John Legend Reveals Even More of His Impressive Range Covering "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"

During the Christmas at Graceland special on NBC on November 29, John Legend performed a passionate cover of the meaningful song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon. 

The Voice Coach played the piano and crooned with a rich tone during his version. The backup choir and violins added depth to the performance as Legend's voice soared. 

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What to know about "Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

Released in 1971 and recorded with Yoko Ono, the Plastic Ono Band, and the Harlem Community Choir, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over) was written as a peace activist tune during the Vietnam War. 

In 2020, The Los Angeles Times listed it as the 49th best Christmas song, describing it as "an antiwar message whisked together with Christmas utopianism, buoyed by a cresting melody and booming production."

"Happy Xmas (Was Is Over)" has since been covered by Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, Wilco, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, and more. 

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"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon lyrics

So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you had fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (War is over)
For weak and for strong (If you want it)
The rich and the poor ones (War is over)
The road is so long (Now)
And so happy Christmas (War is over)
For black and for white (If you want it)
For yellow and red ones (War is over)
Let's stop all the fight (Now)

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (War is over)
And what have we done? (If you want it)
Another year over (War is over)
And a new one just begun (Now)
And so happy Christmas (War is over)
We hope you have fun (If you want it)
The near and the dear ones (War is over)
The old and the young (Now)

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

War is over, if you want it
War is over, now
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)
Happy Christmas (Happy Christmas)