Last Christmas – Wham!
Released in December 1984, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has become one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. Written and produced by George Michael, one half of the British pop duo alongside Andrew Ridgeley, the song has endured for decades as a holiday classic. Known for its catchy melody, bittersweet lyrics, and a memorable music video, “Last Christmas” perfectly blends themes of love, heartbreak, and festive spirit.
Despite being released during the golden age of ’80s pop music, “Last Christmas” has transcended its era and continues to enjoy immense popularity during the holiday season, both on radio and streaming platforms. The song’s combination of nostalgic melodies, relatable lyrics, and the infectious holiday mood it creates has made it a staple on Christmas playlists worldwide.
The Story Behind the Song
The origins of “Last Christmas” are rooted in George Michael’s remarkable ability to craft pop anthems that resonated deeply with listeners. Written in his bedroom, the song showcases Michael’s versatility as both a songwriter and a producer. Though it is a Christmas song, its subject matter goes beyond the traditional holiday themes. At its heart, “Last Christmas” is a tale of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability, wrapped in festive packaging.
The song tells the story of someone who gave their heart to someone special “last Christmas,” only to be let down and heartbroken. The lyrics reflect the emotional complexity of dealing with betrayal and the hope for a better outcome the following year. This juxtaposition of holiday cheer and heartache sets “Last Christmas” apart from other Christmas songs, which typically focus on joy, family, and togetherness.
Michael was able to capture a universal experience in the song—romantic disappointment during a time of year that’s supposed to be filled with love and warmth. This connection to real emotions is one reason why “Last Christmas” has resonated with audiences for decades.
Lyrics and Themes
While the song is known for its upbeat melody and festive feel, the lyrics are tinged with melancholy. The opening lines set the tone for a narrative of regret and longing:
“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart / But the very next day, you gave it away.”
These words immediately draw the listener into a story of unreciprocated love, creating a stark contrast to the joyful holiday season. The lyrics go on to reflect a sense of guarded optimism:
“This year, to save me from tears / I’ll give it to someone special.”
The chorus repeats this sentiment, expressing both heartbreak and hope. This duality of emotion—sadness from past experiences and the hope for a better future—is a theme that many can relate to, making the song stand out among the many celebratory holiday tracks.
The verses further develop the narrative of betrayal and emotional vulnerability. In one key section, Michael sings:
“Now I know what a fool I’ve been / But if you kissed me now, I know you’d fool me again.”
Here, the protagonist acknowledges their own susceptibility to being hurt again, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. Even amid the festive atmosphere, they recognize the potential for further heartbreak, highlighting the realistic and often bittersweet nature of romantic relationships.
The Music and Composition
Musically, “Last Christmas” is characterized by its signature synthesizer melody, which was emblematic of 1980s pop music. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody are in contrast to its more somber lyrics, creating an interesting dynamic that has kept listeners hooked for years. The use of sleigh bells, a common musical trope in Christmas songs, further enhances the festive feel of the track, making it instantly recognizable as a holiday anthem.
George Michael’s vocal performance is another standout aspect of the song. His smooth, emotive delivery brings depth to the lyrics, making the pain and longing in the song feel real. Even though the song is upbeat, Michael’s voice conveys vulnerability, allowing listeners to connect with the emotional core of the track.
The production of the song is slick and polished, characteristic of the era’s pop music, but its simplicity allows the emotions to take center stage. Michael’s decision to keep the arrangement relatively straightforward—a mix of synths, drum machines, and subtle guitar lines—ensures that the focus remains on the lyrics and vocal performance.
The Official Music Video
The official music video for “Last Christmas” has become just as iconic as the song itself. Filmed in the snowy mountains of Saas-Fee, Switzerland, the video follows a group of friends, including George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, who go on a holiday ski trip. The storyline centers around a former couple, played by Michael and model Kathy Hill, who are awkwardly reunited for the holidays. Throughout the video, subtle glances and gestures convey the tension between the two, with Michael’s character still harboring feelings for her, even though she has moved on.
The video captures the essence of the song, blending the festive, wintry backdrop with the underlying emotional tension. The snowy setting, festive decorations, and cozy chalet scenes create a quintessential holiday atmosphere. Yet, the narrative thread of lost love runs through the video, echoing the bittersweet nature of the song’s lyrics.
The group dynamic in the video, with friends decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts, contrasts with the personal struggle Michael’s character faces. This dichotomy between the collective joy of the holidays and the individual pain of heartbreak is visually represented throughout the video, making it a perfect companion to the song.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Last Christmas” became an instant hit upon its release, despite being blocked from the UK Christmas number one spot by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984. However, it has since become one of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time, achieving Platinum status in multiple countries and gaining billions of streams and radio plays.
Over the years, “Last Christmas” has been covered by numerous artists, ranging from pop stars to indie musicians, further cementing its status as a holiday classic. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke both the joy and heartache often associated with the holiday season, making it a song that listeners return to year after year.
The song’s popularity has only grown with time, especially after the passing of George Michael in 2016, which brought a renewed appreciation for his work. “Last Christmas” has since become a poignant reminder of Michael’s talent and his lasting impact on the music world.
In 2019, the song also inspired the romantic comedy film Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, which was loosely based on the themes of the song and featured several of George Michael’s tracks. The film further cemented the song’s place in popular culture.
Conclusion
“Last Christmas” by Wham! is far more than just a Christmas song—it’s a timeless anthem of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. George Michael’s heartfelt lyrics and emotive performance, paired with the song’s infectious melody, have made it a holiday classic that transcends generations.
Its ability to balance festive cheer with emotional depth is what has made “Last Christmas” endure as a holiday staple. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or reflecting on past relationships, “Last Christmas” remains a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, is a central part of the human experience—especially during the holidays.
Lyrics
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance
But you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby
Do you recognize me?
Well, it’s been a year
It doesn’t surprise me
Happy Christmas
I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying “I love you”
I meant it
Now I know what a fool I’ve been
But if you kissed me now
I know you’d fool me again
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Oh, oh, baby
A crowded room
Friends with tired eyes
I’m hiding from you
And your soul of ice
My god, I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man under cover, but you tore me apart
Now I’ve found a real love. You’ll never fool me again
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
I gave you my heart
A man under cover, but you tore him apart
Maybe next year I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone special
Special
Someone
Someone
I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone special
Who give me something in return
I’ll give it to someone—
Hold my heart and watch it burn
I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone special
I thought you were here to stay
How could you love me for a day
I thought you were someone special
Gave you my heart
I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone—
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
You gave it away
I’ll give it to someone—
I’ll give it to someone—