by Joe, age 10, asks what Christmas song was banned in the 70s, about the Mersey, and the Beatles
Dear Santa,
Alright Santa, from Liverpool. My name is Joe and I am 10 years old. My granddad plays records from a certain very famous band that used to live right here in our city, and every December he puts on one particular peace-themed Christmas song and tells me it caused quite a stir once, though he never explains exactly how.
My first question is: what Christmas song was banned in the 1970s?
My second question is geography: what river runs through Liverpool?
My third question is from school: why is Liverpool famous as the hometown of the Beatles?
I left you a mince pie and a proper cup of tea, milk first, obviously.
Love, Joe, age 10, Liverpool, England
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Joe, milk first is indeed the correct order, and I appreciate you standing firm on it. Now, to your granddad’s mystery song, and your other questions.
What Christmas song was banned in the 1970s?
Your granddad is very likely talking about Happy Xmas, War Is Over, written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and released in 1971. The song carried a clear anti-war message during a time when the Vietnam War was still being fought, and in 1972 the BBC decided not to play it on the radio, considering it too political for broadcast at the time. The decision caused a fair bit of discussion, since many listeners felt a message of peace should not be treated as controversial. It has since become one of the most beloved and widely played Christmas songs of all, proving that a song banned in one decade can become a classic in the next.
What river runs through Liverpool?
The River Mersey flows past Liverpool, opening out into a wide estuary where it meets the Irish Sea. The famous waterfront, known as the Pier Head, looks out over that same river, lined with grand old buildings that once welcomed ships from all over the world.
Why is Liverpool famous as the hometown of the Beatles?
All four members of the Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, were born and grew up in Liverpool, meeting and forming the band right there in the local music scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their global success brought enormous fame to the city, and today Liverpool celebrates that history with museums, tours, and murals honouring the band on nearly every corner.
Ask your granddad to tell you the rest of the story, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
