"So this is Christmas": "Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

Photo: Alina Zienowicz

This song is sort of a combination protest/Christmas celebration song.

I've always been drawn to the folksy tune of this song, and thanks to a little research on Wikipedia today, I know why.

It's based on the tune for the folk ballad "Stewball."

Try singing these lyrics to the tune of "Happy Christmas," and you'll see what I mean:

Oh, Stewball was a race horse

And I wish he were mine.

He never drank water

He always drank wine.

Lennon has elevated the song considerably.

Sadly, there are no Beatles on Freegal..  But Murdo Mcrae does a version similar to Lennon's. If you're not an absolute purist, it's a nice cover. (If you are an absolute purist, I understand.)

Wata Igarishi and Roch Voisine also do interesting versions.

"Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time"

Photo: Lourdes Cardenal

If you're a purist and have to have Paul McCartney's rendition of "Wonderful Christmas Time," well, it isn't on Freegal.

None of the Beatles are.

But if you just love the song, like me, Murdo Mcrae and company do a nice version. You can find theirs, and lots of other covers on Freegal.