RIP Greg Lake, one of the best ever Christmas songs.

@timspangler2154

4 жыл бұрын

It's a mockery

@decemberschild1504

4 жыл бұрын

@ljar302 What a difference actually listening to all the words can make! (in this song or anything else) Thanks for the link. I found it very interesting and learned some new things. Merry Christmas!

@teepee4296

4 жыл бұрын

I didn’t know he had died that is very sad, yes RIP Greg Lake & thank you for my favourite Christmas song. I feel another part of my childhood has also died knowing this now, we’re all getting older it’s inevitable, peace on Earth 😇

@brianralph5036

4 жыл бұрын

@@timspangler2154 whats a mockery?

@timspangler2154

4 жыл бұрын

He is mocking the Christmas story

I cry when I hear this song. I miss my dad. I miss the innocence of Christmas as a child growing up. RIP Greg Lake. Good times. Peace to all.

@RK-cd7kg

3 жыл бұрын

Your comment really got to me. Peace and Merry Christmas to you!

@robparker2497

3 жыл бұрын

Same here mate. . Lovely words. . My Dad went 19.8.19. . Miss him everyday. 😢🎄

@robhargis6980

3 жыл бұрын

Lost my Dad this past June. My first Christmas is 57 years without him. I miss him so much, but I will carry on with his spirit and the spirit of Christmas. I know he would have wanted me to.

@robparker2497

3 жыл бұрын

@@robhargis6980 stay strong mate, remember all the great times you shared with your Dad. Merry 🎄Christmas

@robhargis6980

3 жыл бұрын

@@robparker2497 You too, Rob! Are you British? I'm American. Love the British people and the seemingly endless talent that came out of your homeland.

I am 63 years old and this song is MY all time best Christmas song ever!! An outstanding masterpiece!!

@tafur1099

10 ай бұрын

Completely agree here! I'm only a young 54, but this song still gives me chills every Christmas 🎄

@124marsh

10 ай бұрын

Absolutely without a doubt

@davidoldham1946

9 ай бұрын

Every Christmas morning for many years now I listen to the original of this song first then the duo of David Bowie and BIng Crosby singing Drummer Boy....then it's off to the holiday madness.

@podpod

8 ай бұрын

I love the song too, but...have you heard the lyrics? I don't know if I would call it a "Christmas" song...

@annebuus3409

8 ай бұрын

This song played on the Christmas musac during the season. It took all I had not to break out in tears.

Can you imagine going to church, and have Greg Lake AND Ian Anderson singing, live, a true masterpiece. If you scroll down to the bottom of the songs lyrics page, you will see that Serge Prokofiev is credited along side Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield, as it should be!

@reglewis393

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes please

@jjzuc

2 жыл бұрын

They just happened to be in the neighborhood....

@dswysong7353

2 жыл бұрын

@@jjzuc 💕

@markcobb8253

2 жыл бұрын

I'd faint.

@corbettmanley932

2 жыл бұрын

I think you'd find a lot more people attending that church !

Who ever sat in that church on that night truly doesn’t know how lucky they were RIP GREG LAKE

@Jchathe

3 ай бұрын

Well said

My Christmas is never complete until I hear this song one hundred times during the Holidays!

@drewberry8945

4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas. From the UK.

@richardhathaway4406

4 жыл бұрын

Amen

@annebuus3409

3 жыл бұрын

Its on my Christmas listening list, as well

@jonemery5933

3 жыл бұрын

101 times...

@rogerlittreal642

3 жыл бұрын

I feel the same...

My heart's been heavy these last several days then this came up on my feed --- Hearing Greg's perfect voice and Ian playing the flute and my heart was lightened. Thank you seems so insufficient to express my gratitude. Greg is singing with the angels and a more perfect choir I cannot imagine. Be blessed all.

@dspf68

6 ай бұрын

Miss Shane too.

Jewish person here who loves this song and share this every year with as many ppl as I can.

@sheilafoster6213

3 ай бұрын

I don't believe in any good . but have always loved this ❤

@sheilafoster6213

3 ай бұрын

I meant to say god

Greg Lake and Ian Anderson and christmas. I am a child again.

@mirosuni

5 жыл бұрын

Me toooooooooooooooo....

@deborahriley8136

4 жыл бұрын

Beautifully said.

@stustig9430

4 жыл бұрын

Yep - two old rockers - lovely to see

@professorjorgeantonio5493

4 жыл бұрын

It's Real.

@richardhall3250

4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful feeling !!

45 years on and still being listened to in 2020, this version is outstanding.

@265jf

3 жыл бұрын

One of my absolute favorite Christmas songs of all time. RIP Greg Lake and thank you for this song you created! What year did he perform at St. Bride"s?

@tarkus-sw9wx

3 жыл бұрын

@@265jf To the best of my knowledge 2012

@gunternetzer9621

3 жыл бұрын

Credit to the late great Emmo too, for the idea for the Troika passage.

@tristansmyth6802

3 жыл бұрын

It will always be outstanding, Greg outdid himself with this number.

@theresaluchsinger4488

3 жыл бұрын

Greg Lakes voice and Ian's flute, omg...just the best!

How lovely to see my old school friend Greg ( who I sat next to in class ) singing in church the song he wrote 😀 He always showed great talent !!!!! RIP GREG

@colincampbell437

Жыл бұрын

Now that's a tale ... Besties !!!!

@Piero9551

Жыл бұрын

🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐😮😯😲😳

@patrickklise7526

Жыл бұрын

Awww, that's so cool. And sweet.

@pamelastephens4213

Жыл бұрын

Greg was always a good person and helped an old school friend when he most needed it even after he became "a star " !!! But he didn't want it made public knowledge !!!! Thats the sort of person he was !!!!!!❤

@usmc-veteran7316

8 ай бұрын

This is only my opinion... this is Greg's best song. My favorite Christmas Song. Greg is really missed.

Only in England could you get rock superstars playing in a church. The acoustics are angelic as one would expect in the house of the lord. This is heavenly music with that church choir.

@kepakemapa0568

Жыл бұрын

There’s nothing wrong with rock and roll as long as your foot’s on the rock and your name’s on the roll!!

@andreaaltan3982

Жыл бұрын

For money they do whatever, also in other countries

@thetruthfornow6045

Жыл бұрын

@@kepakemapa0568 I am glad you said that.

@marynovak5800

Жыл бұрын

Wish Led Zeppelin could have done a good cover of this song...Jimmy Page could have played acoustic guitar on this song...but it's the troika from prokofiev that stood out in the song itself.

@davidgammie1310

Жыл бұрын

Imagine the Sex Pistols doing this😁

As a guy, I'm supposed to say "I choked up a little", but as much as I loved Greg, I have to admit I cried. We lost someone very, very special, my friends. I hope he has stuff in his vault, because I'd love to have that man around me to fill the rest of my life with his work and I am 66.

@rmg03c

7 жыл бұрын

You said what I feel and did...

@weareleeds69

7 жыл бұрын

nuff said mate, hope you and yours have a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS :)

@Quasibabe1

7 жыл бұрын

I just would like to add that for those of you who are of the younger set (I'm 66), PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't let this wonderful song of his be all you know of him. I envy you SOOOO much as you discover the gift Mr. Greg Lake has bestowed upon and left us. Take a listen, and consider it your gift of the season. I think he would want you to,. ____ All the best for whatever the season means to you....... Bill

@BubbaZen10

7 жыл бұрын

I wish you a hopeful christmas I wish you a brave new year All anguish pain and sadness Leave your heart and let your road be clear

@LauraKnotek

7 жыл бұрын

I heard the original single playing in a department store, of all places, on the day Greg's death was announced. I broke down in the store. I have all of the material he has recorded, and I saw ELP in 1998. I was too young to see them in the 70s.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull & Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer(ELP) WOW!🤯

My Dad’s favourite Christmas song. Means even more since he and Greg passed away.

@jironthunder7519

5 ай бұрын

For real same here Papa it's been 25 years since you left us and Christmas is bittersweet but we get signs of Christmas and the meaning of a gift, thanks for life Papa 💙jim

I don't know why but this makes me cry like a baby every time I hear it...damn it, Greg Lake !

@janefriel6895

2 жыл бұрын

It is a beautiful song and musical production. Its the 70's in a Christmas song.When life was good and people were free to live as they pleased.

@paddycampbell576

2 жыл бұрын

Same here...

@RandomActs58

2 жыл бұрын

Me, too.

@herrp8765

2 жыл бұрын

Always considered his voice to be strong, powerful, and "authoritative," whatever that means in this context. Definitely unique.

@fredb.8383

2 жыл бұрын

Me too

In the court of the Christmas King.

@philiplindsay225

4 жыл бұрын

I thought I recognised his voice

@MerkinMuffly

4 жыл бұрын

A merry Frippmas to all and to all to all a silent night's watch.

@philiplindsay225

4 жыл бұрын

@@MerkinMuffly ..thank you very muffly .

@brianralph5036

4 жыл бұрын

ha ha

@jcfly1

4 жыл бұрын

Truer words never spoken.

Christmas is not the same since my parents passed away but this version of Greg Lake's song makes me feel better.

@jazzpunk

5 ай бұрын

I get it...hang in there.

Long before my dad was taken away by MND and my mother by cancer I remember Greg’s masterpiece and as a Tull fan , what a combination-bravo boys!

Every year I love to hear this great man sing this song, so sad that he left us, one of the best xmas songs ever

Ian Anderson makes everything better.

@krollpeter

4 жыл бұрын

Can't read sheet music, can't play any instrument too well . . . but some people just got it.

@TheRisingFury

4 жыл бұрын

@@krollpeter Maybe if you apply yourself, you'll get it too.

@peterg5383

4 жыл бұрын

the word "genius" is bandied about far too freely these days, but ian is one of the very few truly deserving of the accolade.

@punkypewster2005

4 жыл бұрын

@@peterg5383 For my money, Ian is the most talented guy that ever graced the world of rock music!

@muftydog

4 жыл бұрын

He's a bit of a bugger to work with by all accounts but yes, he is brilliant.

Who’s listening 2019?

@danokane3890

4 жыл бұрын

Love the original but this is even better. One of my best friends got married in St Brides but died on his honeymoon, so very mixed emotions, but overall... Beauty and talent.

@MrWoodyanders

4 жыл бұрын

I am. Lovely and touching song.

@iancarpenter6298

4 жыл бұрын

i am david.... but taking no notice of you.....ps bet you like westlife take that ed sheeran kylie ...real heavy giants of music.

@johnbenard9550

4 жыл бұрын

I am, always loved this song, Greg had so much talent. Great to see the addition of Ian Anderson. This is a must for me during the Holidays.

@tomthebomb557

4 жыл бұрын

This song is so thoughtful and meaningful about the bullshit that Christmas has become...I am surprised this church allowed him to sing it...truly an amazing song by an amazing songwriter

The original recording from ELP came out in '74. I was in a very dark place both physically and emotionally. Still at 65 I weep when I hear it, as it literally saved my life.

@haljones246

Жыл бұрын

Bless you!

@dougbodenhamer9391

Жыл бұрын

I do not know you, but I am so glad you are still with us!

@bigmikerocks

Жыл бұрын

The original recording was released by Greg Lake as a solo single in 1975. It was added onto an ELP album a few years later that had their solo works on it.

@PriorityNewsNow

Жыл бұрын

Amazing.

@TheBatugan77

6 ай бұрын

​@@bigmikerocks Indeed. It was called Works! I had it. Peace.

man, Greg Lake and Ian Anderson, wow. Doesn't get any better. So wonderful

How beautiful is this? RIP Greg Lake.

Two Titans of music playing the most wonderful and beautiful Christmas song .. it's a very human song as opposed to religious but it has that magic about it and that has been proved here by being played in a church. Every other Xmas song is a party song , to be enjoyed in a party atmosphere. This one is different, it oozes class and one could say it has become a contemporary carol. Rest In Peace Mr Lake, together with your musical companion Mr Emerson you both have given me the best years of my life and continue to do so, X

@paulandrewjennion1770

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutly true, when I was watching Top Of The Pops back in 1975, & this was played on it, Queen had just got to Number One at the time, it was a Christmas song that was trying to say give us peace & life, because it was the best Christmas song I've ever heard.

@martinholmes100

4 жыл бұрын

Hear hear! Well said!

@mrguillemot

4 жыл бұрын

You forgot the third Titan...Prokofiev 👍

@rogerlittreal642

4 жыл бұрын

@@mrguillemot yes,... thank you for that!

@allanmiller6897

4 жыл бұрын

If you watch the original video you see Christ not Xmas. Hallelu jah means Jehovah or praise Jehovah. They said there would be peace on Earth who did? The clergyman or the government?. Great tune, held in a hypocritical Gothic blood guilty homosexual tolerant building. While the poor are on the streets and these clergy get rich and snuggle up to the elite peadophile system."Too much?".

Beautiful rendition os one of my All Time Top Ten Christmas tunes. I like how Ian was resisting the urge to lift his leg towards the end. I was thinking, " He's gonna do it, he's gonna do it....nope, wouldn't be right without the tights.

This is a timeless Christmas classic. One of the best Christmas songs ever recorded. Thank you Greg Lake and RIP!

@kevinmote2369

6 ай бұрын

How can a song that flatly rejects the gospel of Christ be one of the best Christ-mas songs ever pray tell?

In 36 years as a church music director, I've never come close to doing something this brilliant. Profound in its simplicity, and a message for the ages. RIP, Mr. Lake. You were one of the great ones.

@user-hs7po1cs9j

6 ай бұрын

That's a fantastic and humble tribute.

@user-hs7po1cs9j

6 ай бұрын

Agreed. It's a beautiful mix of a wonderful song with profound lyrics, mixed with the majesty of choral music and Ian Anderson's flute.

Ian Anderson of jethro tull is one brilliant flutest. Never seen him do this with Greg Lake always been my favourite Christmas song.

@ronniewall1481

2 жыл бұрын

IAN ANDERSON TOOK UP FLUTE BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WOULD NEVER BE GOOD ON GUITAR.

@jamesmason5491

2 жыл бұрын

👍

@jamesmason5491

2 жыл бұрын

@@ronniewall1481 👍

@theresaakins2317

2 жыл бұрын

Flautist

@jamesmason5491

2 жыл бұрын

@@theresaakins2317 👍

This is the most British of all Christmas Carols ever written!

Such a beautiful song, RIP Greg who we lost 4 years ago this week.

RIP Greg Lake. Your resonate voice brings back wonderful memories of ELP and the great work you wrote over the hears.

We bow our heads to Greg Lake today in the news of his passing.

@pattimartin7250

7 жыл бұрын

breaks me apart.

@Claricei

7 жыл бұрын

CRUSHING

@thomasdixon1369

7 жыл бұрын

It was tough with Keith passing. But this is a very, very tough blow. I am in mourning.

@BubbaZen10

7 жыл бұрын

Til i believed in the Israelite!

@762mal51

7 жыл бұрын

its so sad! but i have to say thanx for all that incredible music he and ELP did to me! i bow my head and my mind!

God, I have loved this song for decades and I am just hearing this version for the first time .... outstanding!!!

@lisamoroney3036

Жыл бұрын

Me too - I’m so embarrassed. I had no idea.

@manuman27

Жыл бұрын

That goes for me to. Followed ELP and Jethro Tull for years this is excellent

i'm 59 years old and just can't stop listening to that masterpiece. Greg Lake and his beautiful voice, incredible how after many years this song is still out of reach for all the other Christmas songs: outstanding.

@timothycreamer8610

7 ай бұрын

59 here also and listening prior to Christmas....just popped up in the noggin.

Can you imagine being in church and Greg Lake just happens to show up with Ian Anderson to perform something this special? Those in attendance must have had the time of their lives.

@lisadc4681

7 жыл бұрын

George Garner I know, was thinking the same thing!!! Would have died to be at this church service with 2 of the greatest rock god's, in my opinion, performing, OMG

Very hard to believe we lost both Keith & Greg in the same year. Im just gutted over this. Rest In Peace.......

@tudvalstone

7 жыл бұрын

Isn't that terrible.. our idols are leaving us before their time...

@diehard-schenker-fan7233

7 жыл бұрын

Yes it is. Poor Greg didn't even see 70 years old.

@igalflint

7 жыл бұрын

didn't even reach to be seventy years old.

Ohhhhhh, why is there a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. This will always be my favourite Christmas song.

Can you imagine having that song, sung to you by Greg Lake. What a fantastic feeling. Merry Christmas everyone. X

Beautiful playing by Ian Anderson!!

Greg Lake's voice is still magical! Well done gents.

53 years old and in floods of tears, I miss my mam so much, this is the best Christmas song ever written.

Just last night on KZread i saw a video of Greg Lake singing Father Christmas & I cried like a baby. I hadn't heard that song in many years & I'm 64 as of last year. In all honesty I had forgotten it. I also found out Greg Lake died in December of 2016, what a loss. The world loss Greg & Keith of ELP. Both great people & talents. 🙏 RIP.

RIP Greg Lake... This is my favorite Christmas song.

@bertvogt7920

6 жыл бұрын

Mine as well.

@TheBatugan77

6 жыл бұрын

Actually two in one...

@peteperry5712

6 жыл бұрын

Oh I so agree, I post it every year and will keep doing so until I am no longer able to. Bless you.

@kevingodding9316

5 жыл бұрын

Yes mine to the very first line gets you

@jjwashburn60

5 жыл бұрын

Also my favorite Christmas song

I f you don't feel the spirit of Christmas listening to this then I feel very sorry for you. The most beautiful Christmas song ever sung. Beautiful. RIP Greg.

Two rock icons making heavenly music together. This gave me chills. I love Ian's phenomenal interpretive and melodic flute improvisations. This is one Mass I wish I could have attended! RIP Greg Lake

@andyvhemer3312

Жыл бұрын

you must be musician hahaha

@colincampbell437

Жыл бұрын

Peter sinfield talking about writing this song, at this time the Vietnam war was so in his mind ... See BBC sounds, soul music, Peter sinfield

Wow, the acoustics in this church are phenomenal...

This fluted version is aswome, this should be No.1 at xmas, iso that beckham offspring crap, R.I.P. Mr Lake, and thanks.

@lisadc4681

7 жыл бұрын

Simon Wolfe I know. And NO ONE plays the flute like the incomparable Ian Anderson!! BEAUTIFUL as always!!!

@simonwolfe529

7 жыл бұрын

indeed Lisa D...cant stop playing this love it...

@lisadc4681

7 жыл бұрын

Simon Wolfe Me too, playing again right now. Just awesome in so many ways!! :-))

This is another huge loss after the death of Keith Emerson now Greg Lake. I was listening to this song the other day and I got all choked up as I hung my ELP Christmas ornament on my Christmas tree to honor their musical legacy. This song will be on my Christmas playlist in memory of Greg and Keith. Thank you for a classic Christmas song and for the many great years you have given us with your music in ELP. Rest in Peace.

@lisadc4681

5 жыл бұрын

Jennifer, ditto to everything you said..I listen to this beautiful masterpiece everyday at Christmastime. Absolutely breathtaking! And added bonus to have Ian playing flute!!!

@robertclark4748

5 жыл бұрын

Jennifer Felan 🎅❤

@kentonclarkson1449

5 жыл бұрын

I saw ELP twice. The second time it was in early December and Greg sang this song and it was amazingly beautiful, standing O.

@merlinidlehands3302

4 жыл бұрын

I am on www.freakradio.org every Tue night at 7PM you might tune in I do . do my best magic there merlin

@RK-cd7kg

4 жыл бұрын

Watching this 3 years after your comment. This sing is so perfect and beautiful it almost brings a tear to my eye.

Huge fan of king Crimson and Jethro Tull from the beginning and 1st time I've heard this. 24th Dec 2020. There is light at the end of the 2020 tunnel. 😍🌹🇭🇲

Man, what a voice! I loved them both when I was a teenager. Now looking back I miss the talent, seems there isn't talent like that anymore.

Hands down the best Christmas song ever

RIP Greg, and thank you for leaving the world a beautiful song. Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas until I've heard this beautiful song.

@762mal51

5 жыл бұрын

there will never be another one like you!

I always loved Greg Lake singing this song, it gets you in the holiday mood. RIP Greg Lake !!!

This was and still is a MASTERPIECE 🇬🇧🎅 so many good memories of this song and my Christmas times with family in London.

Today it is three years ago, that Greg Lake has gone. His music will last. Yesterday my school band kids (aged 11-12) performed "Lucky man".

@babymoondancer

4 жыл бұрын

The same age Greg was when he wrote it. Amazing.

@PeAr_ShApE_Records

4 жыл бұрын

His voice was like the one of an angel.

This version should be released as a single NOW ! !

@DavidAWheeler56

5 жыл бұрын

It's excellent, the flute really does something for it.

@sandywinfield9406

5 жыл бұрын

They should re release it now. Maybe it will get people to pay attention to what is important and inspire to create real music again

@Jchathe

5 жыл бұрын

sandy winfield I totally agree with you. Such beautiful music. Genius.

@granddad-mv5ef

3 жыл бұрын

At the very least, Mike, I believe it should be included once in a while on a good radio station. If such a thing exists.

@cliffhanger3298

3 жыл бұрын

@@granddad-mv5ef I don't believe that exists anymore except on KZread.

This is just a tremendous arrangement. Makes me want to go to church.

Has to be the best Christmas song ever but doesn’t seem to get the recognition it deserves.

RIP Greg. Thank you for one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever. So sad.

@MrSHUGSLIE

6 жыл бұрын

Barry Cracknell the best Xmas song ever.

@andreasvehmer8516

6 жыл бұрын

it really is up there

This video is a pure gem. The best version of this song I've ever heard, with the acoustics of a church, Ian Anderson's magic and the choir in the background just take an already great Christmas song to another level. Wow, what a find.

After all these years, best Xmas song ever !

The original is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most uplifting and thought provoking Christmas song ever. Thanks to Greg Lake for bringing it to us. He's now gone in body but here in spirit. Thanks be to Greg and friends in bringing this to a church not so long ago.

@edwardkaminsky6314

5 ай бұрын

Well said. Merry Christmas 😊

@garylove5475

5 ай бұрын

100% agree.. 🌲

Incredible, shivers down the spine time. Greg Lake, sadly no longer with us but he left some great music that will live on.

One of the few live versions that truly is as beautiful as the original ❤️

Can't imagine Christmas without this classic song. RIP Greg ❤

Rip Greg. You'll live forever in your beautiful music.

Not Christmas till you've heard Greg Lake. One of the great Christmas tunes.

@gewglesux

2 жыл бұрын

agreed

one of the best xmas songs

The irony is, the first time I ever heard this song I thought it was Ian Anderson singing! ... i.e. very 'Tullish'. RIP Greg Lake. Beautiful job. The message - and the church setting - is ironic for a 'Christmas song', but let's leave that aside in our appreciation of its beauty, for now ... December 23 2022.

Blimey. So here we are in church and these two turn up and. Brilliant!

@BrianNewberry

3 жыл бұрын

i think "BLIMEY" is one of the all time greatest words in the English language. :)

@Itelkner

3 жыл бұрын

@@BrianNewberry Cor!

@BrianNewberry

3 жыл бұрын

@@Itelkner BLESS YOUR HEART GOOD SIR! as a yank with scots mum, I've always wondered (for decades) what that first part was, and never knew how to spell it. As an American - i never knew exactly what you (pl) were saying. (Side note - isn't it a pity we English speakers don't have a "You Plural"). I never knew if it was "KOL" or "CORE" or whatever. LOL - even just here (before mentally connecting the two words) - when you said "COR" LOL - i thought it was some norwegian expression. So i looked up COR"0 on Google. and it says "exclamation INFORMAL•BRITISH". and finally - i put the two words together ("COR" + "BLIMEY") , and thought "AHHHHHHH! Now I get it!" :-)

@BrianNewberry

3 жыл бұрын

@@Itelkner by the way - if you enjoy AUDIO DRAMAs - i make my own based on classic TV detective shows. If this interests you (& it's OK if it doesn't) then i humbly invite you to come visit my KZread page. :)

@Itelkner

3 жыл бұрын

@@BrianNewberry Hey there! I'm a Yank with a Scot dad (Campbell). Since discovering the Beatles as a young kid, I've been an Anglophile with an ear for Brit expressions and a love of Brit tv exports starting with Python. If I recall 'Cor Blimey' is colloquial for 'God, blind me' - an exclamation. A more blasphemous version of "dear me!"

The world was a better place and music was much more beautiful because you were here, Greg. Rest in peace.

"Greg was asked how "I Believe in Father Christmas" came about on his Facebook profile. Here is what he posted." "I Believe in Father Christmas" was written by myself together Pete Sinfield. It started out with this little guitar riff which I had buzzing round in my head for weeks but no matter how I tried I just couldn't seem to develop it into a song. It actually started to drive me crazy and one day I found myself humming the tune to Jingle Bells over the riff. This is the sort if thing that happens to writers when they get a few steps away from total insanity. Anyway I told Pete about hearing this melody in my head and he said maybe it could be a Christmas song. I really don't like most of those good time Christmas party songs but after a while I began to reflect on what Christmas really meant to me as a kid and how this had somehow got lost in the commercial feeding frenzy that has taken priority in more recent years. Pete and I started to think about this and after a while we began to identify the core belief that children have about Christmas that really capsulises the magic and benevolent spirit of Christmas. Basically it was the belief that all children have in Father Christmas and in a more general sense about how the story of the nativity represents the concept of peace on earth good will to all men. I honestly can't remember whether it was Pete or myself who came out with the actual line but it was something we pretty much realised simultaneously. It was the magic key which unlocked the door to the song. I Believe in Father Christmas.

@miketorres2669

9 жыл бұрын

And he gave no credit to Prokofiev ? I find that hard to believe, ELP was hugely influenced by classic artists, however they usually give credit to them if they borrow/sample their music. Listen to Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije - Troika

@1artist1composer

9 жыл бұрын

Mike Torres Hi Mike - Probably the Prokofiev-like line was added by Keith. That's my guess- it's just something that became part of the song after Keith's amazing ability to come up with keyboard riffs that worked with anything. I totally agree though- credit where credit is due. On the other hand, some music appears to us not so much as creation, but discovery of something that was there and is there all the time. Music existed before people did. It is nice to know that people with real musical knowledge still exist despite the deceptive conveniences of technology.

@johcafra

9 жыл бұрын

Greg Delapaix Agreed. And since it was first aired everyone figured "A Whiter Shade of Pale" had a bit of J. S. Bach in it...or did it?

@thisoldminer

8 жыл бұрын

+Mike Torres didn't Greg write it before him?

@misanthrop1958

7 жыл бұрын

Why not meet him and shake his hand right now, he does not seem unapproachable - at least not for a short chat..

Not only is this Greg Lake's greatest song & one of the best Christmas songs ever written, in humble opinion, is one of the most beautiful tunes written..

Outstanding performance 🌲🌲🌲✌🌲🌲🌲!

December 1 2019 I'm listening.

@spuds6423

4 жыл бұрын

Dec 24 2019 I'm listening too!!!😀😀😀

@palmiracarrillo5730

4 жыл бұрын

John Bettano Diciembre 25 2019!!

@donnashort5518

3 жыл бұрын

2020 I’m listening 💖

RIP Mr Lake - you go leaving us with the finest Christmas song there ever was. Thank you

I was working at a kids christmas party, taking photos, on Sunday and I said to the girl, that was playing the music and getting the kids to take part in games, that this was the only christmas song that I liked. She looked it up on her laptop and got me to sing it on the karaoke. I saw Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970, they were fantastic.

I m sitting here crying my eyes out, first saw the vid in 75 , I hope everyone knows we can’t go back from here , had a good run

It needs to be played more. One of THE best Christmas songs, a classic.

@nevjenkins5047

4 жыл бұрын

Personally my favourite of all time, absolutely class!!!

@SketchesofChina

4 жыл бұрын

I do love this song, but the cynical nature of the lyrics always made it hard for me to think of it as a great Christmas song.

@planetbard1

Жыл бұрын

@@SketchesofChina I used to think that too., but as the years passed, I think that the song is more about the loss of innocence as we get older. We get more cynical, but we remember our childhood Christmases with fondness.

I remember my mother pass away the same year of Greg Lake and Keith Emerson, with tears in my eyes God Bless Greg, Keith and my mother Maria Jose Gordo Barroso

@geoffjoffy

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear of your loss.

@makelikeatree1696

4 жыл бұрын

My stepson died in a car accident on Dec 19, and we buried him on 12/23. Christmas for me has always tasted of ashes ever since. This is the only Christ,as song I don't hate, even if it makes me cry. My sympathies for the loss of your mother. Peace, amigo.

@geoffjoffy

4 жыл бұрын

@@makelikeatree1696 :(

MERVEILLEUX Greg Lake !!!! thank you for all

Perfect for this Christmas! Greg's voice weaving this story, Ian Anderson tooting along. Love the church setting, and Vibes. Lux Aeterna Greg Lake.

Greg had/has the most amazing recognizable voice! ever

@tomrott5333

7 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%.

@igalflint

7 жыл бұрын

Yessssssss. By the way....who was Sinatra, Elvis, Mercury, Caruso, Pavarotti, etc? Nat King Cole was also very good, I must say, but Greg's voice was the Holly Grail!

@teddibass334

3 жыл бұрын

Just beautiful! Someone in my FB group mentioned this being their favorite Christmas song! I hadn't heard any of this wonderful music, songs in so long!💞

This song was premiered in 1975, on NBC's Midnight Special. Wolfman Jack did a Salute to ELP . I taped it with my Panasonic cassette player and it became my favorite Christmas song; I was 16 at the time. This song made me think...about the world, about what Christmas should mean to anyone with a brain and a conscience. I believe that, with the given class of world leaders that we have to live with, this song is still pretty important.

It’s my father birthday. He got so excited for Christmas and made the entire season exciting with the smallest of things you’d normally not think of. Gone now 11 years. It’s the Eve of Christmas Eve and his birthday and it is raining here in NYS. This song brings back my memories of the seasons and the reasons.

@bluehills38

Жыл бұрын

Cherish it to the max ❤❤❤

Greg Lake - Ian Anderson - 2 giants in musical history.

My favourite Christmas song, bar none. Have been fortunate enough to have seen both ELP and Jethro Tull. Seems I just reminisce these days because there doesn't seem to be anymore great storytellers in music.

RIP Greg and loved the way Ians flute blended on with ease. Great song.

Two true titans of 70's progressive rock right here!

Just imagine going to church and Greg Lake there performing the greatest Christmas song ever!

It has to be one of the most powerful (Christmas) songs written, RIP Greg Lake. I was introduced to E.L. & P. in the 70s via my elder brother and still have the LPs, they still send a shiver up my spine in a nice way when I go back. A great time to grow up and appreciate (all) that music from the era.

WOW!!!! No comments. Two of the greatest song writers, musicians that ever walked the earth. May the Lord Bless them

Christmas isn't Christmas without this treasured song. Thanks Greg and Ian!

@PastorinoOlivier

3 жыл бұрын

We need positive vibes like this or this kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYWWz8mfk5q4frg.html Merry Christmas to you and stay safe, let's all hope 2021 is better than 2020

I remember them when I was stationed in England in the early 70's. Always loved their music. Bless them.

This song moves me...and I embrace my Christmas roots too as I close my eyes and remember a gentler time in my youth....Cheers All and PEACE

In a word.....WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!

Being a fan of both of these rockstars since their inception, we are so lucky to have such musicians who can play like this in the house of God.

OH my goodness just found this masterpiece from the brilliant Greg Lake , takes us all back to when the world was a better place, RIP Greg 🌲