Episode Details

Some people say it's a protest song about the commercialisation of Christmas, others that it's anti religious.

I Believe In Father Christmas is neither, although lyricist Peter Sinfield concedes it does include a touch of cynicism.

But ultimately it's a song of joy and hope.

When Greg Lake co-wrote it in 1975 he had embarked on a solo career away from Emmerson, Lake & Palmer.

Those around him at the time, including songwriter Peter Sinfield and broadcaster Bob Harris, recall how repeating a simple acoustic guitar exercise led to this giant of a song. It includes a full choir, orchestra, and an extract from Prokofiev to create an enduring Christmas anthem.

For many people it's a comforting song, conjuring images of nostalgic picture postcard Christmases of childhood spent in the ambience of Christmas tree lights and candles with "eyes full of tinsel and fire".

For others, it's a cautionary reminder of the need to look beyond the materialism and commercialism to a more spiritual, quiet time.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2022.