A Christmas Song was released from Jethro Tull in 1972. Label Chrysalis.
But was written literally from a Poem by Cecil Frances Alexander called
” Once in Royal David’s City “. And Music was put to this poem by Henry John Gauntlett.
Ian Anderson adapted from both to form his version in 1969.
His lyrical meaning was crystal clear, about people who were not celebrating the true meaning of Christmas but the sad sickening commercialism of it.
To me as a teen of 15 when it was released. Other than the traditional songs we had grew up with. Tull’s “A Christmas Song” actually became my favorite of Christmas. We might of been a bunch of hippies then. But we recognized truth when heard without the sugar coating.
The ” Living in the Past ” Album was recorded from 1968-1971.
A Christmas Song
Once in Royal David’s City stood a lonely cattle shed,
where a mother held her baby.
You’d do well to remember the things He later said.
When you’re stuffing yourselves at the Christmas parties,
you’ll just laugh when I tell you to take a running jump.
You’re missing the point I’m sure does not need making
that Christmas spirit is not what you drink.
So how can you laugh when your own mother’s hungry,
and how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?
And if I just messed up your thoughtless pleasures,
remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song.
(Hey! Santa! Pass us that bottle, will you?)
~
Jethro Tull from 1968-71
Ian Anderson · Martin Barre · David Goodier · John O’Hara · Doane Perry
Mick Abrahams · Clive Bunker · Glenn Cornick · Barriemore Barlow · Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond · John Evan · David Palmer · John Glascock · Mark Craney · Peter-John Vettese · Eddie Jobson · Dave Pegg · Gerry Conway · Maartin Allcock · Dave Mattacks · Jonathan Noyce · Andrew Giddings · Tony Iommi
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