Songs Misnamed as Christmas Favorites: Revealing the Reality

Every year around Christmas, we come across a playlist that is dominated by songs with "Christmas" in their name. However, many of these songs are far from Christmas-themed and lack true connections to the holiday. This article will explore some popular "Christmas" songs that are far from the spirit of the holiday and dive into the actual lyrics that tell a different story.

1. Jona Lewie - Stop the Cavalry

Often blurted out during the festive season, this song by Jona Lewie is actually a protest anthem about the futility of war. The lyrics describe a soldier who wishes he could be home with his lover during Christmas, reflecting his longing to return to civilian life. The brass band and jingle bells added to the track might seem like a nod to Christmas, but they serve more as a way to give the song a festive feel rather than an authentic representation of the season.

2. Frankie Goes to Hollywood - The Power of Love

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's hit song is not about Christmas at all. While its iconic music video depicts the Nativity scene and the Three Wise Men, the song itself is a love ballad with no reference to the holiday. This stark contrast between the visual and musical content leaves one wondering why it is still included in holiday playlists.

3. East 17 - Stay Another Day

This song by East 17 is a heart-wrenching tribute to the band member's suicide. While the video has a slight Christmas feel and there are chiming bells at the end of the track, the actual song is a sad reminder of loss and pain. This lack of connection to the season makes it an inappropriate choice for inclusion in a Christmas playlist.

4. Freiheit - Keeping the Dream Alive

A common inclusion in Christmas playlists, Freiheit's song "Keeping the Dream Alive" has no actual reference to the holiday. Its repetitiveness and unseasonal content make it a cry for attention and not a genuine celebration of Christmas.

Additional Insights: Winter Song Celebrations

Some of the most famous "Christmas" songs, like "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland," do not explicitly mention Christmas. These songs celebrate the winter season but fail to fully capture the spirit of the holiday. Interestingly, the German song "O Tannenbaum" (O Christmas Tree) was originally not a Christmas song at all. It simply described the fir tree as a symbol of steadfastness due to its evergreen nature during the winter.

Original Lyrics of 'O Tannenbaum'

"O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Bl?tter! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Bl?tter! Du grünst nicht nur in Sommerzeit, Nein auch im Winter wenn es schneit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Bl?tter!"

The English translations often mislead with added Christmas imagery, but the original lyrics make no mention of the holiday. Other winter-focused songs like "Let It Snow" and the German "O Tannenbaum" follow the same pattern, missing the true essence of Christmas.

Annunciation Carols

In addition to songs like "Jingle Bells," many carols celebrate the Annunciation, the moment when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of God. These carols include "Nova! Nova!" from 14th century England and the Basque carol "Birjina Gaztetto Bat Zegoen." Despite their religious significance, these carols are usually celebrated on March 25, nine months prior to Christmas and do not fit the spirit of the holiday season.

Famous Lyrics from "Nova! Nova!"

"Ave' fit ex Eva. Ave is made from Eve!" —— Nova! Nova!

The B-Side of Sting's "Russians"

Another notable example is "Gabriel's Message," a Basque carol that has been adapted into English as "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came." This song is actually the B-side to Sting's 1985 hit "Russians," reflecting its more somber tone and lack of Christmas festivities.

This exploration into the misnamed Christmas songs highlights the importance of understanding the actual content of the tracks we listen to during the festive season. Whether it's a war protest anthem or a somber remembrance, these songs remind us that the true spirit of Christmas is often overshadowed by commercialization and tradition.