DON'T DO THIS ON XMAS!!! Americans React "The Pogues - Fairytale Of New York ft. Kirstie MacColl"

#ThePogues #FairytaleOfNewYork #AmericansReact
Original Video: • Fairytale of New York ...
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[@midianmtd]

As a middle aged Irish American Gay, I label this as the only Christmas song that can bring a tear to my eye. Rest in power Shane & Kristy. May you slow dance in that dingy bar together forever.

[@zellah]

The stanza about their dreams kills me.

[@violetlobster]

Kirsty! Please can we all do the late Kirsty MacColl the respect of getting her name right! ❤

[@erin.v.m657]

​@@violetlobster...thank you. And the fact that she literally saved her son's life. Her entire life should be celebrated along with that glorious voice.

[@stevecooke2041]

Known in Ireland as an American ...

[@JaneA544]

Her name is Kirsty not kristy

[@christopherwoods6777]

I'm gay and LOVE this song. Anyone that cries about the lyrics have no idea the context or the people singing it. People are way too sensitive over the most ridiculous crap. I grew up around these characters. Calling someone these slurs was just the way people talk with each other (and still do) . It's the context you're using the word that takes the meaning from harmless to offensive. I always will love this song over garbage like Frosty the Snowman (which is over played so much....makes me want to punch a wall by the time Xmas day arrives).

[@decb]

It's like shouting "OI OI YOU C***!" when your mate walks into the pub, or the classic "You slaaaaaaag"

[@gmc1873A]

Fantastic comment mate

[@richardcarter5082]

The fact she is calling her love interest it in the song makes it the most funny context possible!

[@generichuman2044]

As another gay man, I completely agree with your sentiment. The word in the song is not being used in a homophobic way and I do not find it offensive in the slightest. This is still my favourite Christmas song

[@dandanod]

Mate, you may be fine getting called it but some of us will always stand up to homophobia and bigotry 👍

[@antonybrent6232]

It’s not Christmas in the uk without hearing this five times a day 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@emmetwade9381]

🇮🇪

[@popland1977]

UK and Ireland, come on man, do your homework

[@andybhoy9878]

@@popland1977 uk ireland and scotland ! What am i sayin ? There aint no uk 👁👁

[@Jay-lr3me]

@@andybhoy9878 and Wales

[@andybhoy9878]

@@Jay-lr3me of course m8 ! Big bad john hartson ! Love the guy 🍀🍀

[@deniseadams1703]

This song is loved in Ireland and the UK. It’s not Christmas unless you hear this at least 50 times over the Christmas period. No other Christmas song sums up the frailties of the human spirit but also how love transcends our faults.

[@zellah]

In the US too. Not sure where they’ve been.

[@kevinh5349]

Nice tune but anyone thinks this is a "Christmas song" doesn't know much about Christmas.

[@BirdBrain0815]

@@kevinh5349if Last Christmas is a Christmas song, this is definitely one. It is however the most adult Christmas song ever, one that doesn’t ignore the realities of failure and bad stuff happening, and still has the melancholy sense of hope (against hope.)

[@flygrace]

@@kevinh5349 The point is that Christmas isn't an easy or happy time for everyone. That's the reality.

[@trishloughman5998]

@@kevinh5349 many people have Christmasses like this.

[@trailerman2]

The best Christmas song ever written and performed. Anyone 'offended' by a word needs help. RIP Kirsty MacColl.

[@kevinh5349]

Nonsense.

[@robertwright7937]

And Shane McGowan. 🙏

[@MoosefromCanada]

Sadly now Shane too 😢

[@JohnDoe-mi9pn]

This is the most honest Christmas song. Sometimes Christmas is great, but for a lot of people, it is a stressful time with a lot of arguments. That's why people love this song so much. It's very relatable.

[@jjd1799]

I bid anyone that’s not from the UK to go to a pub in December and hear this song. Watch everyone get emotional and sing their heart out. This is a very special song for us and especially the Irish. God bless you Kirsty & Shane. RIP ☘️💚💚💚🙏🏽✨

[@xRoRox]

Fairytale of New York, mr brightside, sweet Caroline, freed from desire and come on Eileen make British pubs go wild 😂

[@pasebeats6634]

Unfortunately pubs in my area of London are slowly closing

[@carolprice9473]

It was co written by Jem Finer a guy from Stoke on Trent England and an original member of The Pogues. Thank you Jem Shane and Kirsty for one of the best songs. ❤ To be in a pub in England when this is played is something to behold.

[@pratosaurusrex1128]

@@xRoRoxYou can include Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen too

[@Chalky29]

This is the real Christmas. Families fighting, tension, hurt. It’s not Mariah Carey Christmas. Pogues nailed it

[@junction6_m27VNC]

The greatest xmas song ever, when Kirsty sings “well so could anyone” it always sends shivers down my spine, sadly missed but so happy we have her voice on this song RIP Kirsty

[@CeeJayDee94]

without a doubt the greatest Christmas tune.

[@raymondpcowie101]

@@CeeJayDee94 I'm in with you two...

[@kevinmulligan9055]

Aye poor Kirsty died to young. In a car crash too. New England and the guy down the chip shop swears he's Elvis as her other must listen songs.

[@ilkkarinne3944]

I was lucky to see them live when Kirsty was still there...in town and country club in London

[@sandormccann2546]

@@kevinmulligan9055 Hit by a rich man's power boat in the sea off Cuba when she was swimming.

[@mcncirce]

It's bitter sweet to hear it now. Kirsty died just before Christmas 2000. She was scuba diving with her kids when a millionaire steered his boat in their path. She managed to push her son away from danger but got sliced by the outboard prop. The fact that it happened days before Christmas must be hard for her sons even after all these years.

[@louisajollygoodfellow5227]

One of the most beautiful lyrics ever written, "you took my dreams from me, when I first found you... I kept them with me babe, I put them with my own. Can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you" 💔

[@ellesee7079]

Nothing better than being in a crowded pub at Christmas, singing insults at each other at the top of your voice in a semi joking way!! 😆

[@catz4m8z]

I dont think any country beats the UK when it comes to using swearing and insults so freely in conversation! There is a reason that this is always the number 1 christmas song over here., we like abit of salt with all the usual overly cloying schmaltz this time of year!

[@Larkstream]

Then the music speeds up and suddenly it's Christmas

[@deadcatthinks6725]

Not just Christmas...we can do that on any day :)

[@deadcatthinks6725]

I would go on to say that the ability to take the piss out of a total stranger, and also have a total stranger take the piss out of you, is part of the upbringing.

[@martinotoole9959]

Damn right. But you did hurt my feelings in 1982 and the wound has yet to heal. My shirt and haircut was nothing to do with you Louise ! Happy New year to you and all your loved ones xxx.😂🥂

[@katy4779]

The music, the lyrics... absolute genius. RIP Shane and Kirsty, you brought us joy.

[@keithclark6299]

Kirsty was tragically killed in a boating accident 18th December 2000, so this song is very poignant to us who saw her as a unique talent, RIP Kirsty, we still love and remember you!

[@howlin_mad5946]

The word 'faggot', as well as being a delicious pork ball often served with gravy, in this reference was not homophobic. It means a bundle of sticks, or rather in Ireland, a bum or idle person. Language changes over time, but some new folk on this planet need to look back and do a bit of research once in a while. RIP Kirsty.

[@howlin_mad5946]

Also, another thing most people don't realise about this song is Kirsty and the Pogues never recorded it together. It was only on their top of the pops appearance that they all performed together. The recording was arranged by Steve Lillywhite (her then husband) and Kirsty was asked to sing the female role and then it was taken back to the Pogues and then, well, history.

[@TheMadTatter]

Interesting. I always just assumed it to be the pork ball, based on the fact its considered cheap food so "cheap, lousy faggot" was just like saying "you're a worthless lump of meat", didn't know the other definitions (aside from the modern one, obviously)

[@howlin_mad5946]

Kirsty's lines in the song were always about being a bitter sweet wife, with a bit of an anger on her considering her husband was in the drunk tank on Christmas Eve, but how people think the word faggot made any reference to his sexuality really is completely baffling.

[@storageheater]

@@TheMadTatter There's a radio comedy from the 1960s where John Cleese uses "faggot" to mean silly woman, and I suspect it was just intended to be vaguely emasculating here. The "bundle of sticks" definition always seemed like it had died out decades ago but lived on because dictionaries were too squeamish about vulgarities. Plus "fag" was/is so overwhelmingly normal in use to mean cigarette, it never really got that shocking to brits over 30. I guess now smoking is on the way out and the internet is just America it's changing fully soon

[@decb]

you're definitely limiting your definitions there

[@markthomas2577]

The UK and Irelands favourite Christmas song .....

[@huffy2722]

RIP Shane MacGowan (2023) and Kirsty MacColll (2000) who created the greatest Christmas Song of all time. It is the best Christmas song amongst most people in Ireland and the UK and I'm amazed it's not big in the US. It might have something to do with Ireland and the UK enjoying much more melancholy Christmas Songs: John Lennon - War is Over (About War) Jona Lewie - Stop the Cavalry (About War) East 17 - Stay Another Day (About his Sister Dying) ETC It brought tears to my eyes this week after Shane passed away. Ironic that you both made reference to Dirty Old Town in the introduction. That song was written by Kirsty MacColl's father, Ewan MacColl and was written about Salford, Manchester. The link will last forever.

[@avidpix]

12 months on, just gotta say, The Fairytale of New York still heralds the start of Christmas, and yes, we still sing it in pubs, clubs, in its entirety 😄🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@irishdeetalks]

Actually we sing louder with such enthusiasm when the prohibited lyrics come up 🤣🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@anonymousap3490]

Amazing song, Christmas doesn’t start in the uk or Ireland until you hear this

[@brianharris7243]

or Noddy shouting at us LOL.

[@helenwood8482]

One day at work, our assistant manager was running upstairs every time this one played to turn the volume up.

[@serenagreen2600]

Magic are playing this back to back. Love it! 💖

[@gail9299]

This one, I believe in Father Christmas - Greg lake, merry Christmas - Slade wish it could be Christmas everyday - Wizard Your set!

[@amc4955]

RIP SHANE MC GOWAN u will be sorely missed but you left us your music that will never die 💚🇮🇪

[@sheireland3737]

It’s a poignant love song. Heartbreaking, real, with gut wrenching honesty.

[@keithevans9544]

Easily the most popular Christmas song in the UK! By a country mile!

[@The-Underbaker]

Errr... no.

[@wodm]

id say mariah carey comes close (neither are my faves but still)

[@rhondafoy7403]

@@The-Underbaker what’s your favourite Xmas song. I love Wizzards Xmas song.

[@keithevans9544]

@@wodm I think on amount played you might be right,but the amount of rolling eyes and "not again" you see when it's playing ( granted probably just my demographic!)

[@The-Underbaker]

@@rhondafoy7403 I'd have to agree!

[@catbevis1644]

Shane MacGowan (lead singer and co-writer of the song) passed away last week. He was always... colourful... but this song alone proves he had an unbelievable talent- ok the lyrics are undoubtably modern but the melody is completely timeless. And it paints the most wonderful picture of a "real" Christmas, unlike the glossy dream world of other Christmas songs that rarely relate to our actual experience of the holidays. I've never understood the fuss over the lyrics. If this was a serious TV drama about a drunk couple arguing then people would say the language was justified to make the characters believable. But because it's set to music somehow there are different rules? I have a regular tradition with one of my friends where we do a full blown karaoke duet of this song while driving down the road every June/July (deliberately as far away from actual Christmas season as we can)... but this year I think we might make an exception and play it over Christmas. The song is shooting up the charts at the moment.

[@dbasher9974]

Shane MacGowan gave a great interview on the infamous line where he essentially said that if people couldn’t see the integrity and gritty reality of the discourse between the man and woman and how truly representative it was for the line then that’s their problem. He is happy for the word to be bleeped or replaced and doesn’t want to get into the argument of whether he should be allowed to keep it but “cancelling” the song is just silly. Also, the “f word” in question doesn’t have the same meaning as it now takes. Bearing in mind this song was set some time around the 30’s/40’s I’d imagine maybe, language has evolved a lot since then and then word in question even predates the songs setting. It’s all about context when you look at these things- people are far too quick to shout without thinking intelligently.

[@bethwilliams5579]

That word It means a waster, or someone who's lazy in Irish slang. That's why it still played (Also in the UK can mean a type of meat ball)

[@AndreA-ke2id]

Sad news guys. Shane McGowan passed away Nov 30 2023. The singer and writer of some of the greatest lyrics ever.

[@lunapuella2611]

There can hardly be a person in the UK or Ireland who doesn't know every word of this.

[@musik102]

Interesting fact! Kirstie MacColl - the woman singing on this track - was the daughter of the great English folksinger/playwright/songwriter Ewan MacColl who wrote "Dirty Old Town" BTW, Ewan also wrote the greatest love song ever written: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"

[@karenpearson5476]

I live in Salford which is the town he wrote it about…

[@user-nr2cs2rq7h]

I liked your comment as it was so nice to see someone say interesting fact rather than fun fact for once!😆 I was already aware of Kirstie's heritage, but your comment still made me smile, so thanks:)

[@freebornjohn2687]

Glad you got to listen to Fairy Tale of New York. It means a lot to people in the UK and Ireland. I saw the Pogues a few times - great music and drunken revelry. You should watch the video of the Pogues singing it. Another Christmas song that is not the usual bells bullshit is Jona Lewie's song: Can You Stop the Cavalry, which you should also watch the video to fully understand the song.

[@margaretdrew2844]

How brilliant too have seen the pogues they were a brilliant group such a shame about kirsty just not quite the same without her

[@jamespickersgill8416]

Blows my mind that this isn’t a Christmas staple in America.

[@rorz999]

Same, I assumed it would be well known there. Especially considering USA has a large Irish population / descendants of Irish immigrants

[@EmptyGlass99]

It's not Christmassy enough, and has references to alcohol and drugs - complete anathema to probably every American radio station. It's full of cynicism and bitterness - albeit with a jaunty tune - and most Americans don't like that. Over in the UK, Ireland and Europe generally we revel in that.

[@stanmil5495]

@@rorz999 I agree however the pogues aren't Irish, so that may have something to do with it

[@TheIamtheoneandonly1]

@@stanmil5495 Facts 👍

[@helenwood8482]

Americans don't get it. They're all "American dream". Irish folk and Brits are all about the redemption arc. This is the glorious song of people who failed and fell and may never get back on their feet, but they're still trying and still hoping, even when reality has made them cynical and bitter.

[@HisDudeness316]

I've always loved Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody, but nothing touches this. 100% the greatest Christmas song there is.

[@ItsMeYourRealDad]

This is the worst Christmas song ever. That voice of his is like a drunk down at the pub singing on karaoke.

[@HisDudeness316]

@@ItsMeYourRealDad they're a folk-punk band. That kind of voice comes with the territory.

[@k2hsharpe]

@@ItsMeYourRealDad he was, and probably still is a tremendous drunk. This is considered by many to be one of the greatest Xmas songs ever. And one of the greatest love songs. If you want cute, stick to Bing Crosby - best leave The Pogues well alone

[@jaotick]

@@ItsMeYourRealDad Shane McGowan probably recorded this drunk, as well his unique voice this is how he sounds.

[@Lilly8Listens]

It's good, but it ain't Slade.

[@toniscandella4746]

this song, like everything Shane wrote, is dripping with pathos and compassion. I'm not straight and the F word in this does not offend me one bit, these are characters who speak like that and Shane gets them as human beings. There's a depth to his songwriting most folk miss. Man is a genius.

[@tomordha1]

When I was a child my mother used to call me the “ f “ word anytime I was being “bold”. It was a term used a lot in Ireland back in the 1950’s etc. I think it’s derived from the French word “ fagot” , meaning a small branch or piece of stick. Shane MC Gowan, of Irish descent, would have heard this term quite a lot. It has no sexual connotation at all.

[@boadiceameridionalis3732]

Sad to see people making such a big deal of words. There were things called fighting words -- as in, if somebody called you this word, nobody would blink if you punched them, as it's your right to respond accordingly to something inappropriate and deliberately pejorative being said. And it would be a better lesson than all the finger-wagging manipulation and emotional guilt trip the controllers put on.

[@andylyns6594]

Something tells me this song is going to be massive again this year Rest in peace shane macgowan

[@irishdeetalks]

Hopefully hit Christmas number one

[@heffo67]

Considering that this song was written as a response to a challenge/bet to The Pogues that they couldn't write an xmas song, it is a hell of an achievement. The music has a real melodic xmas feel, while the lyrics bring home the realities of life. For many people life is hard. Shane MacGowan is a fantastic lyricist. Please check out their song 'Rainy Night In Soho'. It's beautiful!

[@katyharrs278]

And yet I grew up with this song and it screams Christmas to me 😊

[@Axispaw1]

Blows my mind Americans don't know this song. You should read how Kirsty died. Absolute tragedy.

[@christineirving4491pluviophile]

In the UK and Ireland, this is the song that signals the beginning of Christmas

[@swannvictor1388]

Loved this song and blessed my good fortune I wasn't on duty that week to shoot the Top of the Pops Christmas Edition at BBC TV Centre! When McGovern came in to film, as ever, he was - how shall I put this - "somewhat unwell" after a heavy morning becoming so. The recording, (according to my colleagues from Crew 3, who could barely stop laughing at the spectacle) was "Interesting" to say the least, Shane being one of our more 'Lively' Studio Guests to 'Perform'. Apparently, he objected strongly to miming (the studio wasn't equipped to do live recorded music, artists mimed for the cameras) and insisted on singing the song live - even when he was having great difficulty speaking! The VT Editing Crew deserved a medal for what they managed to splice together! a Mop & Bucket was also required, I believe, after our 'guest Artist' felt a little unwell.. all over the studio floor! I miss the 1980s, great times and I had so much fun working at the best lunatic asylum in the UK, TV Centre, Wood Lane, West London...! Sadly, the wonderful building has been criminally rebuilt into poncy apartments for wankers with too much money and too few brain-cells...such is life. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

[@luvhart]

Loved this insight bud👍🏻

[@dexstewart2450]

Really good anecdote - completely made by the last line :)

[@marcuswardle3180]

It wasn’t you who put the dustbin on statue in the middle of the building was it?

[@EmptyGlass99]

In the 1990s I regularly would fall drunkenly asleep on the tube and wake up at White City on the central line. I'd walk to the security guard booth at the BBC centre and ask them to call me a cab back to Ladbroke Grove where I lived. They were always really friendly and helpful.

[@wmsheep]

oh boy, you are BOTH missing the point of the song - Shane's character is that of a gambler who just drank away all his winnings, whilst Kirsty's character is that of a drug addict - two people who cannot stand the sight of each other but who cannot live without each other and who both see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. RIP Kirsty XXXXX

[@traceymorris7300]

This is played at every Christmas party in The UK. Guaranteed to get everyone up and singing

[@Tharus12]

It'll get me up, out of the party 😉 can't stand the song

[@tanyacampbell29]

Without doubt the best Christmas song that ever existed, every year it gets voted as the best Christmas song in the U.K. and it’s not officially Christmas in the U.K. and Ireland until this song is played on the radio. I really can’t see why it’s controversial, people are weak and can’t handle the fact that the world used to be a different place, we have food over here called f*gg*ts will there name need to be changed? We have a place called Manchester, will they need to rename that incase women have a break down and can’t handle that? 🤣 people need to get over themselves and except what the world used to be and stop moaning about it.

[@Killakatnage89]

Genderneutralchester

[@vengeancethedemon]

I SUPPOSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO RENAME "WOMEN" BECAUSE OF THE "MEN" PART,SO ,MAYBE JUST SHORTEN IT TO "WO" .....FITTING...AFTER ALL,BRINGING WOE TO MAN HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE EVE SCREWED ADAM OUT OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN.:D

[@SirHilaryManfat]

I think people who moan about that one word being removed or edited need to get over themselves to be honest. It doesn't add or take away from the song, and Shane McGowan's specifically stated that he was quite happy for it to be censored as he didn't want to cause upset or offence to the gay community. If you think about it, the 'N' word was originally non offensive until it was used in a racial context. You wouldn't expect people to use your reasoning when saying that word, would you?

[@amandaely9983]

@@vengeancethedemon virgin……

[@decb]

Isn't there a place in North Lincolnshire that kept having articles about it blocked by pr0n filters?

[@savinaking8637]

This is fantastic, they rolled this man drunk into the studio and did it in one take! Loved the head nodding lads. Christmas is not a real Christmas without this song.

[@paulworgan6599]

F**kin awesome 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mark.flemdog]

Greatest Christmas song there ever was & ever will be.

[@madchef_302]

Dont complain there isnt anything they can change about it, its is the best christmas song ever

[@Lemonbonbon]

Rest in peace Shane 30/11/2023 ❤ Rest in peace Kirsty 18/12/2000 ❤

[@JoeOMalley-py8wq]

the orchestration on this is genius ..... pure gold .

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

It wouldn't be Christmas in Ireland without this song, I still love it.

[@davied01]

It’s baffling how you lads haven’t heard this before. Can’t believe it’s not well known over there. So glad we hear it regularly every Christmas.

[@more-reasons6655]

It seems like Americans have no idea how to party. You throw this on during any xmas do and everyone is on the floor dancing, same with slade

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

Unless your last name starts with an O' or a Mc, The Pogues aren't really a thing over here.

[@Cires789]

No matter how many times you hear this song, it still gets you right in the feels.

[@kimcutts424]

This gets played a lot over here in the UK. It was a big hit for "The Pogues & Kirsty (Yes its Kirsty, not Kristy) MaCall. Released in 1988, and it's been at the top of the Christmas charts every year since then. Sadly Kirsty was fatally injured by a power boat in December 2000, after going scuba diving in Cuba. with her 2 boys. RIP Kirsty. 🙏 Great song though. 🎵

[@davesmith8620]

Its actually kirsty maccoll

[@richardgoddard37]

And the guy who killed her got away with it.

[@charliegeorge9393]

1987

[@leef8126]

@@davesmith8620 I thought it was Mercorle.. 😁

[@davesmith8620]

@@leef8126 i only said it coz she tried to put them right

[@ManlyStump]

The perfect Christmas song! The lead singer of the Pogues, Shane McGowan, was even born on Christmas Day!

[@mariannegilbert8786]

We love this song in New Zealand 🇳🇿 isn’t Christmas without it and isn’t offensive to us at all. The other one that is a must listen, but very different style is the 12 Days of Christmas by Frank Kelly (Father Jack from Father Ted) used to crack me up when I was young and still does. Both great Irish ☘️ Christmas contributions lol A lot of us have Irish ancestry here.

[@verali164]

2 brilliant songs and RIP to Shane McGowan and Frank Kelly. Shane and kirsty are up there now belting out this song and no one is saying dont play that song.

[@daraghkennedy7687]

those lyrics are the real world... its just an amazing tune.... greatest christmas tune ever.... i luv this so so much... with all the anger between them, there is still the love

[@DaiElsan]

One of my favourite all-time Christmas songs.

[@user-wynter75]

Arguably the greatest Christmas song ever written or recorded. When you hear this song over the airwaves in Dec you know that ots Christmas time regardless of where you are on earth... R.I.P kirsty.

[@bethwilliams5579]

This is my favourite. Followed my stop the Cavalry and Dont let the bells end

[@imposs-up1hg]

Stop The Cavalry is brilliant.

[@horatiomh]

Thanks for choosing this one, although it's better with the video and seeing Kirsty McColl. Americans are too precious about words, you guys should watch UK TV, it'll make you blush.

[@misssnow6055]

Im from Norway and this song is my favorite Christmas song. There is no Christmas without it

[@shirleykidd8195]

Best Christmas song ever. Its definitely not Christmas in the UK if you don't hear this song. But it has to be the original not the PC version. I was 28 when it was released. My kids grew up listening to the pogues. RIP Kirsty and Shane you will be forever remembered

[@TheGezzagirl55]

RIP both Shane and Kirsty, with Dolores and Sinead, hearts now at peace.

[@Kiss_My_Art]

This is our Christmas National Anthem here in the UK !!!! 😂 🇬🇧

[@stephenrobinson3681]

Dirty Old Town was written by folk singer Ewan MacColl, who was Kirsty MacColl's [correct spelling] father. Ewan MacColl also wrote The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, made famous by Roberta Flack.

[@andymcguinness7065]

Known as the best UK Christmas song of all time, Kirsty MacColl died in s tragic boating accident in 2000. The writer,and lead singer of the Pogues, Shane MacGowan was buried today....

[@TheFMHatter1986]

R.I.P Kirsty MacColl and now Shane McGowan I hope it's Christmas no.1 for both of them now 😀

[@dexstewart2450]

Kirsty McColl did a great cover of Billy Bragg's 'New England' - which leads onto Billy Bragg and 'Leroy Stubbs Tears' which you guys will love.

[@annemariefleming]

If you're Irish or English this song is a must-have for Christmas. The truth of what the big city, circumstances, and the disappointed ambitions of those who didn't make it big can do to lovers makes their relationship so much harder at Christmastime. It is consistently voted best-loved Christmas song in GB and ROI year after year. We're a weird bunch up here in north-east europe.

[@teviottilehurst]

North West Europe.

[@thadtuiol1717]

"North-east europe"...so, Finland?

[@faithwithoutprejudice2380]

It's Kirsty and not Kristy,a great artist who was sadly lost to a tragic accident.

[@goldberg1360]

she shortly died straight after this song came out i think it was the same year

[@ethand2471]

@@goldberg1360 13 years after this song came out in the year 2000

[@faithwithoutprejudice2380]

@@goldberg1360 Fairytale was released in 1987 and we lost Kirsty exactly 21 years and 2 days ago 😭

[@getawaycampers3412]

😢

[@conallmclaughlin4545]

It closes every pub bar and restaurant in Ireland to this day all through December. It usually ends with everyone hugging everyone else. It's unreal

[@conallmclaughlin4545]

Also, not a gay person in Ireland gets offended by it

[@atomosepicurus2850]

Gotta love 'em - this is the reality of Christmas - love you Kirstie and Shane - not forgotten

[@grapeman63]

Since you've already reacted to the Pogue's version of "Dirty Old Town", here's a fun fact: "Dirty Old Town" - a song about Salford in Greater Manchester - was written by Kirsty MaCall's estranged father, Ewan MaCall. He also penned "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his mistress, Peggy Seeger (Pete's sister). Kirsty tragically died saving her son from an on-coming speedboat in a restricted bathing area in Mexico.

[@OwDoRegularDave]

Xmas doesn’t start until I first hear this song!

[@michellecallan8390]

Rest in my peace Shane and Kirsty happy Christmas

[@petersone6172]

The line has been changed to “cheap and you’re haggard”, I still have the original lyrics on my phone, some have suggested a good anti war Christmas song “Stop the Cavalry”, good party songs include “Now it is Merry Christmas” and “I Wish it could be Christmas every day”

[@marcuswardle3180]

Christmas has officially started when you hear this being played in the shops here in the U.K.

[@donepearce]

You keep asking where she was - she was lying there, almost dead, on a drip in that bed. And of course in the UK and Ireland this is the most popular Christmas song of all time. The BBC tried to cut some of the words a few years back and they almost got lynched.

[@dawnfishwick861]

You can't have Christmas without this song, I love it

[@graceburns9019]

The greatest Christmas song ever. A group of us get together every year for a gathering in Kirsty's memory, and I have very fond memories from a few years ago of a rousing, alcohol- fuelled rendition of this in our third pub of the evening. When everyone hits that line 'Well so could anyone', shivers went down my spine

[@Kevc00]

This is the most iconic Christmas song in Ireland. Probably the only famous one we have, but it's played in every shop, pub, restaurant, and on every radio station multiple times a day every Christmas period in Ireland. Pretty sure every man, woman, and child in the country can sing it. It is the only time we can acceptably say that particular F word in public, especially when we were kids haha.

[@cilla268]

There was a band singing this live at Shayne McGowans funeral this week. RIP Shayne.

[@secretarchivesofthevatican]

The undisputed best Christmas song of all time. Don't even try to argue.

[@79casual]

I remember one year in our local boozer late 90s on break up day, out with all the lads, this was on the jukebox, on repeat at least 14 times, sang with a pint in the air at the top of our voices, we never tired of it, still the greatest Christmas song ever written in my opinion

[@christianking3915]

You guys by playing this, just started Christmas here in Blighty, cheers 🍻🌲

[@garypennison2558]

100%…. The greatest Xmas song of all time.👍👍🍺🍺

[@Chris-vr1eb]

This is a Xmas carol in the UK. Our children sing this at Nativity Plays. They play this in supermarkets here. I've heard this a few times in my local Tesco in the last week. It's also played on radio without censorship. (Well at least on the stations I listen to).

[@alansmith8195]

Nothing controversial about this slice of genius, probably the best Christmas song ever

[@ewandavidson6603]

Was in a pub on New Year’s Day (opened at 2pm for those of us needing a shake-shifter) and this was one of the tunes played by the bar staff as hungover as the rest of us. Along with Deacon Blue’s “Dignity” it was one that united the whole bar in a sing-a-long. A visiting family of Scots-Americans trying to soak in the atmosphere were stunned, saying “does this always happen?”, and all I could say was “Aye, whenever everyone’s as hungover and sentimental as they are after Hogmanay. Do you folks fancy a pint?”. 😇😍

[@chrisp3330]

Best Xmas song ever written - RIP Shane. Wherever you are give em hell dude. An absolute legend of a bloke.

[@WillyBoogieD]

Best song ever. I hate hearing”product of its time”. It’s true genuine art. It makes u feel; makes u laugh, makes u cry. What’s wrong with this generation that they can’t accept it. Amazing art and song.

[@missxsoph1]

I was at gig in Glasgow Apollo Dec 87 first time this was played,Shane McGowan at his legendary best,and such a loss Kirsty was 😔

[@kevinrichardson6347]

Cannot believe you guys in USA do not know this song,Shane Mcgowans gift to the western world.

[@MrRQBQ]

The late Kirsty MacColl was the daughter of a famous songwriter called Ewan MacColl who wrote many British folk songs including 'Dirty old Town'. Kirsty died in Mexico during an accident where she lost her life saving her kids from a speeding boat.

[@marke3013]

Thanks for reacting to this song guys. It’s my favourite Christmas track ever. Christmas doesn’t officially start for me every year until I hear this playing on the radio. You should see and hear the reaction in bars when this gets played too. Everyone is up singing and I especially love to hear it playing in a gay bar… the place goes wild, in a good way, and THAT line is the one that is sung the loudest! Lol

[@barrylenihan8032]

I love this song and have enjoyed listening to it for many many Christmases, especially today, 8th December 2023, as Shane McGowan is laid to rest. May he Rest in Peace. In an artistic sense, I hope Shane and Kirsty meet again, reconcile their differences, and enjoy eternal peace in each others company. As regards the lyrics, I have no issue with them as they express the intensity of feelings between two people. This is art, no different to Michaelangelo's David, which some people choose to find offensive May this song continue to be played and appreciated just as it was written.

[@majamaya4295]

Mein absoluter Lieblingssong zu Weihnachten 🙋‍♀️🌬🕊

[@Nandrea7627]

It’s a story that happens to happen at Christmas. Our generation grew up with all these controversial words, lyrics etc and yet we’re the generation that tends to accept everyone and everything without insult! 🤷‍♀️

[@ScooterSkillsYolo]

A really weird but great 'christmas' song that I bet you haven't listened to is A spaceman came travelling. Give it a listen, lads

[@jaybatty2728]

The only song for Christmas 🎄🇬🇧

[@kalward6514]

This and Don't Let The Bells End are fabulous Christmas songs

[@TheMarrification]

This is why so many people here in Britain love that Christmas song... it's more accurate to many people's real experience of the season.

[@b3564]

NOT CHRISTMAS WITHOUT OUT THIS SONG! Fu... Anyone who complains!