Radical Christmas Songs, Vol. VI
Every year, the website Counterfire publishes a collection of “Radical Christmas Songs” – Christmas songs with politically and socially progressive messages that provide an alternative to traditional holiday fare. This year’s volume continues the tradition with 13 songs both familiar and new.
Voices from Bethlehem — Little Drummer Boy (2018)
Songs of Protest and Hope
Several selections in Radical Christmas Songs, Vol. VI address issues of injustice, inequality and war. For example, “War Is Not the Answer” by Pete Seeger criticizes growing militarism, while “The Ballad of Harry T. Moore” by Sweet Honey in the Rock honors the legacy of a civil rights activist. At the same time, other songs offer messages of hope, like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” performed by Ani DiFranco with revised lyrics emphasizing compassion.
John Milton — On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity (1629)
Humor and History
In addition to protest songs, the compilation includes pieces that take a more lighthearted or historical approach. “Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)” is a comedic 1962 song about not wanting a blue Christmas, and “A Festive Song” by James Connolly from 1909 gives insight into early 20th century labor movements. The collection closes with the traditional “Silent Night,” sung here in English and Spanish to reflect hopes of peace across borders.
Caetano Veloso — In the Hot Sun of a Christmas Day (1971)
Run the Jewels — A Christmas Fucking Miracle (2013)
Dives and Lazarus (trad.; c.1550)
Free Download
Radical Christmas Songs, Vol. VI can be downloaded for free as a PDF booklet from the Counterfire website, with lyrics and background for all 13 songs. Now in its sixth year, the annual series provides a unique progressive twist on the Christmas music tradition.
