Music Video
Last Christmas — Wham! Lyrics
Soundtrack: Carry-On
Last Christmas Song Lyrics
(Happy Christmas)
Ah, ah-ah
Ooh-woah
Oh-oh
[Chorus]
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 (You gave it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (Special)
[Verse 1]
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby, do you recognise 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
[Chorus]
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away (You gave it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (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 (Special, oh)
Oh, oh, baby
[Verse 2]
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 lover with a fire in his heart
A man undercover, but you tore me apart
Ooh-ooh
Now I've found a real love, you'll never fool me again
[Chorus]
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away (You gave it away)
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (Special)
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away (You gave me away)
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (Special)
[Verse 3]
A face-on lover with a fire in his heart (I gave you my heart)
A man undercover, but you tore him apart
Maybe next year
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
[Bridge]
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, 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 special
I thought you were here to stay
How could you love me for a day?
I thought you were someone special
I gave you my heart
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
[Chorus]
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
You gave it away
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
[Outro]
La-la
La-la-la-la-la
La-la
La-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Track Listing
December, 16th 2024
Song Details and Overview
The song appears in Carry-On's most complex action scene, in which Officer Elena Cole and the fake Agent Alcott realize each other's identities. The ensuing fight takes place in a speeding car, with them crashing into various other vehicles and objects before the fight and the car comes to a rest.
- Producer: George Michael
- Writer: George Michael
- Release Date: December 3, 1984
- Album: Japanese Singles Collection: Greatest Hits
- Label: Columbia Records & Epic Records
- Musical Genre: Synth-Pop, Holiday, Soul Pop
- Language: English
- Mood: Melancholy, nostalgic, hopeful
- Key Instruments: Synthesizer, drum machine, bass
Exploring the meaning of "Last Christmas"
"Last Christmas" by Wham! combines the magic of the holidays with the heartbreak of a failed romance. Written and produced by George Michael, the song tells the story of vulnerability and betrayal through its iconic, bittersweet melody. Its universal themes of love, loss, and resilience make it one of the most enduring Christmas classics.
The Lyrics: A Tale of Heartbreak
The opening lines, "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart / But the very next day, you gave it away," set the tone for the song’s narrative of unrequited love. The verses, particularly "Once bitten and twice shy, I keep my distance," capture the guarded feelings of someone learning to protect themselves after being hurt.
Instrumentation: Synth-Pop Magic
The song is driven by George Michael's use of the Roland JUNO-60 synthesizer, creating a shimmering, nostalgic soundscape. The drum machine provides a steady, rhythmic pulse that contrasts with the emotive vocals, while sleigh bells subtly reinforce the holiday theme.
Emotional Depth
Lines like "A face-on lover with a fire in his heart / A man undercover, but you tore him apart" delve into the pain of betrayal, yet the hopeful refrain, "This year, to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special," highlights resilience and the hope for new love.
Songs similar to Last Christmas
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey: Both songs are modern holiday classics that blend festive cheer with romantic longing. Carey's track focuses on devotion and love, making it a complementary emotional counterpart to Wham!'s bittersweet narrative.
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid: Released in the same era, this song shares "Last Christmas"'s 1980s synth-pop influence. While focusing on global charity, its reflective tone resonates with the emotional depth of Wham!'s lyrics.
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney: Featuring a similar synth-pop style, McCartney's upbeat track contrasts with "Last Christmas" but shares the nostalgic, festive atmosphere that defines the holiday season.
- “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues: This song combines a melancholy narrative with a festive backdrop, paralleling Wham!'s exploration of heartache during the holidays, albeit with a more folk-inspired arrangement.
- “Stay Another Day” by East 17: Although not explicitly a Christmas song, its association with the holiday season and themes of love and heartbreak draw comparisons to "Last Christmas." The emotional vocal delivery and rich harmonies align closely with Wham!'s sound.
- “Careless Whisper” by George Michael: Another classic from George Michael, this track explores themes of betrayal and regret, making it a natural companion to "Last Christmas." Its saxophone-driven melody provides a poignant contrast to the synth-heavy holiday hit.
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love: This song’s longing for lost love during the holidays mirrors Wham!'s narrative, with a more soulful, classic approach to its arrangement.
- “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby: While Crosby’s crooning style differs, the wistful yearning for connection during the holidays makes this a thematic counterpart to "Last Christmas."
Chart Performance and Awards
"Last Christmas" remains one of the best-selling singles never to reach number one in the UK, peaking at #2 upon release. In 2024, it hit a new peak of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its enduring appeal.
George Michael described the song as "distilling the essence of Christmas into music" and considered it one of his proudest creations.
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