’s a drag.”
The tune was produced by none other than the legendary Phil Spector. Spector produced many classic girl group hits. He was also behind the album A Christmas Gift to You from Phil Spector, which produced Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as well as many covers of classic Christmas songs that still get played on the radio.
The covers include The Ronettes’ “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” The Crystals’ “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and Love’s “White Christmas.” John’s decision to work with Spector to eclipse “White Christmas” is arguably a little ironic.
Phil Spector told John Lennon he understood Christmas music even though he was Jewish
Spector would go on to produce The Beatles’ final album, Let It Be, as well as Beatles solo records like John’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. When he was working on “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” John asked him to pretend it was Christmas. Spector replied that he was Jewish. John told Spector to pretend it was his birthday instead.
Spector insisted that a certain traditional Christmas instrument should appear in the song. “How can you make a song called ‘Happy Xmas’ without bells?” Spector asked. “I know something about Christmas records, you know.”
‘White Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’
Both “White Christmas” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” have become hits in the 21st century, but one is far more popular. Crosby’s “White Christmas” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 35 weeks. Meanwhile, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and lasted on the chart for six weeks.
Whether you prefer “White Christmas” or “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” we can all agree that the most wonderful time of the year is incomplete unless you hear both of those songs.
