The holidays are upon us. First it’s Thanksgiving and then December with its plethora of celebratory times, including December 25. Indeed, Christmas is just around the corner. And while it can be a very fun time for many, it can also be a subject to put to punk rock. To wit, these three songs here below.
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We wanted to explore three lesser known punk rock songs that take Christmastime and put it on its head. Subversion is always a good approach when it comes to songwriting, so why not try it with the holiday season. Yes, these are three deliriously fun anti-Christmas punk rock songs for you to enjoy this season.
[RELATED: 3 Classic Rock Christmas Songs that Go Hard]
“There’s No Christmas on the Moon” by Thee Spivies from Christmas in Heaven (1996)
Like many punk rock songs, this one travels at about a million miles an hour. It’s as much about pace as it is about melody and rhythm. The song is silly, too. It’s about being on the moon and therefore going without the holiday. Indeed, the band sings over smashing drums and lighting-quick guitars,
And now I’m stranded on the moon
And I won’t be seeing Santa Claus real soon
‘Cuz Santa ain’t no man in a space suit
‘Cuz there’s no Christmas on the moon!
“Santa Ain’t Coming for Christmas” by Rocket 455 from Go To Hell (2011)
This modern punk rock song is built on giant guitars, shouting kids, and lyrics about being a bad, bad boy. Some songs embrace the magic and wonder of Christmas and some eschew that. And of course it takes all kinds in this world. This song from Rocket 455 definitely falls in the latter category. And on it, the song features lyrics belted out,
Santa! Ain’t Coming This Christmas!
Santa! Ain’t Coming This Christmas!
Santa! Ain’t Coming This Christmas!
Santa! Ain’t Coming This Christmas!
“Don’t Believe in Christmas” by The Sonics (1965)
This song from the groundbreaking Seattle-born garage punk rock band The Sonics was released in 1965 as a split single with the local Pacific Northwest rockers The Wailers (their song was “Christmas Spirit??”). On the song the band sings about not believing in the holiday because they didn’t get a present last year. It’s a repetitive, buzzy song from the band that made songs like “The Witch” famous. Bolstered by organs and big percussion, the song is a classic anti-Christmas offering. Sings the band,
Well mom and dad said be good
So I did what I should
I hung my stocking on a wall
I didn’t get a thing at all
I don’t believe in Christmas
I don’t believe in Christmas
I don’t believe in Christmas
‘Cause I didn’t get nothin’ last year
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Photo by Xavi Torrent/Redferns
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