We had our usual Wednesday night at the pub, which was loads of fun.
For whatever reason tonight, the big screen of the pub was showing VH1.
The first part of the night featured #1 hits of the 80s which, with a decidely Amercian bias, declared “We Are The World” to be that decade’s biggest hit.
We all watched the clip closely. “Oh my goodness, there’s Bette”, John said at one point. “Why is Michael Jackson separate from all the others?” Dave, who is a little younger than the rest of us asked.
I was concentrating a little more on the lyrics, noticing the slight cultural difference between the American version and the original UK version.
In the UK version, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” is all about helping the people of Africa…
It’s Christmas time
There’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
We let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time
which is followed by the refrain “Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmas time”.
However, in contrast the American version seems to be a little more focussed on how good “we” will feel by helping the people of Africa…
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
…which I note from Wikipedia was a much-debated part of the song.
And from there, VH1 had a show featuring lots of dead people. Yes, that’s right. Michael Hutchence in INXS, Laura Branigan etc.
The one thing they got terribly wrong was their #1, namely a song by AC/DC. The song they chose to play, “You Shook Me All Night Long” which featured the very much alive current lead singer of the band Brian Johnson, and not Bon Scott.
If you’re from VH1, and you read this blog: I’d suggest next time you do an “RIP” special, your number one choice should actually be someone who is RIP’ing…