The Mystery of the Missing Number One: What Song Kept Fairytale of New York Off the Christmas Top Spot?
Ah, Fairytale of New York. The Pogues' masterpiece. A song that's become synonymous with Christmas singalongs (let's be honest, more like slightly tipsy shoutalongs) since its release in 1987. But did you know this festive anthem was cruelly denied its rightful place at the top of the Christmas charts?
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| What Song Kept Fairytale Of New York |
The Christmas Crime of 1987
Yes, folks, there was a dark day. A time when dreams were dashed and mulled wine flowed a little less freely. Fairytale of New York, with its catchy melody, powerful vocals (courtesy of the amazing Kirsty MacColl), and a touch of festive melancholia, seemed destined for the coveted Christmas Number One spot. But enter the pop duo Pet Shop Boys, with their melancholic (but altogether less Christmassy) cover of "Always on My Mind." And just like that, Fairytale of New York was relegated to the runner-up position.
A Conspiracy? A Christmas Miracle Gone Wrong?
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Some music conspiracy theorists (yes, they exist) believe there were shady dealings behind the scenes. Perhaps a mischievous elf switched some votes? Maybe Santa himself preferred a ballad without the sting of heartbreak (and the admittedly colorful language) present in Fairytale. The truth, however, is most likely a bit more mundane. Maybe the British public just fancied a good cry with their Christmas pudding that year.
Fairytale of New York: A Christmas Cult Classic
Despite the heartbreak of 1987, Fairytale of New York has become a beloved Christmas tradition. Its absence from the top spot only adds to its legend. Is there anything more punk rock than a song about heartbreak and lost dreams becoming a festive favorite? We think not.
So next time you belt out those lyrics about "Galway Bay" and "cheap lousy faggots" (a term we no longer use, but that's a whole other story), remember the song's underdog status. Raise a glass (or mug of mulled wine) to Fairytale of New York, the undisputed Christmas Cult Classic!
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How-To FAQs
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How to Listen to Fairytale of New York?
This one's easy! You can find it on pretty much every streaming platform or fire up a good old fashioned CD player (do those things still exist?).
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
How to Sing Fairytale of New York Without Offending Anyone?
This one's a bit trickier. Maybe skip the more...colorful vocabulary choices used by the characters. The music and Kirsty MacColl's vocals are fantastic enough to carry the song without needing all the bells and whistles (or insults).
How to Avoid Another Christmas Singalong Disaster?
Learn from history! Maybe this year, suggest a slightly less argumentative Christmas carol. "Silent Night" anyone?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
How to Make Sure Fairytale of New York Gets to Number One...Next Year?
Unfortunately, time travel hasn't been invented yet (although with all this talk of elves, maybe Santa has some ideas?). But hey, you can always keep streaming the song and spreading the word. Maybe, just maybe, Fairytale of New York will finally get its Christmas Number One crown...someday.
How to Deal with the Emotional Fallout of this Entire Fairytale of New York Fiasco?
Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.
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