The most POPULAR Christmas song in the UK is ALL about the story.

[@PamK36]

And RIP Kirsty. She did some great records.

[@LeftLib]

Her cover of Days by the Kinks was her greatest moment, her version improved on the original - a remarkable achievement.

[@seankayll9017]

@@LeftLib "Kite" is indeed a masterpiece of an album.

[@behemothsbaby]

Two musical geniuses are now angels…

[@annika_panicka]

_"I could have been someone."_ _"Well so could anyone."_ Such an epic moment

[@kaspinet]

And she says 'found you'. Anyone else would have said 'met you'. Yet another moment where just a simple turn of phrase makes the lyrics exquisite.

[@kathrynrocha9948]

This song is sad , ugly, beautiful, gritty and refined, all at the same time.

[@margaretmcguire8952]

Just like Shane himself.

[@Rollin_L]

I don't think it can be described any better than that. It is a masterpiece of mixed evocations and marvelous musicality.

[@palindrome1959]

It couldn't have been said better. My sentiments exactly ...

[@charlieranger4598]

I do love this song! Jappy Christmas and R.I.P. Shane MacGowan 💚🤍🧡

[@sully_n_dubs]

Love this song. it's like a perfectly balanced piece of artwork. That last verse wouldn't be so uplifting had it not been for the fighting verse. I interpret the start of that last verse " you took my dreams away" as less of a complaint and more of a confession of the loss of self... and then he dovetails it w his response. I feel like this was the start of pairing a beautiful female voice w a rough sounding masculine voice as was done in the 90s and 2000s in hip hop.

[@TorToroPorco]

Pretty sad that both Shane and Kristy are gone. Kristy's death was especially senseless as it was caused by someone else's gross negligence. Shane was such a great story teller. It was deeply touching to see video of Dubliners singing in the streets on the day of his funeral, in particular a rousing rendition of Dirty Old Town. Shane's funeral service also had some excellent musical performances from notable musicians including Glen Hansard and Nick Cave.

[@M0odyBlue]

Nobody does a funeral like the Irish!!

[@kathleen109]

Kirsty...

[@davidpaterson2309]

And a nice coincidence that “Dirty Old Town” was written and first performed by Kirsty’s father, Ewan. And although it has been adopted as an Irish song it’s original original subject was Salford, Lancashire - symbolic of the decaying industrial towns of Northern England.

[@bluesnowbelle7625]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@davidpaterson2309 Most of the population of the town (at least when the song was written in 1949 and for many decades afterwards) had Irish ancestry plus some Welsh & Scottish) and an influx from the farming communities of Cheshire, Shropshire etc., lured there by all the jobs in the mills, factories & shipping docks during the Industrial Revolution. The Manchester Ship Canal ran from the Irish Sea & terminated in Salford. Transport to the new industries was made easier in 1830 by the Liverpool and Manchester Railway which was the first inter-city railway in the world.

[@bluesnowbelle7625]

⁠Incidentally, Ewan MacColl (born in Salford) also wrote one of the most beautiful love songs ever recorded - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

[@carolineyates4746]

Shane MacGowan was actually born on Christmas day, so brilliant how this song is such a christmas classic and im sure it will be for many many years to come

[@Ronnie-nh1wl]

Every body thinks Shane was born in Ireland but he was actually born in England in Kent to Irish parents

[@Badmmajmma]

I’ve always gotten goosebumps listening to this song. The lines, “You took my dreams from me”…”I kept them with me babe, I put them with my own”, always touches me so much. Thanks for the fantastic tribute, Fil, Happy Christmas.

[@kellydalstok8900]

It’s clearly a story about people who love each other but bring out the worst in each other as well.

[@lucylou5766]

Me too! Those exact lines bring tears

[@Tomes23]

Me too. I was just telling this to my better half. Life didn’t turn out like I wanted it to, but I would not dream of walking this path with anyone else.

[@michelleb3698]

This song has bags of character, and the songwriting is masterful. Shane was a truly great writer - A Pair of Brown Eyes is another masterpiece. Rest in peace Shane McGowen.

[@MyAltdraco]

That was the one I requested, too. :)

[@rumbalala]

It’s a relationship and a history in microcosm. The fact that it’s a Christmas song just makes it both more sad and more relatable, and musically more joyous. I love it. Merry Christmas all. ❤

[@58frascatti]

Finally! A critique of this wonderful song by someone who gets its importance and how it reflects the working class (wide majority by the way) of the UK and Ireland in the 80s. To me, it’s up there with the great operettas, encapsulating in a few lines & jarring juxtaposition of musical expressions the range of human experience with acceptance of the incongruities of life. That’s a hard trick to manage in such a few words and instrumental accompaniment. The funeral perfectly demonstrated the whole concept. For me it drowned out the clamour of yapping voices for at least a day or two. ❤️ I’m grateful for that.

[@Tomes23]

Amen. The other reviews I have seen are really bad.

[@AyebeeMk2]

"This one's for Kirsty"; was always the phrase Shane would use when introducing the song at a live performance. I have the honour of seeing them both performing this song live; now we have "This one's for Shane and Krsty"! RIP both.

[@Blondie101010100]

Shane's song will be around in hundreds of years... it's a masterpiece. Suaimhneas síoraí, Shane ❤ 🇮🇪 Thank you for the great discussion video.

[@ExUSSailor]

R.I.P. Shane. There will never be another like him.

[@knobbynah]

Best Christmas song ever. This is played in bars here in NYC all the time at this time of year.

[@Ronnie-nh1wl]

I love this song because it introduced many people to Irish music who wouldn't have ever listened to that kind of music. It's also a very emotional ballad because people who have substance issues not necessarily alcohol know the experience he's expressing . I've woken up in a cell in a police station wondering what happened. It's happened on my birthday, on Christmas eve and day. RIP Shane McGowan & Kirsty McColl

[@reneeinla2.0]

Fun fact: the NYPD “choir” you see in the video is, in fact, the NYPD drum corps. The NYPD doesn’t actually have a choir. They asked the drum corps members to sing for the video and the only song they all knew was the Mickey Mouse Club song so that’s what they were singing in the video.

[@lindaross783]

I doubt that

[@reneeinla2.0]

@@lindaross783 it’s true. I saw a short documentary of the making of the video and a few of the drum corps members were interviewed. None of them knew Galway Bay and they all knew the MMC song so that’s what they sang.

[@B7S5-ed6vc]

I don’t know about the Mickey Mouse bit, but have just read that there now exists an NYPD choir, which there didn’t before November 2023!

[@intothedepthscoco]

It is true. Does Google not exist anymore? I never understand why people don't look things up, they either ask someone in the comments to give them info they don't know or just are quick to not believe, when it is information you could confirm with a quick Google search. She left out that because they couldn't do Galway Bay, they played the Mickey Mouse Club song and then when putting the video together, the cuts used were slowed down to try to make it appear somewhat like😊 it could be "Galway Bay".

[@ko0974]

All true, also Shane himself up until than had never been to Americia! EPCH have just released a video of NYPD now actually singing Galway bay .its beautiful..on yt

[@JC-rb3hj]

Funniest Christmas song ever! For those that don't know Kirsty MacColl ( Ewan MacColl's daughter) was not only a fantastic singer but a wonderful songwriter. She had a wicked sense of humor that made her songs so unforgettable. We lost her way too early. Thanks for covering this Christmas sweet.

[@shanesmith2853]

This and Rainy Night in Soho never fail to bring a tear to my eye. R.I.P. Shane and Kirsty

[@chthoniapodcast]

Weirdly I have never heard this song until now, and it's wonderfully powerful. It definitely captures the essence of the Irish immigrant to the USA, particularly in the early 20th century. I can relate a lot to this story via my own family stories, both from the Irish and the Slovakian side--and from living in Ireland for a time. But the Irish are wonderful at telling sad stories in a dramatic way. Sorry to hear of the passing of Shane McGowan, I hope he was given a traditionally good Irish send-up.

[@niallmcentee9400]

He certainly was

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

I think you mean send off !!!

[@simoncanterbury]

Not heard it before ? Where on earth have you been living? Lol.

[@jeffrielley920]

@@simoncanterbury I've never heard this song played on the radio in the US. It got attention in the media a few years ago when people were complaining about the language, but I had to look it up on KZbin.

[@barbaramilone2800]

@@jeffrielley920 I never heard this song, either. Then again, it came out late in 1987, and I had a newborn in the house, born that November, so I wasn't really paying attention to the radio! 😄

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

Best Christmas song ever, and underneath it all, it's a love song!

[@ThatCanadianGuy-e1p]

In Canada here, and I have long loved this song for Christmas.

[@ishbelback7650]

One of my favourite Christmas songs . I love the melody , the angst , regrets and the slagging each other . They say in Ireland the more they slag you the better they like you .

[@isladurrant2015]

I was poleaxed when I first heard it and I still pause when it comes on wherever I might be. To my mind it's a great poem and has truth, really a work of art that, hopefully, will last millennia. For those who aren't having a sugar-candied Waltons/Disney Christmas! Peace, love and keep safe x

[@jarmomarkkanen2473]

My favorite Xmas song. No sugarcoating, instead tastes real life (tm).

[@CaseysRepository]

Irish song at it's finest 💚 RIP Shane 💚🙏🙏

[@PontiacS.]

RIP Shane McGowan.

[@rickedwards7276]

Really glad you did this one. I’ve loved this song for decades now. I was living in Melbourne in the 80s and got to see the Pogues in Saint Kilda. In objective terms it was a terrible show. Shane was so drunk he couldn’t remember the words and, in the second half of the show, the accordion player was so drunk he fell off the stage and finished the set out playing on his back on the floor. But it was awesome. The energy and the spirit are hard to describe. The song is such a refreshing change from the normally saccharine and unrealistic images we all have of Christmas. It’s real and human and flawed and masterful in its ability to tell us a story in such a short period of time. Love the Pogues and their music and I’m very sad that Shane is gone.

[@dinkster1729]

Did you ask for your money back or is it part of the punk mystique that you had to be drunk?

[@rickedwards7276]

@@dinkster1729 would never have occurred to me. They put on a great show. If I wanted perfect I would just listen to the recordings again.

[@reneeinla2.0]

I’m sure Shane and Kirsty are singing together somewhere out there in the great beyond. RIP. 🍺

[@gabe8390]

It was always a Christmas song, now it sounds more like a final farewell greeting from Shane to all of us. As if it was providence that he died in this time and we all celebrate this song and Shane with love in our hearts and he rises to heaven with our good blessings.

[@Michellemari15]

As a Christin and being a Pastors wife for 40 years,this song shows the other side of Christmas and the " festive" season. We tend to think everybody is extra happy/ time of joy. Listining and singing all the happy songs. In Church ... of peace on earth/ all is well. Every year at Xmas my heart and thoughts go out to millions and millions people that is in pain at this time- the opposite of what what we hear in this time( no jingle bells for them). I am 64 and it was with the passing of Shane that I first heard of his life and songs. This is the other part of Xmas time that we never want to hear. Beautiful❤. These last two weeks... I am playing this everyday - about 10 times. What a wonderful human being he was. The gift that God gave Shane... his voice/ poetry will be for ever on earth. To his family - I pray for this first Xmas without Shane. 🙏 RIP Shane❤

[@davidmahon9076]

Super, thank you and Happy Christmas from Ireland

[@theesbband]

Fil: I really appreciate this: I do apologise for being an absent friend. Time is not always kind to people who are beyond a certain age. The accuracy comes from the extraordinarily brilliant Kirsty: her sense of harmony and melody were simply as good as it gets. I’m still astonished that Shane’s colleagues never said to him that being a wreck is not a photo opportunity. He was so proud and tuneful that we may have lost about 60% of what he could have done. I used to almost despair and fill up watching Shane being treated as a joke. They are both so missed. There’s a guy…. Best, Tom and Isobel Thatcher. xx

[@TheGotoGeek]

Oh, Shane’s bandmates absolutely did ride him for being a wreck. They did kick him out at one point, after all. I met him once in a bar in London, and the guy was six sheets at least, and it wasn’t midnight. I’m shocked that he made it to 65. But Shane was an addict, and I suspect that he didn’t think he could go to the places where his art lived without booze and smack, so he never stopped. Maybe he was right. The stories that he brought back of broken people speak so strongly to many of us.

[@theesbband]

@@TheGotoGeek Yes, you’re right. I’ve remembered more and looked into it further: I had no idea that a quite large number of folk, many Irish, referred to him as the Plastic Paddy, and found his embracing of extreme sectarian “politics” and of some genuinely unpleasant “republicans” deeply unsavoury. It’s the old thing: psychologists call it the “Bully Attachment Syndrome:” a prime example is Jezza, of course: “If I suck up to them they won’t get me….”😡 It’s a genuine shame that SM’s main selling point was his alcohol-bloated face, empty eyes and repulsive teeth. FFS, what was funny, appealing or attractive about any of that? Going to the dentist is not an achievement, nor is being permanently pissed. People cluster around drunk/drugged celebrities to see how much they can stuff in. Ha-bloody-ha. Another utterly dysfunctional but talented musician, Sinead O’C, seems to be about the only one who didn’t find the drunken slob funny. It’s also a great pity that he never really have credit to Ewan McColl for Dirty Old Town, ironic in the extreme, especially when Rod Stewart, in 1969 a non-stop gigging musician and great songwriter, did an exceptional reading on his first solo album. I think that Shane had very distinctive talent and a way with words: but there is very little left behind, and being a drunken joke is not a …. joke. The Pogues, almost to a man, were excellent players, but so were Horslips and countless other folk/trad groups. If there is a near-contemporary Irish musician who wrote about loneliness and the human condition with great lyricism, step forward Rory Gallagher. He loathed the murderous sectarianism and ignored the threats because they all loved him, and unlike Van the “Man,” didn’t FO to California when the going got rough. He played and brought all sides together. Blaring The Irish Rover isn’t that creative. Sadly.

[@kevins2961]

Great audience response part I have heard when this is played in British pubs etc and the line comes up 'I could have been someone' The whole crowd sing 'So could anyone'

[@reneeinla2.0]

You’re so kind Fil, trying not to state the obvious. Shane was famous for his wild abuse of the drink. Lol. I had the great pleasure of seeing the Pogues live a few times and Shane was more drunk than the whole audience, and that’s saying something because the audience was pretty drunk. Having said that, these shows were some of the best times I ever had.

[@thecocktailian2091]

I saw him twice. Once was sublime, the other terrible. Shane could at times be too far in the cups.

[@dinkster1729]

The commentator is so nice about Shane's boozing, isn't he?

[@niallmcentee9400]

Well said, it's a story about a couple, a bit worse for wear, having an argument. It makes the song more real that these words are used. When have you ever hear people having an argument being polite to each other. People need to understand the context and stop being offended.

[@M0odyBlue]

If it offends your ears, by all means, don’t listen.

[@ko0974]

The word. Back in the day in Ireland meant a person acting up, being silly ,same as maggot, and as Shane Immersed himself in old Irish poems and stories he found and used it in that context

[@thecocktailian2091]

Ahhh, but we are in an age that we must take offense at everything. There is not a poem, book, film or work of art that is not offensive to someone for some BS self aggrandizing reason.

[@WoefulMinion]

I think you can also tell that while the couple is rehashing an argument they've had for years, they obviously have a lot of affection for one another in spite of their faults.

[@mauraorourke9849]

​@@M0odyBluei am a grandmother & I occassionally use the word faggot when grandkids are misbehaving. My dear mother used it as" thats a little faggot always causing arguements". Possibly because a faggot is a bundle of sticks tied together used for lighting fires hence the one being caled it was fiery (bad tempered) So thats the true meaning of the word. Nothing offensive about it at all I was however shocked to learn some years ago that it evolved into slang to degrade. Ban the slang meaning but not a word from the English language

[@tortoiseperson]

Thank you for posting this. I've loved this song forever. It's real, it's raw and it's poignant and reflects how Christmas is for most people more than the shiny jingly stuff. And wow, Shane could sing! for me the most effective parts are where Kirsty's voice goes lower than his (within their own octaves if you see what I mean). I've heard it hundreds of times but it always brings me to tears. Not least tonight. RIP Kirsty and Shane.

[@elisabethaxelsson4736]

This group is a group I not has listen to so much, I like the Irish sound . Good song

[@phranerphamily]

Kirsty MacColl was amazing! She did a song called In These Shoes which is my go-to karaoke song. She was gone far too soon. I have perfect pitch and the first time I heard this I kept trying to fix it in my head but that was before I understood what they were doing. This song isn't a thing here in the United States and so the first time I heard it was in 2018. So I'm very late to this party lol. Thanks Fil for explaining it even more and for highlighting Kirsty. Happy Christmas

[@TetsujinNijuhachigo]

As a singer, you do feel you have to copy the imperfections in the tuning, otherwise it doesn't work. I've done this as karaoke with my partner, and if you don't do it 'wrong'… it's wrong. ;) I have a similar thing with Oasis' Wonderwall. if you don't sing sharp it doesn't work. That comma pump in the chorus is almost what makes the song.

[@phranerphamily]

@@TetsujinNijuhachigo I always do it exactly as done but those imperfections make it harder and also are what make the song. My range isn't what it was when I was younger so doing Kate Bush is a lot more challenging so I leave that to my husband who's actually a true musician/singer instead of me because I just copy :)

[@silekiernanphotography]

Places I've lived in the US play the song at Christmas, guess it depends on the radio stations you listen to.

[@phranerphamily]

@@silekiernanphotography I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and never heard this song. That doesn't mean it wasn't played just it wasn't played on any of the radio stations I grew up with which we're all rock and roll. But Seattle's a weird radio market. For example Howard Stern tried for years to have his radio show syndicated here and every time he tried no one listened.

[@silekiernanphotography]

@@phranerphamily Hi Darylyn, I live in the PNW and have heard it here over the years, probably KEXP. Didn't know that about Howard Stern, interesting.

[@stacyrynd7110]

Hard to believe both Shane and Kirsty are gone. I like a lot of the Pogues music and am glad this provided a comfortable retirement for Shane. James Fearnly wrote a memoir a while back. It’s worth reading if you can find it.

[@TetsujinNijuhachigo]

"I love you, but not when we're both annoyingly drunk." 'Traditional' married life in a nutshell. The split to two part makes me cry every time - that nails the song, it gives away that the whole structure is 'smarter' than you might first think. …and the 5/4 bar is a great trip-up for the unwary singing along.

[@paulcarr5918]

Thank you for finally being someone who points out that they were singing as characters in a story where they were not necessarily supposed to be upstanding role models. I remember the first time I really listened to the Pogues. It was 1992, so after Shane was no longer with them. I had heard of them but never really listened until then. Someone played Hell's Ditch for me, then going back on my own listening to their previous albums, and I remember wondering why these guys weren't the biggest thing in the world. Shane was truly a poet. I saw someone else mention Tom Waits in the comments here, who I had discovered not too terribly long before that as well. They both quickly became, and have stayed, two of my favorite songwriters ever along with Nick Cave who did a fantastic rendition of Raint Night In Soho at Shane's funeral. I frequently enjoy listening to the version of Haunted that he did with Sinead O'Connor as well. RIP both of them. Despite all of his issues, Shane really was just a good soul.

[@1SeanBond]

I Seen Him & the band in the Expo Hall in Vancouver B.C in 1988. To see him live was unbelievable beyond the realms of a CD or Album. I sure appreciate you covering him after his recent passing. This was a awesome vlog Fil. Lol best holiday tune with your special Lady! Your analysis has me in tears lol yeah I'm part Irish.😊 RIP Shane McGowan🙏✌🏼

[@moose6509]

Wonderful analysis of a sublime song. Check out the Pogues performing it at Shane´s funeral, it´s majestic.

[@tonymolloy6165]

Glen Hansard and Lisa O'Neill sang it accompanied by The Pogues

[@marypthompson6349]

It was lovely.

[@Tredecimus]

Fil, you really hit the point when you say: that’s a dose of reality on Christmas Day, no „peace, happiness and pancake“ (German saying), that you have in every other song for the season. But with all the bad things and the insults and everything it’s still not depressing. It captures that idea that still there is a chance to find happiness with another person and that you don’t give up on that hope. And that’s a great idea for Christmas anyway.

[@Marhea74]

I'm excited for your video and I'm not even 1 minute into it yet! This American has loved The Pogues since 1988! And Kirsty's voice has always sounded like bliss to me, and not just with this ballad. And yes, it is all about the story! It covers a variety of emotions. R.I.P. to her and Shane 💖

[@Sonia-xyz]

I love it, I love the Irish sound. May they both Rest in Peace. 🤍🪽🕊🕯

[@Tornado1994]

This. May they both Rest Eternally.

[@flea1972]

I hope this is UK Christmas number 1. Not that I ever listen to the charts but I've got my fingers crossed. 🤞🤘👍✌️

[@veramilton833]

I actually loved this song , story ! It is so not what one may think of a popular Christmas song , but then again, the story definitely makes it a Christmas song ! It took me to a place where I could actually see this story playing out in real life! Definitely has that theater feel ! Just loved it !❤ Thanks for bringing this to us , Fil, as I may have never heard it without you !

[@eileenmurphy2019]

I saw the movie PS I Love You in a theater. The song was used in a wake for the main character. People actually became offended and left at those lyrics.

[@anotherjoshua]

This always sounded like a song that could've been written by Tom Waits.

[@kathrynrocha9948]

Totally

[@thecocktailian2091]

Waits has said he did not have a fraction of the talent Shane had. They both come from the working class folk traditional background.

[@nearlysteviedan1275]

Waits & McGowan...what a duo that might've been

[@rolanddunk5054]

Hi Fil,I have just read the lyrics to this song and I was amazed…all the years I have been listening to it and it is only now that I understand….it is brilliant.Thank you for bringing it to my attention.cheers Roly🇬🇧.

[@janeteitsworth8824]

Great Reaction and analysis. This song is truly different based on what we hear in the USA. May Shane rest in peace.

[@zakmartin]

Fairytale was and is a massive hit in the UK and Ireland (deservedly so, being arguably one of the best songs ever written). Oddly enough, though, it doesn't seem to have made any impact on the other side of the pond. Most of my American friends have never heard of it (and some of them have never even heard of the Pogues), which is strange given how long it has been around, especially as the song is "located" in New York.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

Yes, I agree. I'm in the U.S. and can't believe this beautiful song isn't more widely known. This is the first time I've heard it.

[@kathleen109]

There are certain groups, i.e., old punks, here in the U.S. who know this song quite well.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

We hear it in Canada.

[@Terri_MacKay]

It is popular here in Canada, and it's my favourite Christmas song.❤️🇨🇦

[@Sacto1654]

There's a good reason for this: the very nasty slur in the lyrics, which may not pass FCC muster, despite what the Irish and the late Shane MacGowan would claim. That's why you never hear the original version on radio, and only hear it here on KZbin.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, Such a cool song! Not your typical Christmas tune, but all the real nonetheless. Great job on this tribute to Shane McGowan and May he RIP. Debbie☮️

[@commonsense6967]

I'm a72 year old American, and have never heard this song or these artists before. It 's certainly a stirring song, lol!

[@gaywizard2000]

Thank you Boomer!

[@incamoran9532]

It's a great song and it's played in New Zealand every year, too. The love/hate relationship between a devoted couple is so damn well portrayed. Just like Hilda and Stan, Vera and Jack - each partner is the other's best sparring mate. Such a shame that they're both dead now.

[@irishguy200007]

Eddie yates the go between.

[@incamoran9532]

Yes, LOL, good old Eddie :) @@irishguy200007

[@mimi-3212]

I heard this song for the first time only a week ago, so it's great to hear it again with the addition of Fil's analysis. Great melody and I love the old folk song feel.

[@perseapolaris9015]

A little moved by this ballad..🥺 waves of nostalgia..thanks Fil...👍🩷

[@dereks1264]

This song is a story in three parts - past, present and future - and reflects so much of what so many feel and experience at this time of year. "Shane was a person who, in real life, did like to have a drink" has got to be the understatement of all time.

[@flamered24]

I'm very lucky to only know summer as" Raspberry Beret', Hallowe'en as "Thriller' and Christmas as 'Fairytale of New York". Three of the best pop songs ever and I measure my year by them. Shane made it easy to be Irish abroad and as an Irishwoman I thank him and send him love. Kirsty sings a perfect harmony to his rolling lyrics. We built our dreams around music like this.

[@Tolkienlady]

What was your Spring '84 song? "99 Red Balloons?" by Nena? That was released in UK March 1984. 1984 was an epic year for music

[@flamered24]

@@Tolkienlady Sorry Time after Time really but 99 Red Balloons is a close second

[@electrafone]

I've loved the Poques since I first heard them in the mid-80s, and this has always been one of my favorites. Some of the details in the song are somewhat idealized, such as the fact that there really isn't an NYPD Choir but it fits a common narrative of the Irish in America. Still, it shares a lot of similarities with many other Poques songs: A engaging story heavily rooted in the Irish experience for better or worse, but with a lot of emotion and even romance. And of course fantastic singing from Shane (and Kirsty) and, as always, terrific musicianship from the whole band.

[@irmaoksanen6830]

I was confused about this being such a popular Christmas song but when you talked about the relationship and familial crap that tends to surface at this time of year, it made sense. Also thank you for saying "Christmas" and not "the holidays".

[@Hildred6]

Loved this video, you always get it spot on. Agree about the subject matter. It’s funny how this song is such a favourite with its gloomy lyrics and the swearing 🤬 not at all your typical seasonal favourite 😂 Love Kirsty’s clear voice and Shane slurring away but somehow the music holds it all together and it all works beautifully 😃

[@philippesauvie639]

I love this song. I first heard it as part of the Julian Schnabel film, ‘Basquiat’ soundtrack.

[@frankbolger3969]

Thanks for doing your usual superlative job, and doing right by Shane and Kirsty.

[@sharondenn2284]

Rip Kirsty and Shane ❤❤

[@sonotdown998]

Excellent video as always! The fact that you weren’t bawling by 11:46 speaks to your consummate professionalism.

[@kaspinet]

I made up for by crying buckets all the way across the Atlantic in Washington DC.

[@roseyc.5846]

Hi Fil: I'm unfamiliar with this song. But, the truth is, Christmas is not always "Holly Jolly" as they'd have you believe here in the States. Death happens, tragedy, breakups, etc. It's not all picture perfect, like some greeting card. Some of us feel rather down at this time of year. I'm keeping it as simple as possible, for that very reason. Always appreciate your analyses..thanks so much for all you do. Stay safe and sane, etc.until Saturday night. Rosemarie ❤.

[@deborahmccartney5694]

Haven't heard this in ages. A sad and beautiful song! RIP Shane! Fil, thank you so much for this!!!💜

[@martentrudeau6948]

Beautiful song, Both Shane MacGowan and Kristy MacColl are gone now, R.I.P. ~ He was a soulful Irish singer and Kristy was a beautiful UK talent.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

I have never heard this song before, but I like it. I thought it had a bit of an Irish sound to it, it's a nice song. It's sad to hear of Shane's passing, may he RIP.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I have never heard this song before. It starts out hopeful, and then it gets sad. It is emotional.

[@ridgebackdk]

always loved the snare sound ... just the perfect lift and back beat for the melody ...

[@matthewschiavi7353]

To keep the Christmas theme you need review Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses and Father Christmas by The Kinks.

[@julzy3]

I don't recall ever hearing this song before but I have heard of The Pogues. It has the feel of an Irish Sea Shanty and spicy lyrics! I love it. 🍻⛵

[@terrycunningham8118]

I'm not in the UK, but I've listened to this song pretty much every Christmas since "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" came out, and I've been listening to The Pogues since "Rum, Sodomy & The Lash". They were a truly remarkable band.

[@Sp33gan]

Definitely, one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time, and I can't stand most Christmas songs. As you said, Fil, Shane's and Kirsty's voices are perfect for the roles they're playing - lazy and slurred as opposed to sharp, biting, and deliberate. It works so well, especially with the Irish sound of The Pogues behind them. For almost 15 years I played in a local Celtic Rock band. With three lead vocalists, three part harmonies, a very creative bass player who doubled on mandolin, a phenomenal fiddler who could anything from Blues to Jazz to Classical to Gypsy, and myself playing bodhran like a rock drummer, we earned a strong following, especially amongst the UK ex-pats. Every Christmas, we'd play Fairy Tale and it never failed to bring the house down. I took Shane's part and our fiddle player adopted Kirsty's persona. Our Irish rhythm guitarist played keyboard for this, and the dance floor was filled before he'd finish the opening few notes. Not that many danced for it. Rather, picture 500 "well lubricated" patrons would sing, laugh and even cry at this beautiful song. If the band wasn't mic'd, you'd never know we were there! LOL! Honestly, it was always a joy to perform Fairy Tale for every gig starting late November. Even on the west coast of Canada, it's not Christmas without The Pogues. Just as it's not Christmas until Noddy Holder yells that it is. Rock on, Fil, and peace.

[@AdgTee21]

That’s a wonderful story! Great memories!

[@Sp33gan]

@@AdgTee21 Thank you ☺ Yeah, they're wonderful memories. Playing in a band was a childhood dream come true and I couldn't have wished for a better group to be a part of. Merry Christmas to you!

[@artomatt]

It really ought to be played more on NY City radio stations, but I've rarely heard it here. I guess it doesn't quite fit in with Mariah Carey, lol. Personally, I prefer Kirsty Maccoll any day.

[@johnwhelan9225]

This song is a masterpiece and tells the "if only" story as only a musical genius like Shane could. It`s dramatic in it`s execution and so relatable to working class Irish people all over the world particularly those growing up in the 80`s. A song about life told at Christmas, it is along with Greg Lakes "I believe in Father Christmas" the best two crafted songs about Christmas in my humble opinion. RIP Shane sadly missed always remembered.

[@StephenMerchant-up8sg]

Yes it did take some time to put together. James Fearnley who had a big hand in the music describes it well in his book 'Here Comes Everybody'

[@Antaios632]

This has been one of my favorite Christmas songs almost since it was released in the late 80s. The notion that people are offended by it irks me a lot. It's such a great story, performance & video.

[@Wildweib]

Mine too! People are so snowflake-y these days, it's perverse. You can't live life by avoiding or putting down whatever you don't like. I guess they will have to learn the hard way instead of forcing their shortcomings on other people. As for "Fairytale": the musical score is an incredible beauty one never gets tired of, and the dialogue between the two both lyrical and aggressive at the same time. Always reminds me of my parents that used to almost permanently fight and bicker when they were together (no alcohol involved though). I spend years expecting they'd get divorced soon until I realized they deeply loved each other - both temperamental aries by star sign -, and that fighting and bickering to them was a turn-on and the glue that kept their love on fire. (Both passed within a week last year at the age of 84. Whenever I listen to "fairytale", I think of them, have a drink if I can, and toast to them wherever they are now... and to the hopefully angelic souls that might have to put up with them both ;-).)

[@808v1]

dang, I remember this all over the radio - made me sad, happy and everywhere inbetween.

[@taniareads8751]

Love this song, always have - so raw, so true. And so sad. The fate of the singers was equally sad. Music these days - in general - does not have the soul or reality of music before computers and corrections.

[@bobbyboko6317]

This is one of very few Christmas songs that i never tire of , sad but beautiful

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Sad that Shane passed. His voice reminds me of Tom Waits. The Irish are such wonderful storytellers.Thank you, Fil! This is wonderful!

[@allandudson9684]

Good old Shane...R.I.P. brother. Great song, great vocals from both. I grew up at the social club so I know what drunk singers sound like but Shane was up there with Dean Martin...

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

You got that right it's all about the story and the music, What a brilliant band of excellent musicians, The Pogues. most were very fine upstanding Englishmen who became Irish in their thought and ways of playing. I love what one of the Pogues said This song was The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

[@jerrymoore838]

Shane was such a trainwreck but I adored his songs and voice. One of a kind. RIP

[@aprilkurtz1589]

RIP, Kirsty. I hope someday she gets justice. I love this. My favorite British Christmas song is "Don't Let the Bells End." by The Darkness.

[@LeftLib]

One of the few Xmas songs I do not tire of hearing. Another one you may want to check out is Gaudete by Steeleye Span

[@MichalGlowacz86]

In the "Just look them straight in the eye..." box there are 3 different drafts of this song containing different lyrics, Cait on the vocals and even slightly different melody. Shane and the entire band worked really hard on this to achieve the final effect!

[@IrishKack]

I love non traditional, rocking Christmas songs. This one is perfection.

[@Lilah1754]

Thanks for this analysis Fil .Never heard this Christmas song before! Enjoyed. RIP Shane

[@Purpleplummedpeacock]

I absolutely love this song!! It’s on my list of “Acceptable Holiday Tunes” which includes Wham but certainly not Mariah Carey. 😂

[@margaretnicol3423]

Another change they had to make to get the song played was the change of the band's name. The original name was Pogue Mahone which was anglicized from Irish and meant Kiss My Arse!!! 🤣 It's funny seeing Matt Dillon as the cop at the beginning. It was heartwarming to see Johnny Depp carry his coffin as he'd been a big admirer of Shane for years. Another friend that Johnny has lost fairly recently.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

This is so full of the bittersweet flavour of the holidays. It’s a masterpiece. It’s raw and rough and sweet and sour. Thank you

[@tylovset]

This song is played a lot in Norway around Christmas, and it's awesome. We had a similar character, "Jokke" back in the 90's. Still the definitive working class rock cult legend here. One well known song is "her kommer vinter'n" (here comes winter). A few translated lines: - "Are you the kind of person who never gets a tan, and never really tries to get one either?" - "Do you have problems socializing with overly positive folks? You're not alone - we are many who are just like that"

[@daveluck5717]

Refreshing to hear a sea shanty at xmas 😁

[@janhensley3617]

Masterpiece. Thank you Shane MacGowan. RIP. Already missing you 😢

[@charlieoscar09]

Considering McGowan's physical being he was fairly spot on holding the correct notes

[@margaretmcguire8952]

He had a brilliant mind and there was a gentle, shy and caring side to him. A poet and a gentleman

[@eily_b]

I always wondered where his drinking came from. He had a loving family, was not abused, why would you drink every day sooo much for almost all your life?

[@Dreyno]

⁠@@eily_bIt’s surprisingly easy for bands to become heavy drinkers. Always in venues with bars, drinks on the house sometimes, free time outside of show time, not needing to be in bed early or up early. It happens a lot and it would be quite hard to avoid if you have an even slightly addictive personality.

[@McCRBen]

I think he said in an interview an uncle started him off drinking at 5 years old.

[@user-dv9ch3xc5c]

I like this song! The first time I heard the Pogues I was impressed!

[@darrylarmstrong3341]

I always enjoy learning about music and its production, but after watching this video for 30 years, it is now spoiled by the knowledge of Shane not playing piano. An incredible poet with an outlaw attitude, he was always fun time and frivolous to all. Thanks for your catalogue of lyrics and adventures. RIP