Licenses: Sony, ATV Music Publishing (UK) Ltd., Sanctuary Records
With a mixture of humour, aggression and bitterness, ‘Father Christmas’ is a song by English rock band the Kinks, compose by Ray Davies. It tells of a department store Father Christmas who is beaten up by a gang of poor kids who tell him to give them money instead of toys, as toys are impractical, and asks that the toys be given "to the little rich boys." The song has a punk style arrangement with loud guitar riffs. It also features Christmas bells to add to the seasonal theme. The single was released in November 1977 and was accompanied by a music video featuring Ray Davies dressed as Santa Claus. The track has been covered by many bands, including: The Gigolo Aunts, Green Day, Bad Religion, Smashmouth, OK Go!, Cheap Trick and The Riverboat Gamblers.