Reacting to Paul Kelly's 'How To Make Gravy' - Original vs. 2021 Version

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

So, what is thie "Gravy Day" thing all about anyway?

[@mjb7015]

The 21st of December is commemorated as "Gravy Day" because of this song. It's not really a serious holiday, more like someone notices that it's the 21st and says "oh hey, it's Gravy Day" and mentions the song or puts it on. In the 2021 version, much of Australia was in lockdown over 2020 to early 2021 because of covid, so the sentiment of missing loved ones at Christmas hit harder.

[@davidboon8993]

See my comment below. Gravy Day refers to the date the letter in the song was penned. We listen to it every Dec 21.

[@RobNMelbourne]

The song is about a fictional prison inmate (Joe) who will not be home for Christmas so he is writing a letter to his brother Dan. "It's the 21st of December, and now they're ringing the last bells If I get good behaviour, I'll be out of here by July". Normally, it was his job to make the gravy for the Christmas roast and he is giving instructions to Dan ... "Who's gonna make the gravy now? I bet it won't taste the same Just add flour, salt, a little red wine And don't forget a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang". The song was written in 1996 and released in Nov 96 in time for Christmas. The song is now a cultural icon and 21st Dec is 'Gravy Day'. The song has also been turned into a full length feature film with a quality cast that was due for release 1st Dec 2024.

[@bramba1953]

Welcome to Gravy day and Paul Kelly. To her door, From big things and a ton of other great songs.

[@raymondhardy8468]

You virtually said it in your comments. This man is in prison and he was the family gravy maker at xmas in depth its not able for people to be home with love ones at christmas

[@mjb7015]

Paul Kelly is one of Australia's best living poets and storytellers. I can't listen to "They Thought I Was Asleep" without tearing up. Other classics to listen for are Dumb Things, To Her Door, From Little Things Big Things Grow, If Not Now Then When (released in 2023!), Before Too Long, Deeper Water, and Taught By Experts.

[@h.p.chicken]

Yes. All of these. Amazing storyteller and a stellar human being.

[@gamortie]

Leaps And Bounds is the anthem of footy in Melbourne

[@gamortie]

After Up There, Cazaly, of course!

[@bigpuppy9923]

I always see myself as that boy in the back seat of the car, half asleep but watching the lights go by, with mum & dad up front.. Another wonderfully moody song is Winter's Coat. Paul Kelly really paints elaborate scenes with his music.

[@gamortie]

17:10 the end gets me all the time….😢

[@wayback479]

Paul Kelly is a national treasure 😊. Dumb Things , To her Door , he has a lot of great songs

[@alisonbell8558]

Too her door. Try a duet Kasey chambers and Paul Kelly HEY or l Still Pray 🙏

[@briangill4000]

Yep, legend.

[@mjb7015]

As to why the song is about making gravy... Paul Kelly can write a song about a child falling asleep in the back of the car and turn it into a heart-wrenching poem. He can write about riding a taxi or a bus and turn it into a tragedy about a broken family. He can certain turn a joke-song about making gravy into a national treasure. Kelly wrote the song for a Christmas album, because the cover song he wanted to play was already taken by a different artist. He said in an interview: "I started thinking ... maybe I'll write it from the point of view of somebody who is missing Christmas, who can't get to Christmas," he told ABC. "Why can't they get there? Maybe they're overseas and they can't get home. Then I thought, oh, he's in prison. The song wrote itself from there."

[@wayne9812]

Paul Kelly has many, many Australian hits such as; 'To Her Door' & 'Dumb Things'. In a similar vein; Weddings Parties Anything's, 'Fathers Day'.

[@mals4125]

Absolutely check out W.P.A. - 'Tale they won't believe' & 'Knock back in Halifax' - I know you'll love them.

[@cherylannb3161]

This song is so poignant, it switches you from laughter to sadness & back again. Merry Christmas from Aus. ❤️💚❤️

[@davidboon8993]

The gravy day really just relates to the song. The fictional letter that makes up the lyrics was penned on Dec 21 as appears near the start of the song. This song has become a classic and people listen to it every Dec 21. They have even released a movie based on the song.

[@yoluko4750]

You stumbled on the spirit of this song when you mentioned your grandma. Few of us have been in prison, but most have spent Christmas without a loved one. That's why this song has appealed to so many Australians. It is, at it's core, a song of loneliness, of missing family, of Christmas tradition, and of hope of being together again. Paul Kelly is a musical icon in Australia. Other songs worth listening to are From Little Things Big Things Grow (a ballad about the fight for Aboriginal land rights), Leaps and Bounds, To Her Door, and Dumb Things

[@stephensmith4831]

whenever I hear this song, it brings back memories of my father, who was the gravy maker in our family he passed 11 years ago . I love this song for that reason alone. What a great Christmas song.

[@jax993]

Bless ❤

[@ericpettiford9406]

Ok you got me, I have a small amount of tears going to the 2021 version. My soulmate ( true sense of the word) passed away December 2016 it still gets me every year

[@christophernicola9293]

I think the reason this song resonates so well with Aussie's is alot of us are from somewhere else and miss family. Love it❤

[@kazz3956]

Words are never more true than Paul Kelly's quote, "Dedicated to those who can be there, and those who can't". 😢

[@briangill4000]

Yes

[@Dr_KAP]

Hi Kevin. Let me give you an equivalent personal story to help you get what the song is about. My grandmother made the family Christmas cake every year, she used her mother’s recipe. When she died, my mother started making the cake each year, again with the same recipe. Mum is now 83. This year she said to me- this could be my last Christmas, who’s going to make the cake next year? (I think I better start learning). The song is about family, tradition, nostalgia, reflection and all those little things that actually really matter 😢 😊

[@kazz3956]

❤ My Mum makes amazing Christmas fruit cake, and everyone puts in an order for her rum balls. My son loves them, and she gets her knives sharpened by a knifehand.... 😂 win for all. My daughter made them for the first time this year. She was baking Xmas dachshund cookies last night and has third degree burns on her hand. So we had an unexpected trip up to the hospital. PS Love and best wishes to you and your family Dr_Kap. We have to love every minute of our time with our parents whilst they are here. ❤❤❤

[@briangill4000]

Very well said .

[@dianathompson833]

Kelly wrote “How to Make Gravy” in 1996 after being asked to contribute to a holiday album being put together for charity. He wanted to record a cover of the Band's “Christmas Must Be Tonight,” but someone else had already claimed it. So Kelly decided a song from an inmate to his family would be a unique spin on the traditional Christmas songs. Another great Aussie Christmas song is Tim Minchin's "White Wine in the Sun"...

[@SimonEnglish-ec2fo]

From little things big things grow is a classic form Mr Kelly, not only a great song but a history lesson at the same time. Paul has been a fantastic songwriter for a long time. ♥️

[@Mirrorgirl492]

'I'm really going to miss it, the Treasure and the Trash' how can you not love Paul Kelly? He is a Poet for the Ages.

[@lifewithalistair.]

Paul Kelly is a lyricist and poet. His music is all about story telling and poetry.

[@wnood]

The first video was filmed on a rooftop in a suburb of Melbourne; looks like St Kilda which has beaches, and a popular place to hear music and dine out at. You can see the skyline of Melb CBD at approx. 5:31 Can also tell it was back in 1996, as Melbournes skyline has expanded heaps since then with the Docklands development and the build of Eureka Tower. Aussies have loved Paul Kelly for decades. He still performs and sounds exactly the same. This song is a great one to listen to when your thinking of loved ones who arent with you for whatever reason.

[@jax993]

I miss the 80’s/90’s

[@fitzroy001]

Gravy and Tim Minchin White Wine in the Sun are compulsory Aussie Christmas songs

[@lovinSummerday]

Paul kelly's Chrissy song set in prison, one mention of christmas no chorus, but will make the toughest truckie shed some tears. 1/3 of Australians are immigrants, we can all understand an important holiday missing close family, friends, and community, whether from distance or time.

[@ellefitzpatrick6339]

I lost my mother this year on Valentines Day. Christmas will never be the same. We used to all go to her place every Christmas and yes, she would make the gravy.

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Sorry to read about the passing of your mother Elle. I lost my mom in May! Tough always. Especially during holidays. We are from Fogo!

[@mals4125]

28 albums and 100s of songs of impeccable quality , it's hard to find a bad one in the past 40 years. For me 'Everything is Turning to White' - is one of the greatest songs every written. Others - Deeper Water, Every Fucking City, When I first met your mother, Behind the Bowlers Arms - but so so so so so so many more.

[@peterlinsley4287]

The story goes. Paul got asked to sing a song on a Christmas album, but the song he wanted to sing was already taken. He thought back to old Christmas movies and not being home for Christmas and so wrote how to make gravy. A radio station was pushing to make the 21st of December Gravy day, the Song has been made into a movie now.

[@simonmartin3864]

Paul is Australias unofficial Poet Laureate, a very real National Treasure. He is a master songwriter and musician. Dive into Paul, Kevin, and you may never resurface. He has an enormous volume of truly magical work. He is a blessing placed among us. I can't imagine my formative, or current, years without Paul Kelly.

[@jughtful]

i like ''ghost town'', ''careless'', "Deeper Water", ''if-i-could-start-today-again'', ''Dumb things'', ''Don’t stand so close to the window'', ''40 miles to Saturday night''. oh man there is so so many more

[@kaafromoz]

Thanks Kevin, the 2021 release video gave new life and a deeper meaning to this epic song from our Paul Kelly. We were all Joe..in some of the worlds harshest lock downs and all missing those we love so much. Gravy day is an un-offical day because of this song and the date me mentions when Joe is in jail the 21st of December. Have a wonderful Christmas and love from Australia Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤❤❤🎅🤶🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@NickJewlachow-of3yh]

Paul Kelly is one of the great storytellers, sort of like Australia’s Dylan. Recommended: They Thought I Was Asleep, Careless, if I Could Start Today Again, Sweet Guy, You Can’t Take it With You, From Little Things Big Things Grow, Every Fucking City, Darling It Hurts, From St Kilda to Kings Cross, Before Too Long, So Much Water So Close to Home (based on a Chandler short story which also became one of the strands in the Altman epic Short Cuts).

[@mals4125]

Every Fucking City - what a cracker of a song that is.

[@RohanSalt-m6f]

Paul Kelly is an national treasure.. Anything you chose will be fantantic.. but try "Deeper water" or "If I could start the day again." Also since you are doing aussie xmas songs... you should try tim minchin white wine in the sun

[@brianandrea3249]

Paul Kelly captures the essence of Australia like few others. I remember being overseas listening to to Leaps and Bounds and as a Melburnian got pretty choked up! So many great songs that all tell a story. And BTW an Aussie Christmas is so special and unique

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Great Song from our Australian friend! Mr. Garry here and it’s always my job to make the Gravy! Cheers Kevin!

[@kazz3956]

I just saw an interview with Lindsay Field (known for being John Farnham's backup male vocalist). He said he asked PK aka Paul Kelly to sing on a Christmas album to raise money for charity. The song he chose was already picked by someone else, so Lindsay asked him to write one since he is a brilliant songwriter. This is the result. PK's music people asked if he could release it too outside of the charity, and permission was given as long as the first 2 months royalties to go to the charity. Then, during Covid times, when families were not able to get together during restrictions, this song became more poignant.The 2021 version gets me every time. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 And now there is a movie.

[@briangill4000]

Thanks Kazz

[@raymondhardy8468]

Paul Kelly isv a living national treasure. Love by all. He is a song writer,/ poet . Mate you have heard nothing yet..

[@jefferyhill6245]

They've just turned the song into a movie and its great.

[@Danger_Mouse_00]

Paul Kelly is the Bod Dylan of today.

[@nolaj114]

My favourite is "To Her Door". Paul Kelly is a storyteller and that song is a great story.

[@jax993]

🥹 always brings a tear it’s hard not to, it’s an Australian Xmas song now from my teenage years in the 90 s to now & even more so when you think how the world has changed so much nostalgia from this song 🥹🥂✨🎄✨🎄✨✨✨ thank you for playing the original version as others don’t ❤🙏 & thanx Paul Kelly ❤ it’s now made into a movie sending move to all from a hot Queensland December 24 ….were you thinking of Noel Gallagher from oasis? 😊

[@Ken-f1q]

Paul Kelly is an Australian icon. One of the best storytelling singers. Love Letterkenny.

[@threestumps7560]

my favourite Paul Kelly songs are: From Small Things Big Things Grow, Bradman and Dumb Things.

[@aussiebornandbred]

Paul Kelly, is a great song writer and story teller,, "to her door" and "dumb things" are another couple of his songs that you will enjoy I'm sure, Merry Christmas mate

[@louiserobinson8363]

Emotional is “white wine in the sun- “ Tim Mitchim (the comedian)

[@shaneb4612]

Merry Christmas Kevin & your family. Hope you have a great day, please make sure it's a safe day. Others probably have mentioned this, but did you know that there's a movie out now. How to make gravy was released on 1st of December 2024. I've not see it yet, but it's on my Christmas movie list. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@stevetreloar3129]

Poet songwriter who does emotion and nostalgia in such a simple and impactful way!

[@richardmarriott2752]

He did a song I loved called From St Kilda to Kings Cross I loved. Dumb Things, To Her Door and Leaps and Bounds were 3 of his best known

[@DavidPola1961]

They released the Movie How To Make Gravy 2 weeks ago in Australia all about this songs lyrics its stars Hugo Weaving

[@lynndally9160]

Paul Kelly, Australia's answer to Bob Dylan

[@davemoss9613]

Paul is a consummate storyteller. I'd strongly recommend "To Her Door" next, "Dumb Things" is excellent too... most of his songs are.

[@davidboon8993]

More Paul Kelly Dumb things From St Kikda to Kings Cross Before too long To her door If I could start today again Deeper water Firewood and candles Plenty more. There isn't a bad Paul Kelly song. An Australian legend.

[@RobNMelbourne]

Paul Kelly has written several songs about aboriginal issues. One of the best is 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'. It is the story of aboriginal land rights activist Vincent Lingiari. Paul Kelly and aboriginal singer songwriter Kev Carmody sang it at the funeral of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 2014. Watch the video.

[@mals4125]

Kev Carmody - Australia's greatest songwriter - that version at the funeral is next level.

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Eh Kevin, A fellow NLer here to SUPPORT you FULLY!

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead thanks bud! Where in Newfoundland do you live?

[@mitchellbeston1033]

You guys are like Aussies. Every day is "tipsy" here...well it is for me anyway lol. Paul Kelly has a nearly 50 year catalogue, and he is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Gravy Day is unoffical...it is solely because us Aussies love Paul Kelly so much, and he mentioned the date of the 21st December in this song...that was enough.. we created Gravy Day. Yep, my heart breaks at that moment in the video too...Merry xmas to you and your family. Keep safe.

[@queenslanddiva]

Gravy Day isn't really an official thing - it's just what fans of this song call 21 December. Great song

[@brucelamberton8819]

I've made "posh gravy" with red wine but my standard gravy is just flour, Vegemite (plenty of salt in it so you don't need to add more) & hot water added to the pan of meat juices. As for Paul Kelly it may be a bit of a cliche but my favourite song by him is 'To Her Door'. And yes, I've heard of the Tragically Hip - I have their CD 'Road Apples'. Merry Christmas to you & your family, Kevin.

[@taniaPBear]

OK, you know about the song and Gravy Day and Paul Kelly and that he is Australia's bard, and you have a few great tracks recommended already. So let me add, we know The Tragically Hip and Gord Downie, plenty of fans over here. Thanks so much for the awesome reaction.

[@queenslanddiva]

So sorry to hear about your Nanna. Much love to you and yours

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@queenslanddiva thank you 🙏❤️

[@GeddaBee]

Love, Love, Love this song.

[@poeticalamy]

Other Paul Kelly: - Dumb Things with A.B. Original - Deeper Water - To Her Door (find a live version!) - From Little Things Big Things Grow PK is Australia's version of Bob Dylan. He is our story teller and is avocate, humanitarian and downright decent man. He will reach into your soul and bring out emotions that you never thought were possible.

[@bar-d1423]

Paul Kelly is a phenomenal poet.

[@shmick6079]

More Paul Kelly: Leaps and Bounds To Her Door Dumb Things Before Too Long

[@ChrisJones-hv7mo]

Besides "How to Make Gravy", his best known are probably: "From Little Things Big Things Grow" (about a significant chapter in the Aboriginal Land Rights movement), "Deeper Water", "Dumb Things", "To Her Door", and "Before Too Long". But he's a real poet; plenty of his songs are worth a close listen.

[@syc008]

Another great Paul Kelly song to check out is To Her Door, which is about the same character of this song, Joe.

[@briangill4000]

When i listen to this, I imagine JOE as a 4 year old being a bit of a nuisance hanging around his grandmother's skirt when she is cooking Christmas lunch. She let's him stir the gravy to give him something to do and a tradition is started. Every year, little Joe does the gravy. "Who's going to make the gravy now"? 😭😭

[@briangill4000]

Yep, when I was it Canada 2010, it took more than a week to get from Vancouver to St John's.

[@siryogiwan]

Paul is an Australian folk singer, might be why you get the flash of the singer you mentioned, some of his songs are more folk than others, his 1 out the cricketer Don Bradman is chilling, but the song "dumb things" is very pub rock sounding

[@siryogiwan]

oh and we say tipsy here

[@siryogiwan]

oh and Paul has 1 of the most haunting true crime story, song I've ever heard, I can never remember the name of it, but if you listen to the words, it's so well written, you can't help but feel loss for the girl, you probably don't want to do a react to it, as it's about a certain type of harm, so might be triggering to some people, but it's a song that highlights how brilliant at his craft Paul is

[@debmccudden242]

Sorry for your loss

[@Rassskle]

I have never liked his voice, but he is an Aussie folk music genuis and ICON. Like early Dylan he writes folk but performs it as rock / pop. Mostly about the real life problems and events of ordinary people .

[@cgkennedy]

From little Things Big Things Grow, co-written with Kev Carmody is a good one, too.

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

My favourite Paul Kelly song would be every city, most people hear would have a favourite Paul Kelly song that one's mine

[@daveoreillyguitarist]

We were all in prison that year. Might explain why it's so emotional

[@lesliedavis2185]

Deeper water and everything’s turning to white. Are great paul Kelly songs

[@karendavidson4897]

Yep there is a story behind those eyes 👀

[@dutchroll]

"Tomato sauce" = ketchup. A debate rages here about whether they're actually the same thing but the reality is the listed ingredients are virtually identical. However American ketchup arguably tastes sweeter than our tomato sauce, and that an American food tastes like it has more sugar than overseas equivalents shouldn't surprise anyone. Different brands may vary slightly too.

[@RobNMelbourne]

@@dutchroll ketchup has more sugar in it to suit American tastes. So, yes, it does taste sweeter.

[@grousiest]

Well my favourite Paul Kelly song/video is Love is the Law. Won’t say anything about it to influence your reaction but hope you enjoy. And gravy tip: replace the ketchup with apricot jam.

[@zwieseler]

Anyone watching this first time should go to a lyric video….

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@zwieseler I did a lyric video before and the comments told me I should have done an original video version instead...lol...

[@zwieseler]

@ hmmm, with Paul Kelly, lyrics matter…

[@elderfitnatch]

Here’s a link to Paul Kelly “Careless” another great but under appreciated song! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqbGgYeMrteFrbssi=sm7aX4XkelBvMDE1

[@michaellivesey4354]

Letter kenny , best show ever..

[@clintonmaio311]

I love Paul Kelly and have watched him live a couple times now. I highly recommend you listen to ‘dumb things’ by Paul kelly and A.b original, the like a version song. You will love it.

[@myopinion69420]

I prefer the original recording, but like the 2021 film clip.

[@martinwhite3559]

They recently made a movie based on this song. The song is better than the movie IMO.

[@coreenavenn4235]

The roast won't be the same because he cannot make the gravy due to his being in jail.

[@KieranNewnham-k9k]

If youre digging paul kelly, and based on what ive seen from your channel, you'll probably like "from little things big things grow"

[@stephensmith4831]

when i first met your ma is another great paul kelly song

[@debmccudden242]

To her door by Paul and all the dumb things you will like them

[@drbongorama]

Probably been said but making the gravy was what Joe did, it's a metaphor for missing loved ones on special days.

[@kathyconway5327]

I’m not staying for the 2021 version despite being the mother of a boy who struggled to get a flight home before his visa expired in 2022 because I’ve always loved this song because it calls upon us all to have compassion for those that we are encouraged to dismiss whereas the 2021 video is just for 2021 and of course there were instances of deprived circumstances in the UK in particular - it’s not like the same vibe for being in gaol for being a f’k up and Christmas being the thing that brought that truth and that remorse. You talked thru the lyrics and probably don’t recognise what I’ve just said. Kelly is not a comedian, he’s a poet.

[@zimmelstern4313]

Try Maralinga an anti nuke song

[@jughtful]

get his greatest hits vol 1 & 2

[@andrefischer5025]

More Paul Kelly? Easy, put “Paul Kelly” into the search bar and start from the top - no such thing as a bad Paul Kelly song. Maybe do a double reaction on covid vs original on the Seekers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp2YfK2gmNiJnbssi=Zk6_TkzaHEFuUdkl vs original kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaOvhZhnlJ6tqdEsi=T_1r9B6KGJQNYkEL and don’t forget the kids version kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJitZGNvi66JaLcsi=GKA75k0ZAk38UE03

[@raymondhardy8468]

Subscribe mate he is so well loved here

[@redwarpy]

Tomato Sauce is not Ketchup as Tomato Sauce is Tangy unlike Ketchup which has sugar and is sweeter.

[@nickrenshaw4733]

Put quite simply, he’s Australia’s Bob Dylan. Only better!!!🇦🇺

[@livertic]

Our gravy is dark not white

[@Rassskle]

In the past Australian families had a big get together for Xmas day, mostly lunch and also sometimes for christenings, bar mitzvas, a sporting event or just to have a drink maybe with a little food. Not so big now because it's not PC.....the WOKE people frown on family get togethers. Anyway.......in most families the same "older senior" person did the carving, another made the salad and DRESSING and another made the gravy etc etc . GOD HELP ANYONE WHO INTERFERED WITH THE ACCEPTED ORDER ..... Those who merely touched the carving knife without permission were known to sometimes dissappear.....forever !!! lol

[@tdogs51]

you like story telllers kev find and listen to john williamson another brilliant if not better storyteller musician

[@RodneyDurie]

So much pausing Too annoying, couldn’t watch it

[@martinwhite3559]

Well, go watch it yourself then.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

Not sure what to do with a reaction video then... 🤷

[@mjb7015]

@@discoveringnlwithkevin you're doing great, there will always be some idiots who don't appreciate it. Just keep doing what you do 👍

[@RodneyDurie]

No malice. Just sayin Like yr other stuff

[@KateV-v4m]

still crying

[@micko.g3258]

Watch the movie , it will explain everything