christmas kids lyrics meaning By ROAR #1

The Dark Story Behind “Christmas Kids” by ROAR

“Christmas Kids” is a song by ROAR, a musical project by Owen Evans, who was formerly part of the band AJJ. The song was released in 2010 as part of the album “I Can’t Handle Change”. The song is inspired by the real-life story of Ronnie Spector, a singer who was married to Phil Spector, a famous music producer and convicted murderer. The song portrays the abusive and controlling relationship that Ronnie endured for six years, and her desperate attempts to escape.

christmas kids lyrics #01

[Verse 1]
Ronnette, my dear, don’t ever disappear
Do what you want as long as you stay here
I need you now, I love you so much
More than you could know

Who were Ronnie and Phil Spector?

Ronnie Spector (1943-2022) was a singer who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist of the girl group The Ronettes. She had a distinctive voice and style that influenced many artists, such as Amy Winehouse and The Beatles. Phil Spector (1939-2021) was a music producer who created the “Wall of Sound”, a technique that layered multiple instruments and vocals to create a rich and powerful sound. He worked with many famous artists, such as The Beatles, The Righteous Brothers, and Ike and Tina Turner. He also produced some of the songs by The Ronettes, including their hit “Be My Baby”.

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[Verse 2]
The Christmas kids were nothing but a gift
And love is a tower where all of us can live

Ronnie and Phil met in 1963 and married in 1968. However, their marriage was far from happy. Phil was extremely possessive and paranoid, and he isolated Ronnie from her family, friends, and career. He locked her in their mansion, monitored her phone calls, threatened her with guns, and even installed a coffin in their basement to remind her that he would kill her if she ever left him. He also adopted children without her consent and gave them to her as Christmas presents, hoping to keep her tied to him.

christmas kids lyrics #03

[Pre-Chorus]
You’ll change your name or change your mind
And leave this fucked up place behind

What does the song “Christmas Kids” by ROAR mean?

The song “Christmas Kids” by ROAR is a tribute to Ronnie Spector and her struggle to survive in an abusive relationship. The song is divided into four verses, each with a different perspective and tone.

The first verse is from Phil’s point of view, and it shows his obsession and manipulation of Ronnie. He calls her “Ronnette”, which was her stage name before she married him. He also refers to her as his “dear”, which sounds affectionate but also condescending. He tells her that he loves her more than anyone else, but he also warns her that he will find her if she ever tries to run away. He says that he knows everything about her, including her dreams and fears. He also mentions the “Christmas kids”, which were the twin boys that he adopted without Ronnie’s knowledge and gave to her as a surprise gift in 1969.

christmas kids lyrics #04

[Chorus]
But I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know

The second verse is from Ronnie’s point of view, and it shows her desperation and hopelessness. She calls Phil by his full name, which indicates that she does not feel close to him or respect him. She also says that she hates him more than anyone else, but she also fears him more than anyone else. She says that he has taken everything from her, including her freedom and happiness. She also mentions the “Christmas kids”, which were a source of pain and confusion for her. She says that they are not hers, but they are also not his. She wonders what will happen to them if she ever leaves.

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[Bridge]
Appearing unsightly
With devils inside me
If you ever try to leave me, I’ll find you, Ronnie
If you ever try to leave me, I’ll find you, Ronnie
If you ever try to leave me, I’ll find you, Ronnie
If you ever try to leave me, I’ll find you, Ronnie

The third verse is from an outsider’s point of view, and it shows the contrast between the public image and the private reality of Ronnie and Phil’s relationship. The outsider is someone who admires Ronnie as a singer and a star, but does not know what she is going through behind closed doors. The outsider praises Ronnie for her voice and style, and wishes to be like her or be with her. The outsider also compliments Phil for his musical genius and success, and thinks that he is lucky to have Ronnie as his wife. The outsider does not see any signs of trouble or abuse in their relationship.

The fourth verse is from Ronnie’s point of view again, but this time it shows her determination and courage to escape from Phil’s clutches. She says that she has had enough of his lies and threats, and that she will not let him control her anymore. She says that she has found a way out of his prison, and that she will not look back or regret anything. She also mentions the “Christmas kids” again, but this time she says that they are hers, and that they will be free too. She says that she will take them with her or leave them behind, depending on what is best for them.

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[Verse 3]
I’m leaving, Phil, I’m leaving now
I’m going to escape, but you won’t know how
Or where to find me when I’m gone
I’ll drink myself to death inside
This prison cell
This prison cell

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “But I’ll know”, which has different meanings depending on who is singing it. When Phil sings it, it means that he will know where Ronnie is or what she is doing at all times, implying that he will never let her go or have any privacy. When Ronnie sings it, it means that she will know what is best for her and her children, implying that she will make her own decisions and take charge of her life.

Why is the song “Christmas Kids” by ROAR important?

The song “Christmas Kids” by ROAR is important because it sheds light on a dark and tragic story that is often overlooked or forgotten. Ronnie Spector was a victim of domestic violence and psychological abuse for many years, and she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression as a result. She finally managed to escape from Phil in 1974, with the help of her mother and a bodyguard. She divorced him in 1976, and regained custody of her children. She also resumed her musical career, and collaborated with artists such as Eddie Money, Joey Ramone, and The Misfits. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, along with the other members of The Ronettes.

christmas kids lyrics #07

[Pre-Chorus]
So get me out of here
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
You’ll change your name or change your mind
And leave this fucked up place behind

Phil Spector was a perpetrator of violence and murder, who never faced justice for his crimes until 2009. He was accused of killing Lana Clarkson, an actress and model, in his mansion in 2003. He claimed that she committed suicide, but the evidence showed that he shot her in the mouth. He was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009, and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison. He died in 2021 from complications of COVID-19.

christmas kids lyrics #08

[Chorus]
But I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know
I’ll know, I’ll know

The song “Christmas Kids” by ROAR is a tribute to Ronnie Spector and her resilience, as well as a condemnation of Phil Spector and his cruelty. It is a song that exposes the truth behind the glamour and fame of the music industry, and the horror and pain of domestic abuse. It is a song that reminds us that we should not judge people by their appearances or achievements, but by their actions and character. It is a song that inspires us to stand up for ourselves and others who are suffering from injustice and oppression.