The lyrics and the tune represent a good mix of logic and intuition. Due to that mix, logical critics of a tune like this will take the line, "Do they know it's Christmas time at all?" way too literally. Music is an intuitive form of communication that relies on gut instinct and feeling. People aren't logically drawn to any tune. Music itself makes no logical sense at all. From a logical standpoint music is a complete waste of time. Logic and reason help people better understand how a well matched tune and lyrics draws them in. However, logic doesn't draw in the listener and that creates the opportunity for the logical folks to miss the intuitive use of metaphor in these lyrics. Logically, the question, "Do they know it's Christmas time?" is a stupid question. It's like asking if starving Africans have stockings hanging on their fireplaces and plates of cookies and milk out for Santa. From an intuitive standpoint the question is one of empathy. Do the starving Africans ever in their lives get to feel like you, the Christmas celebrating listener? Do they ever get to feel lucky and blessed with more than they need? "Christmas time" is used as a metaphor in a way that connects the listener to the Band Aid cause. The writers put their feelings and intuitive connections into song. They did it skillfully enough that it transmitted the same feelings to the listeners in a way that worked internationally. The U.S. spinoff "We are the World" pales in comparison.