Fairytale of New York: The Great Christmas Chart Conundrum
So, let's talk about the elephant in the Christmas cracker - Fairytale of New York. You know, that song that makes you want to grab a pint, snuggle up in a woolly jumper, and pretend you're not secretly dreaming of a white Christmas in Australia? Yeah, that one.
A Near Miss, But A Million-Hearted Hit
It’s a classic tale of heartbreak, or rather, chart heartbreak. Fairytale of New York has been tantalizingly close to the Christmas number one spot more times than a politician promises to deliver on their campaign pledges. It's like the Charlie Brown Christmas of the charts – everyone loves it, but it just can't quite snag that top spot.
The song has a special place in our hearts, even if it hasn't quite conquered the hearts of the chart compilers. It’s like that really cool friend who’s always the life of the party but never gets the girl (or guy, or whoever they're into).
The Magic of the Song
What is it about this song that keeps drawing us back year after year? Is it the raw emotion, the Dublin slang, or the fact that it perfectly captures the bittersweet magic of Christmas? Maybe it's just that we all secretly want to be a bit more like Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl – flawed, fabulous, and full of Christmas cheer.
Whatever the reason, Fairytale of New York is a timeless classic that continues to enchant listeners of all ages. It’s the kind of song that can turn a roomful of strangers into a choir of carollers.
So, Will It Ever Be Number One?
Who knows? Maybe one day, a wave of festive nostalgia will sweep the nation and propel Fairytale of New York to the top of the charts. Or maybe it's destined to be the greatest Christmas number two of all time. Either way, it’s a song that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to Fairytale of New York – the undisputed champion of our hearts.
How To... Fairytale of New York Edition
- How to survive a Christmas party without singing along to Fairytale of New York: It's impossible. Just embrace it.
- How to appreciate the true beauty of Fairytale of New York: Listen to the lyrics, understand the story, and let the music wash over you.
- How to spread the Fairytale of New York love: Introduce it to someone who hasn't heard it before, and prepare to be their new favorite person.
- How to cope with the fact that Fairytale of New York isn't number one: Remember, it's the thought that counts (or something like that).
- How to make your own Fairytale of New York: Grab a friend, a microphone, and a whole lot of Irish whiskey. Happy songwriting!