Story Behind The Song
Released in December 1984, “Last Christmas” is one of Wham!’s most beloved recordings and has become a festive classic. Written and produced by George Michael, the song pairs an infectious pop melody with bittersweet lyrics about heartbreak and unrequited love. Rather than focusing on traditional Christmas themes, it tells the story of someone determined not to repeat the mistakes of a failed romance, making it both a seasonal favourite and a timeless pop song.
On its original release, “Last Christmas” entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 2, famously held off the top spot by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, another record featuring George Michael. Despite missing out on the Christmas No. 1, it became one of the biggest-selling singles never to reach the summit during the 1980s and remained a festive chart regular for decades.
Following changes to the UK chart rules and the rise of music streaming, the song returned to the charts every Christmas, eventually achieving what had long seemed impossible. In January 2021, more than 36 years after its original release, “Last Christmas” finally reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, setting a record for the longest journey to the top. Today, it stands as one of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded and a lasting testament to George Michael’s songwriting brilliance.
The song peaked at No. 02 in the UK charts on 15th December 1984.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Record Label
Catalogue Number
ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Last Christmas (4:27) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B-Side | Everything She Wants (4:55) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 15th December 1984 – 23rd February 1985 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 14th December 1985 – 18th January 1986 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Last Christmas (Single Version) (4:27)
Last Christmas (Pudding Mix) (6:40)
Last Christmas (Instrumental) (4:24)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Ah, ah-ah
Ooh-woah
Oh-oh
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)
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
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, my baby
OohA 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 undercover, but you tore him apart (Tore me apart)
Ooh-ooh
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 (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 (Oh)
I’ll give it to someone special (Special)
Face on a 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
Special
Someone
Someone
Written By George Michael
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