Someday At Christmas

Album: Someday At Christmas (1967)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Someday At Christmas" is one of the first Christmas songs with a social and political message. Released in 1967 during the Vietnam War, it takes a stand for peace, equality and compassion - values Stevie Wonder holds dear.

    In the song, Wonder dreams of a Christmas free from warmongers. The opening lines make it clear:

    Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
    Playing with bombs like kids play with toys


    John Lennon sent a similar message in his 1971 song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."
  • This was written by Motown songwriters Ron Miller and Bryan Wells, the team that also wrote Wonder's songs "A Place in the Sun" and "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday." They wrote it for Wonder's first Christmas album, also called Someday At Christmas, which contains several Christmas standards mixed with some new songs, including "What Christmas Means To Me."
  • In 2015, Stevie Wonder appeared in a commercial for Apple where he sings "Someday At Christmas" at home with Andra Day, recording it on his Mac.

    Wonder is a mentor to Day, who released her debut album earlier in 2015. A few years later, her song "Rise Up" became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
  • Lizzo put her own spin on "Someday At Christmas" for Amazon Music in 2022.

    "I chose to cover 'Someday At Christmas' not just because it's a classic, but because it's a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality," she said. "A friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season."

    Lizzo's rendition reached #8 on the UK Singles chart and #59 on the Hot 100.
  • Lizzo sang "Someday At Christmas" on the December 17, 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live. Wearing a silver and gold dress, she performed the song amid decorated and lit Christmas trees.

Comments: 9

  • Jc from ArizonaI have checked several versions of this song online. In verse 5 you have none have fears. Others have "no men have fears."
  • Althea Spikes from Little Rock, ArkansasThis song makes me cry...it is more than a Christmas song... this song breathes Hope...
  • Michael Robinson from New YorkA great song and message
  • Sandra from Massachusetts Ever since I was a little girl when this song first came out by Stevie Wonder, it always brought tears to my eyes. At that time we had the Vietnam War going on and everyone just wanted peace. Now it's 2020 I'm 61 years old and we still have a war going on. A war with Covid-19, a war with racism and a war in the white house. I still have tears in my eyes.
  • J9 from PaThis song is beautiful. To me, not only is it beautiful, but it is inspiring. This is what should go viral, this is about humanity and hope for everyone. This is about the meaning of Christmas: PEACE! We all need to have a dream, and to be able to achieve that dream. I have a lot more to say, but mostly, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all. And stay safe!
  • Brenda from Lawrenceville GaThe lyrics express the same thing people are marching and protesting for in 2020. Still waiting for that shinning moment that will change the world.
  • Jennifer Harris from Grand Blanc, MiThis is an ok song!
  • Alistair from Geelong, Australiawas covered by Jack Johnson for Christmas in 2007
  • Debbie from Brevard, FlI found this song to really hit a spot in this day in time!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Band Names

Band NamesFact or Fiction

Was "Pearl" Eddie Vedder's grandmother, and did she really make a hallucinogenic jam? Did Journey have a contest to name the group? And what does KISS stand for anyway?

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.