A Culturess Christmas Playlist

Christina Perri, “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”

The original version of “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” was released in 1971 and was written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Since then, countless covers have been done, although perhaps without quite as much feeling and depth as Lennon had.

Some of the most popular covers of the song were done by Sarah McLachlan (which I already covered in the Barenaked Ladies slide), and REO Speedwagon. Several covers of the song are played regularly on radio stations that feature Christmas music during this time of year, but Christina Perri’s version is lacking playtime. I love her voice, and so when I was trying to decide between the original version and a cover, I had pretty much narrowed it down between Lennon and Perri. I decided to go with Perri to balance out the vintage sound that is already featured on the list with more modern artists.

"So this is Christmas And what have you done Another year’s over And a new one’s begun So this is Christmas I hope you had fun The near and the dear one The old and the young A very Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear"