from The Charity Compilation 2016.
Performed and engineered by Ted Hartog, Yogurt von Caravan, and Paul Criscuolo. "Step Into Christmas" originally written by Elton John & Bernard JP Taupin. Courtesy of BMI and Universal Songs of Polygram International.
"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud #6294). It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Boy Scout youth movement uses it to close jamborees and other functions.
"Happy Xmas / War is Over" originally written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. courtesy of BMI and Downtown DMP Songs. Performed by Yogurt von Caravan, sort of. For like, one phrase. Jeez, chill.
The sample at the very end comes from Lin-Manuel Miranda's acceptance speech at the 2016 Tony Awards, in which his musical "Hamilton" won Best Original Score. The sampled part of the speech, given mere hours after a horrific shooting at a LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, is such:
"We chase the melodies that seem to find us
Until they're finished songs and start to play.
When senseless acts of tragedy remind us
That nothing here is promised, not one day.
This show is proof that history remembers
We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger
We rise and fall and light from dying embers
Remembrances that hope and love last longer.
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love -
cannot be killed or swept aside!
I sing Vanessa's symphony, Eliza tells her story.
Now fill the world with music, love, and pride."
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