Last Christmas by Wham! is one of the most beloved holiday songs ever. It plays everywhere during December and never feels old. George Michael created this track in 1984.

Since then, it has become a true Christmas tradition. The song mixes heartbreak with hope in a way that just works. This post covers what makes Last Christmas so special.

You’ll learn about the song’s lyrics and its details. We’ll also look at popular covers by other artists and where you can listen to them today.

Ready to see why this song keeps winning hearts every holiday season?

About the Song

Last Christmas is a heartfelt song that captures the pain of lost love during the holidays. The theme centers on giving your heart to someone who didn’t value it.

George Michael wrote and produced the entire track himself in his bedroom studio. The song blends upbeat 80s synth pop with emotional storytelling.

It talks about learning from past mistakes and finding hope in new love. The catchy melody makes you want to sing along, even though the story is bittersweet.

Lyrics of Last Christmas by Wham

Intro

Ah, ah
Ooh, whoa
Ah

Chorus

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
This year, to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special

Verse

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

Chorus

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
This year, to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special

Hook

Oh
Oh, baby

Verse

A 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 me apart
Ooh-ooh
Now I’ve found a real love, you′ll never fool me again

Chorus

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

Last Christmas (I gave you my heart), I gave you my heart
But the very next day (you gave me away, oh), you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I′ll give it to someone special, special

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart (I gave you my)
A man under cover, but you tore him apart
(Maybe next year) I’ll give it to someone
I’ll give it to someone special

Outro

Special
Someone
Someone

Listen to the Audio Version:

For the audio version, check out “Last Christmas” by Wham! on YouTube to enjoy the full festive sound.

Artists Who Covered Last Christmas

The song has touched so many hearts that musicians keep coming back to it. Each artist brings something fresh while keeping that special feeling intact.

• Taylor Swift recorded her version in 2007. Her take was gentle and sweet. It showcased her early country-pop style beautifully.
• Ariana Grande gave us something different in 2013. She made it fun and lively. Her R&B touches gave the track a modern holiday feel.
• Carly Rae Jepsen went retro in 2015. She used vintage synth sounds that reminded fans of the original 80s vibe. It felt like a loving tribute to Wham!
• Jimmy Eat World took a rock approach back in 2001. Their version had more edge and a raw feeling. It proved the song works in almost any style.
• The Backstreet Boys released a smooth, harmony-rich cover in 2022. You can find it on their album A Very Backstreet Christmas. Their vocal blend gave the song a warm, layered sound.
• Other notable versions came from Billie Piper, Ashley Tisdale, and the Glee Cast. These helped introduce the song to younger listeners who might not have known the original.

What makes all these covers special? They each sound different. Some are upbeat. Others are slow and emotional. But they all keep that mix of sadness and joy that made the original so powerful. That’s why this song keeps inspiring new artists year after year.

To Sum It Up

Last Christmas works because it tells the truth. Love doesn’t always go the way we hope. Sometimes the person we trust breaks our heart. But that’s not where the story ends.

The song reminds us to learn from the past and try again. To find someone who values what we give. To not let one bad experience ruin future chances. That message hits home every holiday season.

George Michael turned personal pain into something millions relate to. The song climbs the charts each year because we’ve all been there. We’ve all given our hearts and had to start over.

Have you ever related to this song during the holidays? Share your story in the comments below!