Merry Christmas (War Is Over)

(John Lennon)

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) was written by John Lennon, Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band. Recorded at the Record Plant Studios in New York City in late October of 1971, it was originally a protest song about the Vietnam War, but has since become a more general Christmas song featured on a number of Christmas albums. The children singing in the background were from the Harlem Community Choir and are credited on the song’s single.

The musicians on the original recording were:

• Vocals: John Lennon, Yoko Ono and the Harlem Community Choir
• Guitar and bass guitar: Hugh McCracken, Chris Osborn, Teddy Irwin, Stuart Scharf
• Keyboards, chimes and glockenspiel: Nicky Hopkins
• Drums and sleigh bells: Jim Keltner
• The recording was assisted by producer Phil Spector