Decoding “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” [Lyrics, Video]

One of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs is the 1984 UK "supergroup" charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?". You may recognize some of the voices, but who was all involved?

The project was the brainchild of Irish musician Bob Geldof, who called on his famous friends to help the less fortunate in Africa.

Here's a list of who was involved and what parts they sang:

"It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid"
"At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade"
Paul Young

"And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy"
"Throw your arms around the world, at Christmas time"
Boy George

"But say a prayer; Pray for the other ones"
George Michael

"At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun"
George Michael/Simon Le Bon

"There's a world outside your window, and it's a world of dread and fear"
Simon Le Bon/Sting

"Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears"
Tony Hadley/Sting/Paul Stanley/Billy Gibbons/Bono

"And the Christmas bells that ring there, are the clanging chimes of doom"
Sting/Bono/Paul Stanley

"Well, tonight, thank God it's them, instead of you"
Bono

"And there won't be snow in Africa, this Christmas time"
Boy George/Paul Weller/Sting/Cliff Richard

"The greatest gift they'll get this year is life"
Bono/George Michael/Boy George

"Oooooh"
Boy George

"Where nothing ever grows"
Paul Young/Paul McCartney/Roger Daltrey

"No rain nor rivers flow"
Paul Weller/Paul Stanley

"Do they know it's Christmas time at all?"
All

"Here's to you"
Marilyn/Glenn Gregory/Rick Parfitt/Francis Rossi

"Raise a glass for everyone"
Paul Young

"Here's to them"
Marilyn/Glenn/Rick/Francis

"Underneath that burning sun"
Paul Young

"Do they know it's Christmas time at all?"
Paul Young/Paul McCartney

"Feed the World, Let them know it's Christmas time again"
All

And, of course we can't forget the original video (look at those hairdos!)