In honour of the late Shane MacGowan, the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of Celtic punk band the Pogues, I want to pay a holiday homage to the Pogues Christmas single Fairytale Of New York (featuring Kirsty MacColl).
The music is Punk / Irish folk, with some Traditional Christmas music. The song starts slow with the piano and then picks up in tempo when Kirsty MacColl starts the second verse. The musicians of the single are fantastic: Philip Chevron (guitar), Spider Stacy (tin whistle), Jem Finer (Banjo), James Fearnley (accordion and piano), Darryl Hunt (Bass), Andrew Ranken (drums), Fiachra Trench (French horns & strings), Siobhan Sheahan (harp). The composition is intricate – the change of tempo is bold and well-thought-out. Steve Lillywhite produced the 80s single and did an excellent job. The wavy rhythm represents the joys and challenges of emigrating to another country, a new culture and life. The music is rich, honouring both Punk and Irish Folk.
The Duet between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl is fantastic. Their voices complement each other well. The interaction starts romantically, and then they sound like they’re bickering. Then, they sing together jovially.
The lyrics are unique, with a bit of swearing, yet festive despite it all. Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer wrote the words of the Christmas classic. According to sources, Fairytale Of New York is in the top five of Christmas classics (number three). The song starts romantically and then changes into a folksy humour. According to sources, the story is about an Irish couple who emigrated to the US and went to New York City. However, there’s another interpretation, which Shane MacGowan said, “Really, the story could apply to any couple who went anywhere and found themselves down on their luck.” The story is full of love and adventure. The poetry of this song is remarkable and rich, with beautiful depth.
Rest in Peace, Shane MacGowan.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
