Released: 1984
‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! is a rock ballad with a holiday twist, weaving a tale of love given and lost. The lyrics depict a story of unrequited love, the pain of heartbreak, and the hopeful prospect of finding someone truly special.
The song kicks off with the singer reflecting on the previous Christmas, when he metaphorically ‘gave his heart’ to someone, signifying his deep love and trust. However, this love was quickly discarded or ‘given away’ the next day, indicating a harsh rejection or betrayal.
The singer then makes a resolution for the upcoming year – to avoid the emotional turmoil (‘tears’), he’ll give his heart to ‘someone special’. This suggests he’s learned from his past and is ready to move on to someone who will truly value his love.
The phrase ‘Once bitten and twice shy’ is a common saying that means one becomes cautious after a negative experience. Despite keeping his distance, the person still catches his eye, hinting at lingering feelings.
The singer asks, ‘do you recognize me?’ and notes that a year has passed, suggesting a period of separation. He recalls declaring his love (‘I love you’) and meaning it, only to later realize what a ‘fool’ he’s been. The ‘fool me again’ line suggests he’s aware of the potential for more heartbreak if he lets his guard down.
The line ‘a crowded room, friends with tired eyes’ paints a picture of a holiday gathering, possibly a Christmas party. The singer is ‘hiding’ from the person and refers to their ‘soul of ice’, indicating a cold, unfeeling nature.
He thought this person was reliable (‘someone to rely on’), but realizes he was merely a ‘shoulder to cry on’. The ‘man under cover’ could suggest he was concealing his true feelings, but the person ‘tore him apart’, further emphasizing his emotional pain.
The song concludes on a hopeful note, with the singer stating he’s found a ‘real love’ and won’t be fooled again. He reiterates his resolution to give his heart to ‘someone special’ next Christmas, indicating he’s ready to leave the past behind and start anew.
