Can We Fix It?
Bob the Builder
Christmas #1 in 2000
Key Lyrics: ‘Can we fix it? Yes we can!’
Once you realise this is a song of criticism (much like Ecclesiastics), of happiness through human works, it is obviously a Christian song. ‘Can we fix it?’ the song asks. ‘Yes we can,’ we hear replied. Of course, we know that no one can fix it; in fact, we often make things worse and drag more people into the mess (‘Scoop, Muck and Dizzy and Roley, too’). We need someone from above greater than Bob to come in and fix our human mess.
All I Want For Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey
Christmas #2 in 1994 (held off #1 spot by East 17)
Key Lyrics: ‘I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents, underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.’
Who is this ‘you’ that the singer is so desperate for? It’s not Santa, obviously (‘Santa Claus won’t make me happy,’ she sings later), and who should we expect on Christmas day other than Jesus Christ? At times, the lyrics clearly reflect the words of Song of Songs. Those people who say that this is about her partner are clearly in denial.
Merry Xmas Everybody
Slade
Christmas #1 in 1973
Key Lyrics: ‘So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun, look to the future now, it’s only just begun.’
During Advent, the Church doesn’t just celebrate the coming of Jesus for the first time, it also points forwards to Jesus coming again. That’s what ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ picks up on as it pictures Christmas Day in the new creation in the image of waiting for the (church) family to arrive, the reference to heaven in John 14:2 when asking about spare rooms and the joyful cry of ‘It’s Christmas!’ at the end of the song.
Killing in the Name
Rage Against the Machine
Christmas #1 in 2009 holding off fierce competition from whoever won X-Factor that year
Key Lyrics: ‘I won’t do what you tell me!’
The symbolism of this song is so rich and obvious that it doesn’t need explaining. Consider photocopying the lyrics and handing them round your youth group so they can discuss the themes. (Editor’s note: THIS IS A JOKE: DO NOT DO THIS!)
