“Boots” is The Killers’ fifth festive entry and their most straightforward offering in the Christmas charity series since it began in 2006 with “A Great Big Sled.” The new tune, which references the holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, and has a brilliant lyric that gives the song its name, breaks from the recent past by featuring no special guests. It’s the first time the Las Vegas outfit has gone it alone for (RED) since 2007’s “Don’t Shoot Me Santa.” Maybe that’s their small nod to the ‘New Austerity.’

Fittingly, the music video for “Boots” tells the story of a man down on his economic luck, separated from his family. Don’t be surprised if you get a little misty-eyed by watching the clip, helmed by Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess, as it does include the requisite redemption at its denouement:

Besides the money raised from the sales of the “Boots” single, each time you view the “Boots” video today on World Aids Day (December 1), another (RED) partner, Starbucks, will contribute 5 cents the Global Fund (in addition to its in-store efforts). 

Purchase The Killers – “Boots” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.