December – a popular holiday song this time of year – I Believe In Father Christmas by Greg Lake
Lake says that he does believe in Father Christmas (known in America as Santa Claus), and says of the holiday and his inspiration for the song: “For me as a child, it was the visual image of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
Interesting facts about I Believe In Father Christmas & Greg Lake
Lake created the song in August, and was surprised when it started climbing the charts in December. Many people misinterpreted it as an anti-religious song, and he thought it wouldn’t go over well as a single.
Lake was the lead singer and guitarist for Emerson, Lake And Palmer. The group rarely released singles, and cracked the UK Top 40 just once, with “Fanfare For The Common Man” in 1977.
Pete Sinfield, who wrote lyrics for many Emerson, Lake And Palmer songs, helped write this.
Lake (from Mojo magazine): “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.”
This information was provided by Songfacts.com
The sad news is that he left us this week. This was the only commercial Christmas song I could bear hearing.
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Chris, I had no idea he died this past week. This post will be my little tribute to him – RIP Greg Lake.
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Yes, this year has taken quite a few we grew up with 💜
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I have heard this song many, many times but I didn’t really pay that much attention to the words. Does he really say “for Christmas, we get what we deserve?”
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Laurel, I had not really listened to the words either, I searched for them and the ending of the song lyrics are ‘The christmas we get we deserve’ – interesting. Thanks dear for stopping by – hope your weekend is going well. 🙂
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I don’t remember this one Terry! nice post
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Thank you Lynn, glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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RIP Greg Lake …. my elder brother and I both loved ELP and my sister-in-law told me my brother shed tears when he heard the news and said ‘more of my youth just left the party’. A lovely choice of song and as you might have guessed, a favourite in that it instantly recalls my own youth!
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When I decided to published this post, he was alive and even when he passed – I did not know it until Chris mentioned it in her comment. This is my little tribute to Greg Lake. Thanks Osyth.
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Lovely song my friend. I had not heard this until now, and I enjoyed it. We are ahead of time from you, so when you receive this, it will be your Sunday and the day you go on your cruise. Be safe, and have a blast. 🙂
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I am glad I brought a new song for you Lynne. Yes, it is Sunday now and early and we leave for the cruise in a few hours. Thanks for stopping by each day – I appreciate you very much. 🙂
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For me, the passing of Greg Lake was very sad. His career, with Emerson Lake and Palmer and solo, had a very positive effect on the music world in general. And this song is, to me anyway, a profound anthem for Christmas. Thanks for sharing this.
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Thank you Lydia for the nice comment and for stopping by to read. RIP Greg Lake.
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Reblogged this on and commented:
A great Christmas song and a wonderful tribute to Greg Lake who passed away this past week.
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Thank you Lydia for the reblog. Hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful. 🙂
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