Whatever you think of the musical virtues of the song, the Band Aid movement has done a huge amount of good. No doubt it will again raise loads of much-needed cash for the current crisis. However, some of the lyrics of the songs betray the immature understanding behind the early and admirable passionate response to the Ethiopian situation. I’m sure Bob Geldof has moved on in his understanding of the issues since then, and it’s a shame that is not reflected in the words of the song, which tend to perpetuate a negative view of Africa. Africa is seen as helpless, its poverty as due to natural causes, and its salvation dependant upon the heroic aid of the West.

“Where nothing ever grows, no rains nor rivers flow…” is not exactly true. Much of Africa is fertile. Natural crises happen, and demand our response, but they are not the whole story. The crisis in Sudan is a much more man-made event. Indeed, while geography and climate play a part, much of Africa’s crisis is perpetuated by human elements – by corrupt political national leadership, or by barriers to growth imposed by the supposed western saviours. European and American farm subsidies, for example, are at the heart of an unfair trade system that block African produce out of the market. Aid can help, but is not the whole answer. A change to the trade system is needed.

Adapting a suggestion by Simon Robinson of Time magazine, here are some alternative words for the song:

“It’s Christmastime, there’s no need to block trade.
At Christmastime, we can forgive debt and reform aid.
And in our world of Western plenty, we can spread our wealth around,
Throw out farm subsidies at Christmastime.”