Story Behind The Song

This song was written when my children were very small. When asked what I wanted for Christmas, I would look at them and reply "Peace on earth" This was originally a demo for Bill Medley, a former boss, who asked me to give him a good copy of this song he had heard once. He was going to record this initially, but then changed his mind when he had decided to do all covers. (sigh) This also explains why there is more of his 'sound' to the vocals than there is of my 'usual' sound. Later, when a friend at Bullseye Records Of Canada announced he was producing a Christmas CD, I submitted it to them. It was then heard by fellow artist Terry Draper of the Canadian group Klaatu (heroes of mine) who loved the song and agreed it should be included on the CD (honor enough for me!). The following year it was redone to include a song by Randy Bachman and others.

Song Description

A soulful plea for Peace during the Holidays through the eyes of three groups of children: the baby Jesus, my daughters, and the children of the world. Ironically, ever since this was released on two different CDs on consecutive years (since 2000), there has been no peace during the holidays.

Lyrics

?ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(IS PEACE ON EARTH)?
words and music by Joel-Steven

WHEN YOU FIRST SEE CHRISTMAS THROUGH CHILDREN?S EYES,
YOU?LL REMEMBER THEIR INNOCENCE AND START TO REALIZE
THERE?S A REASON FOR THE SEASON,
LIKE A STAR SHINING BRIGHT
ON A BABY IN A MANGER ON A COLD WINTER?S NIGHT.

CHORUS:
OOOOOHH-, GOD BLESS THE CHILD,
HOW DO WE HAVE FAITH IN A WORLD THAT?S GONE WILD?
OOOOOHH-, TOGETHER WE PRAY;
PROTECT US, AND GUIDE US, AND HELP US TODAY,
FOR NOW AS WE CELEBRATE OUR SAVIOR?S BIRTH,
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS PEACE ON EARTH.
Verse #2:
TODAY, THERE IS HUNGER, INJUSTICE, AND CRIME,
BUT I HEAR THAT IT?S BEEN THAT WAY FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
YOU THINK WE?D HAVE LEARNED AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS,
HOW TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN FROM CRYING THEIR TEARS.

CHORUS #2:
OOOOOHH-, GOD BLESS THE CHILD,
HOW DO WE HAVE FAITH IN A WORLD THAT?S GONE WILD?
OOOOOHH-, TOGETHER WE PRAY;
PROTECT US, AND GUIDE US, AND HELP US TODAY,
AS THE DOGS OF WAR ARE MARKING THEIR TURF,
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS PEACE.....PLEASE,.....

Bridge:
WHY CAN?T WE SEE WE?RE ONE FAMILY.
WHY CAN?T WE LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.
EACH WOMAN AND MAN TAKE YOUR NEIGHBOR?S HAND,
AND LET PEACE AND JOY RING THROUGH EVERY LAND.

Verse #3:
WHEN I LOOK IN MY CHILDREN?S EYES I CAN SEE
THE HOPES AND THE WISHES THAT ARE NOT YET TO BE.
AND OF ALL THAT THEY WANT, THE ONE GIFT I MUST GIVE,
IS THE EXAMPLE I SET BY THE WAY THAT I LIVE.

CHORUS #3:
OOOOOHH-, GOD BLESS THE CHILD,
HOW DO WE HAVE FAITH IN A WORLD THAT?S GONE WILD?
OOOOOHH-, TOGETHER WE PRAY;
PROTECT US, AND GUIDE US, AND HELP US TODAY,
LET?S SHOW OUR CHILDREN HOW MUCH THEY ARE WORTH......
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS PEACE,
PEACE ON EARTH.