The Fairytale of New York's Not-So-Fairytale Chart Battle: A Story of Brawls, Breakups, and Boy George (Kind Of)
Ah, Fairytale of New York. The Pogues' heart-wrenching, whiskey-soaked masterpiece. A song that perfectly captures the bittersweet chaos of Christmas. But here's the thing: despite its enduring popularity, it's never snagged the coveted Christmas number one spot in the UK. Let's delve into the delightfully messy reasons why.
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| What Kept Fairytale Of New York From Number 1 |
The Great Christmas Clash of 1987
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
Imagine a world where "Last Christmas" by Wham! wasn't the only contender for the Christmas crown. Enter 1987, a year where a full-on brawl for the top spot erupted. In one corner, we have Fairytale of New York, a song with lyrics that would make your grandma clutch her pearls (we're looking at you, "cheap lousy faggot"). In the other corner? The Pet Shop Boys, with their smooth, synth-driven cover of "Always on My Mind."
Pet Shop Boys vs. The Pogues: A Battle of the Decades
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
The competition was fierce. Shane MacGowan, the Pogues' frontman, reportedly said they were "beaten by two queens and a drum machine" (zing!). While both songs are fantastic, the Pet Shop Boys' polished pop might have been a safer bet for mainstream audiences in the late 80s.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
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Enter Boy George (Well, Sort Of)
Now, here's where things get interesting. Originally, Kirsty MacColl, the song's unforgettable female vocalist, was supposed to sing a different duet partner. Who was it? None other than Boy George! Apparently, creative differences led to a last-minute switch, and the rest, as they say, is history. Would a Boy George and Kirsty MacColl duet have changed the song's fate? We'll never know, but it's a fun fact to ponder.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Fairytale of New York: A Christmas Cult Classic
So, Fairytale of New York may not have been the official Christmas number one, but it's become a beloved tradition. Every year, it rockets back up the charts, a testament to its enduring power. Maybe it's the raw emotion, the sing-along factor, or the sheer audacity of those lyrics. Whatever it is, Fairytale of New York remains a Christmas classic, even without the official crown.
How-To FAQs
- How to avoid a Christmas brawl over Fairytale of New York? Easy! Crank up the volume, grab a loved one (or a pillow to scream into), and enjoy the chaos.
- How to convince your grandma those lyrics aren't meant to be offensive? Good luck! Maybe focus on the beautiful melody and the overall message of hope.
- How to make your own Fairytale of New York Christmas tradition? Belt it out at the top of your lungs while decorating the tree. Bonus points for dressing up as Shane and Kirsty.
- How to listen to Fairytale of New York without judgment? Put on some headphones and enjoy the masterpiece.
- How to appreciate Fairytale of New York, even if it's not your favorite Christmas song? Respect its place in pop culture history and the sheer audacity of those lyrics (again, we can't stress that enough).
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