I Believe in Father Christmas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids "I Believe In Father Christmas"
Single by Greg Lake
from the album Non-Album single and Works Volume 2
B-side	"Humbug"
Released	November 1975 (With Orchestra) November 1977 (Without Orchestra)
Recorded	1974
Length	3:31
Label	Manticore
Songwriter(s)	Greg Lake, Peter Sinfield
Producer(s)	Greg Lake, Peter Sinfield

"I Believe in Father Christmas" is a famous song by English musician Greg Lake. The lyrics were written by Peter Sinfield. Many people think it's a Christmas song, but Greg Lake actually wrote it for a different reason. He wanted to protest against how Christmas was becoming too focused on buying and selling things.

However, Peter Sinfield, who wrote the words, said the song is about growing up. It's about losing that innocent belief you have as a child. The song came out in 1975. It became very popular, reaching number two on the music charts in the United Kingdom. It also reached number 17 in Ireland and number 98 in Australia.

Why Greg Lake Wrote the Song

Greg Lake wrote "I Believe in Father Christmas" at his home in London. He changed the tuning of his guitar's lowest string to make the song. Even though the song is about the problem of Christmas becoming too commercial, some people thought it was against religion. Greg Lake was surprised by how successful it became because of this misunderstanding.

He once explained in an interview: "Christmas was a time for family, warmth, and love. There was a feeling of forgiveness and acceptance. And I truly do believe in Father Christmas."

The cool instrumental part between the song's verses comes from a piece of classical music. It's from the "Troika" section of Lieutenant Kijé Suite by Sergei Prokofiev. This part was added because Keith Emerson, another musician, suggested it. Peter Sinfield described the song as "a picture-postcard Christmas, with morbid edges." This means it shows a classic Christmas but with a slightly darker, deeper meaning.

When the Song Was Released

Greg Lake recorded the song in 1974. It was released as a single in 1975, separate from his band ELP. It quickly became a big hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number two on the charts. The only song that kept it from being number one was Queen's famous song, "Bohemian Rhapsody".

Greg Lake said about this, "I got beaten by one of the greatest records ever made." However, Godfrey Salmon, who helped arrange the music, had a different opinion. He thought "Bohemian Rhapsody" wasn't very good. He was surprised that "I Believe in Father Christmas" didn't do even better. The song continued to sell well for many years. It even appeared on the UK Singles Chart again in 1984 and 1986. It also reached number 98 in Australia in late 1975.

The Music Video

The music video for "I Believe in Father Christmas" was filmed in some interesting places. Parts of it were shot in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Other scenes were filmed in the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, in the West Bank. The video also included clips from real historical events. These included footage from the Vietnam War and the Six-Day War.

The Song's Lasting Impact

"I Believe in Father Christmas" has been recorded many times. The full ELP band made a second version in 1977. This version had a simpler musical arrangement and was on their album Works Volume 2. Greg Lake recorded it a third time in 1993 for an ELP collection called The Return of the Manticore. He even recorded it again in 2002 for a Christmas album. The song has also been featured on many other ELP and Christmas music collections. There was even an EP (a short album) in 1995 called I Believe in Father Christmas. It included both Lake's original single and the Works Volume II version.

Many other artists have also covered the song. This means they have recorded their own versions of it. Some of these artists include Robbie Williams (in 2019), Toyah Willcox (in 1982), Elaine Paige (in 1986), and Sarah Brightman (in 2008). Even famous bands like U2 covered it in 2009 for a charity album. Other artists like Joe McElderry, Susan Boyle, and Hannah Peel have also released their own versions.

In 2005, Greg Lake wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper. A reader had asked if musicians could live off the money from Christmas songs alone. Greg Lake explained that while he got a nice payment each year from "I Believe in Father Christmas," it wasn't enough to buy his own island! He joked that if people requested the song on the radio more often, maybe that island wouldn't be so far away. He even invited readers to visit if he ever got one!

Song's Chart Performance

This table shows how well "I Believe in Father Christmas" did on music charts in different countries.

Awards and Certifications