Guitar Teacher REACTS: Paul Kelly "How To Make Gravy" | Gravy Day | Australian Christmas Songs

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  • Опубліковано 24 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 438

  • @Guitargate
    @Guitargate  3 роки тому +7

    ALSO - Don't forget the PRS Guitar & Amp giveaway :) NO GLOBAL RESTRICTIONS! Here's the info: bit.ly/34sS3eO

    • @sussanahkable106
      @sussanahkable106 2 роки тому +1

      It’s a letter from jail to his brother. It’s more a sad song than humerus.

    • @australia4aussies
      @australia4aussies Рік тому

      Paul Kelly is an Aussie poet and icon.
      Do a react to legendary Aussie blues band Chains “I remember when I was young.”

  • @822nivla
    @822nivla 3 роки тому +205

    This song is only humourous in a poignant way. It is a very sad song reflecting the sense of loss by separation at (normally joyous) Christmas Time. The prisoner tries to inject himself into the family occasion by reminding them that he usually makes the gravy and he wants to be remembered, if only for that. Perhaps a listen to the original recording will better reflect the true sentiment. This song makes me want to cry. Paul Kelly told of his decision to write such a Christmas song by reflecting on the song White Christmas, which in reality has a wishful theme - "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know". It is a actually a lament. Love your channel. Thanks for showcasing the wonderful Paul Kelly.

    • @michaelhutton2829
      @michaelhutton2829 3 роки тому +31

      Totally agree on the meaning. The humour in the song is a facade for the pain he's feeling, but he's trying to keep a brave face. An Aussie classic.

    • @ltlgaming2669
      @ltlgaming2669 3 роки тому +5

      Here here! I’m sure u know of the tram sessions set he did in Melbourne with his bro… what a true blue Aussie legend .. much love to the Hayes family!

    • @chookinathunderstorm3446
      @chookinathunderstorm3446 3 роки тому +9

      I agree wholeheartedly about the poignancy of this beautiful song about an ordinary family man who stuffed up and ended up in prison for a stretch that keeps him away over at least one Christmas. Missing your family get together at this time when scattered family and assorted friends fly in to a home from all over Oz is very relatable
      and memories can be sad but also humorous which is sad because everything new happening this time will be missed.
      Whenever this is sung at a live concert the atmosphere is more happy because every one loves this song (and demand it) because it helps them, or has helped them, through bad times for whatever reason and they are getting through it, or the bad time is now past and all of us just appreciate this shout out for understanding and hope.
      There's also an old Aussie saying that seems to have disappeared since the arrival of 2000. Aussies ( my dad included) used to say it when yet another problem knocked them back.
      " You can't help laughin'. "

    • @marksanderson6549
      @marksanderson6549 3 роки тому +3

      Agree 100%, I cry often with this also. It's very close to my Christmas as a kid. As Australian as you could get .hock up

    • @shanes3842
      @shanes3842 3 роки тому +3

      Yes i definitely think the original recording of them on the rooftop has much more power to it IMO.

  • @seancullum1561
    @seancullum1561 3 роки тому +106

    I understand you picking up on the humour, I guess being Australian I don't see it myself. But this song makes me cry - every time.

    • @noniprimrose833
      @noniprimrose833 3 роки тому +3

      Every time 🤗

    • @rosslapthorne9692
      @rosslapthorne9692 3 роки тому

      Yeah 100% I don’t see the humour, maybe need to visit Australia first…

    • @thatfelladownunder9396
      @thatfelladownunder9396 3 роки тому +4

      Yeah I try and play this on the guitar but can’t finish it, I definitely cant sing it without breaking down. I have no idea how PK does it.

    • @danielemerson312
      @danielemerson312 2 роки тому +4

      The humour is, as is so often with PK, bittersweet. It's the sound of someone writing home from prison and trying to put a brave face on things.

    • @centreman5
      @centreman5 Місяць тому

      Yep 100% this bloke is a moron and disrespectful typical arrogant yank

  • @wintertimetrio
    @wintertimetrio 3 роки тому +135

    Paul Kelly is unquestionably one of the greatest songwriters in human history

    • @jmwhite88
      @jmwhite88 3 роки тому +7

      So slept on by anyone from outside Australia. Astonishing songwriter

    • @davidnelson6874
      @davidnelson6874 3 роки тому +5

      He’s my favorite and it’s probably not close.

    • @Thebookwarren
      @Thebookwarren 3 роки тому +2

      Here here

    • @clint68
      @clint68 3 роки тому +2

      Yes he is. I’m glad I only nearly ran him over with my truck… 😬

    • @vitruvianman7170
      @vitruvianman7170 3 роки тому

      @@clint68 please elaborate

  • @bcooper7618
    @bcooper7618 3 роки тому +85

    Holy crap.. this hit right in the feels... as an Aussie stuck overseas due to covid hearing paul kelly, one of the most iconic song aussie song writers of all time, had me cutting onions.

    • @ltlgaming2669
      @ltlgaming2669 3 роки тому +4

      Hope you are well fella! Where u at? I am from Melbourne and live in Japan. Prob haven’t been back to see the folks yet?

    • @bcooper7618
      @bcooper7618 3 роки тому +5

      @@ltlgaming2669 SE Asia mate - Unfortunately getting home isnt an option as it would mean 2 weeks quarantine in Aus then 2 weeks here when i returned for work and thats even if Aussie allows me to leave the country as apparently they arnt letting people fly out right now . Actually my Nan passed away a few weeks back and couldnt even make it back before she passed because by the time i made it through quarantine it would have already been too late.. over this covid stuff. Stay well mate!

    • @garyspeed8961
      @garyspeed8961 Рік тому

      know the emotions... was there too! Aussies back home screwed us expats badly!

  • @MilkyJoe954
    @MilkyJoe954 3 роки тому +74

    Really not sharing Michael's thoughts on this one. I can see the humour in the song in certain lines but it's not a humourous song. It's really sad, touching and human. It's an important Christmas song because the narrator is, possibly for the first time in his life, acting entirely unselfishly. He's genuinely sorry for what he's done and how he has hurt the people he loves. Clicked because I love the song and listen (and tear up) each Christmas. Listening this year to remember that lockdown Christmas in the UK isn't as bad as christmas in jail.

    • @pl5065
      @pl5065 11 місяців тому +1

      I saw a TED talk with Paul Kelly, he said it was mean’t to be funny and was surprised when he brought a tear to the eye when he first played it. I found that surprising!

    • @thesilverbrow2382
      @thesilverbrow2382 11 місяців тому

      I'm pretty sure Michael didn't catch onto the fact that he's in prison.

    • @absoz
      @absoz 10 місяців тому

      This song is by the Australian legendary songwriter and poet PK. At first listen, its easy to see why people see the humour throughout the lyrics, the sadness, sorrow and love for his family only starts shining through after multiple listens, which many aussies, like myself, have heard this masterpiece numerous times - and absolutely it brings a tear to the eye.
      I think we’ve adopted this as an Aussie Christmas song due its multiple layers of emotions involved. We have a little giggle at some lines, the yummy roast on Christmas Day, with all the trimmings regardless of how hot it can be, him being in jail/prison and won’t be with his family some of whom are coming from across our magnificent continent, and reminding us of that importance of being with family at such a time, once all said and done. He is also looking forward to getting out, and making amends with everyone he has hurt doing whatever put him there
      This song is sooo Australian ❤❤❤

  • @leemccurtayne9489
    @leemccurtayne9489 3 роки тому +93

    Paul Kelly’s “Dumb Things” is so quintessentially Australian for coming unstuck, certainly one of his best.

    • @uncle_buch
      @uncle_buch 3 роки тому +3

      Oath!

    • @drbosommd
      @drbosommd 2 роки тому

      Dumb Things is an absolute banger. Why no American band has covered it is beyond me.

  • @tallobilla
    @tallobilla Рік тому +5

    Mate, that’s our national anthem and you witnessed greatness watching that. Poetry in motion. Watching PK live is a spiritual experience. He is the greatest of Australian storytellers.

  • @rickybryan1759
    @rickybryan1759 2 роки тому +28

    Thank you for featuring this song. Two items of polite feedback. I’ve read PK’s autobiography and another bio and there are no Allman brothers in his influence sphere. The guy has varied interests but his centre of gravity is Bob Dylan. The second point is I dunno how you read this as humorous every Aussie takes it sincerely and cries into their beer over it.

    • @rickyelvis3215
      @rickyelvis3215 2 роки тому +5

      beautifully put ricky.

    • @warwickruse2556
      @warwickruse2556 10 місяців тому +1

      pk himself played it , freshly minted , to a friend. when the friend was weeping copiously at the end, PK said " you know, it's a comedy? " friend replied piteously " I know, I KNOW." It's in a PK autobiog.

    • @centreman5
      @centreman5 Місяць тому

      Well said Rick! These yanks think the world revolves around them and their own world.. the fact this moron laughs and thinks its "hilarious" shows what a dipshit moron he is

  • @ckjjclan
    @ckjjclan 3 роки тому +52

    “Deeper Water” is one of my favorites of his, talk about mental imagery.

    • @shaneholbeck6697
      @shaneholbeck6697 3 роки тому

      For fun - play Deeper Water then put on Richard Claptons Deep Water

    • @rudimentaryprobing5423
      @rudimentaryprobing5423 3 роки тому +2

      Could agree more, one song that could make me cry.

    • @russellrobertson5792
      @russellrobertson5792 3 роки тому +3

      Yes mate me too. He's a genius I don't think this bloke gets it..

    • @mishelreynolds5317
      @mishelreynolds5317 3 роки тому +5

      Deeper water gets me too.
      Also love From little things, big things grow.

    • @sean---the-other-one
      @sean---the-other-one 3 роки тому +1

      I would play this at a gig but I’d never be able to stop choking up at the passing of his love.

  • @michaelsmith-fw9bm
    @michaelsmith-fw9bm 3 роки тому +1

    this song is a classic and so is PK.

  • @brucemcnair2
    @brucemcnair2 3 роки тому +28

    This really is our Aussie Christmas song. A song of love, loss and absence. But a song of hope too.
    Love it

  • @Rebecca.G
    @Rebecca.G 3 роки тому +29

    The backup singers are Vika and Linda Bull. They are amazing at what they do. They are also on the music themed quiz tv quiz show Rock Wiz

  • @kevwith
    @kevwith 2 роки тому +3

    Hilarious! Like Flight of the Conchords! A guy calling home from prison filled with sadness, regret and paranoid thoughts. That’s always comical. You might wanna get the lyric sheet and revisit this one. Paul Kelly is awesome! I see him every time he comes to California, not often enough.

  • @timroche5586
    @timroche5586 10 місяців тому +1

    Paul Kelly is the greatest singer songwriter Australia has ever produced so far. I highly recommend learning a lot more of his tunes!! Hunters & Collectors is a great band during the 1980's and 1990's which you might like as well. Holy Grail and Throw Your Arms Around Me are 2 of their biggest hits, with the latter being a favorite Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder!! Crowd House is also another great band that formed in Melbourne after Spilt Enz from New Zealand broke up. Don't Dream It's Overreached #1 in the USA.......

  • @theamazingfreak
    @theamazingfreak Рік тому +2

    As a side note, the two ladies who joined Paul towards the end of the song are two sisters, Vicka and Linda Bull. They have supported and joined a number of famous Australian artists and are quite famous here in Australia in their own right.

  • @paulphoad
    @paulphoad 7 місяців тому +1

    Paul Kelly is probably Australias best songwriter. A bit of a story teller. See "dumb things", "to her door",

  • @smallships
    @smallships 11 місяців тому +1

    There’s certainly humour in the song but I think Flight of the Concordes is a stretch. As others have said, Paul Kelly’s humour is almost always bittersweet and this song hits me in the guts every time. Thanks for featuring it, Michael!

  • @susanbailey8762
    @susanbailey8762 2 роки тому +8

    I love this song because it humanises people in prison. The aching sadness that comes when you're imagining everyone at Christmas. We do play it on 21st December to keep justice in our hearts.

  • @SteveR5954
    @SteveR5954 3 роки тому +42

    This is a great song, and Paul Kelly has MANY. Hes a great story teller who will lure you in with dry humour and detail and then get you with lament and melancoly. Flight of the Conchords are great Kiwi band, but definitely in it for the comedy only. Cheers for talking about this song :-) Maybe have a listen to 'To Her Door' or 'Dumb Things'..

    • @iSobeyHvK
      @iSobeyHvK 3 роки тому +1

      Before Too Long is definitely my favourite

  • @foursticks100
    @foursticks100 Рік тому +1

    You have a style similar to Albert Lee
    I actually saw Paul Kelly in Toronto at the El Mocambo
    He brought a full band with a lead guitarist that played incredible

  • @KN-lq4zv
    @KN-lq4zv Рік тому +5

    We love him in australia, there is a thread of this song in us all. He truly is a legend, a real poet

  • @naomifay3131
    @naomifay3131 3 роки тому +56

    Paul Kelly actually has a Ted video on the making of this song and how it came about. He was asked to do a Christmas concert and the song he wanted was already taken so he decided to write his own and used white Christmas as an inspiration for the story. The reason we Australians love this song so much is because it’s the only song that’s not a ridiculous parody that represents and Australian Christmas, every other carol is about snow, hot chocolate and roaring fires when that’s so far from our reality looking at 40 degree days and using fans as Christmas trees. As far as other Australian artists go you should check out Tash sultanas “blackbird” also the Tesky brothers are a band I think you would really enjoy. It’s great to see someone sharing some Australian music because we have such a huge music culture here but it’s not highlighted internationally because it’s not “mainstream” but we have some truly talented musicians
    ua-cam.com/video/DnGPxmxVTuE/v-deo.html

    • @hislatestflame7861
      @hislatestflame7861 3 роки тому +3

      Glad someone mentioned this. Paul Kelly is a legend and should be treated as such.

    • @MrMuel1205
      @MrMuel1205 3 роки тому +4

      Tim Minchin's 'White Wine in the Sun' is another great Australian Christmas song.

  • @davidnelson6874
    @davidnelson6874 3 роки тому +8

    I discovered Paul by finally buying Gossip. I found a cassette while living in Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S.A. I own most everything up to Words And Music.
    I saw him in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the Spring of 2001. I loved it although he only played six songs I knew. That changed quickly. Paul is The Man. I met a guy at the show who said he had so loved Paul Kelly that he moved to Australia! That’s love! ♥️

  • @phillcall2306
    @phillcall2306 Рік тому +2

    Johnny Diesel….or maybe just Diesel. Brilliant guitarist and singer.

  • @petethescalemodeller6130
    @petethescalemodeller6130 2 роки тому +4

    This one makes me cry everytime .. Genius Mr Paul Kelly

  • @ThePhilc63
    @ThePhilc63 2 роки тому +3

    Hi Michael, I quite often read through all the comments on songs, vids etc that interest me. This is my favourite Christmas song, so naturally, after listening to your reaction, I scrolled through the comments. The fact that I usually find 3 or 4 comments and your reaction has given rise to closer to a hundred, should tell you two things. Aussies are passionate about their musical icons and you've got it completely wrong! There is no humour in this song, NONE! There is no Allman Bros twang in the riffs. The song is right up there with the sadest songs in history. I'm 58 yrs old, been listening to this song since its release and it still can make me cry because my job, although not a jail cell has kept me away from family often over the past 20 years. The true deep heart of the song actually comes in the outro, I believe. "I'll be making gravy, I'll be making plenty, I'm gonna pay em all back". This is where he understands just how many people , other than himself, that he's let down. And he vows to make amends. To show another example of just how powerful a line this is in a "sad song" it reminds me of what I feel is the most romantic line ever in a "love song". Yet, like Paul's jailbird, Glen's Wichita Lineman never gets to be with his beloved but can succinctly show all his love in one line; "I need you more than want you and I want you for all time". Such a definitive, more romantic way of just saying infinity! Do some research on PK, especially on the history of why and how he wrote this song and you'll become hungry to listen to more of his work. To me, he's actually more like an Australian version of Leonard Cohen. But regardless, an amazingly talented songwriter in his own right.

    • @martinpaulsays
      @martinpaulsays 2 роки тому +1

      really good comment Phil C

    • @cremaster7845
      @cremaster7845 Рік тому

      I think Aussie humour is often so ubiquitous that it is kind of a staple of any story telling we do so doesn't stand out for us. I'm okay with an outsider picking up on it and was open to the point he was making, and he acknowledged it was hard for him to be as emotionally invested in it being not an Australian.

  • @shanemurphy3417
    @shanemurphy3417 2 роки тому +3

    Ah man I can’t believe I haven’t seen a suggestion for from little things big things grow. Hands down one of the most powerful songs in history

  • @starlightshimmery
    @starlightshimmery 3 роки тому +13

    Thank you for including this Aussie legend, Paul Kelly is such an amazing writer and I love the feeling in his performances. There’s definitely also a strong living continuation of the Irish/Aussie way of storytelling coming through in Kelly’s songs. Melancholy and humour all at once. Love him - you laugh and cry at the same time with so many of his songs ✨
    Oh ps - you can add another Aussie friend here to your growing list 👍😆

    • @MultiFortunate1
      @MultiFortunate1 3 роки тому

      Definitely! Fellow Aussie here, agree with all that. Thanks so much Michael. 👏🏽👏🏽👍🏼👍🏼🤗

  • @pleaed
    @pleaed 2 роки тому +6

    ♥️ Paul Kelly. I always recommend "When I First Met Your Mother" as a well written story.

  • @davidlake5613
    @davidlake5613 3 роки тому +5

    Hey Michael I could be an Aussie mate of yours! :) Gotta say, I cant hear this song without crying. The storytelling is classic Paul Kelly, deep and meaningful. Poor bugga stuck in prison on xmas day while his family is making the gravy and everything else without him :( You can hear how much he misses them and how much they mean to him while he is 'standing in line'

  • @shawncarmody3503
    @shawncarmody3503 2 роки тому +11

    This song is responsible for making even the most hard hearted Ozzie man cry.

  • @kathleenmayhorne3183
    @kathleenmayhorne3183 2 роки тому +1

    Look up his "To her door." He also did "dumb things."

  • @petergreig4832
    @petergreig4832 3 роки тому +3

    The backup singers are Vika & Linda Bull, they're the best backup singers in Australia & have worked with pretty much everyone. This song came about when Paul Kelly was asked to be part of a christmas album with a bunch of other Aussie artists but all the existing christmas songs he liked were taken, so he decided to write his own. There's a great interview where he describes the phone call telling the record company about the song 'well... it's set in a prison & doesn't have a chorus'

  • @JonNewquist
    @JonNewquist 3 роки тому +26

    Paul's Messengers (the Coloured Girls in Australia) opened for Crowded House in the US in 89 or 90. I've beena fan ever since. He's a treasure! His "I've Done all the Dumb Things" has been my theme song my entire adult life. I urge you to dig deep into his catalog.

    • @s0ld4u
      @s0ld4u 3 роки тому +4

      That was 1987. Paul and the Messengers played a club show in San Diego on an off night from the tour, that I was lucky to catch. Seen him dozens and dozens of times since.

    • @JonNewquist
      @JonNewquist 3 роки тому

      @@s0ld4u Thanks! My memory for dates from those years is not as good as it once was. I saw them in San Francisco.

  • @lonapopoki1181
    @lonapopoki1181 3 роки тому +8

    enjoyed that thanks
    🥃Thank you to Aussie
    fire fighters who spend their
    "winter season" here in CA
    Very Happy Christmas🎄
    to down under
    shorts sandals muscle tops
    Hot Summer Santas

  • @UOTDF
    @UOTDF Рік тому +3

    Today is Gravy Day here in Australia. I just came here to wish you a merry Christmas, Michael, and shed a little tear over this song. Funny in some ways, yes, but truly poignant too

  • @aussie405
    @aussie405 3 роки тому +25

    Although it is a piano song, Tim Minchin's "White Wine in the Sun" is a funny, poignant, Australian Christmas Song.

    • @godfreyozzy7128
      @godfreyozzy7128 2 роки тому +2

      Easily the best AUSSIE Christmas song. As great as Gravy is there's nothing quintessentially Australian about it (apart from a single reference to Queensland).

    • @LordGommos
      @LordGommos 2 роки тому +1

      1000%

    • @naiyomotion
      @naiyomotion 2 роки тому

      Came to suggest the same thing + checking down the comments to see if someone else had it too. Therefore I second the motion.

  • @jemxs
    @jemxs 3 роки тому +2

    Love this song and so glad you seemed to get it! Paul Kelly was asked to write a Christmas song and this is what he came up with. Christmas from the perspective of someone in jail! PK Isa legend!

  • @uncle_buch
    @uncle_buch 3 роки тому +2

    A Christmas song about a bloke in prison, for a country with half it's history built by convicts. The other half of our history is 80 thousand years of Aboriginal culture (that Paul Kelly is a great advocate for). He's one of our best! Cheers for the reaction, mate.

  • @timp1390
    @timp1390 3 роки тому +3

    Look at how long.paul Kelly has been creating music!! Axis of awesome and flight of the.concords are amazing but Paul Kelly is just a pure artist and came along 20 years earlier. He's a classic old school Australian artist in the true sense

  • @drenchedingore-tex9786
    @drenchedingore-tex9786 3 роки тому +8

    Happy Gravy Day to all Australians.

  • @leemccurtayne9489
    @leemccurtayne9489 3 роки тому +11

    “To Her Door” is another Kelly song, that will tug the heart strings, “ Dumb Things” is a great Kelly number on all Aussie playlists. Please review any please. Yes you need so much more Australian music.

  • @WJHProduction
    @WJHProduction 3 роки тому +5

    Lets not forget the Bull sisters who join him on the vocals at the end. Two of Australias greatest backing vocalists (formerly of The Black Sorrows and also Pauls vocalists for decades as well as great solo careers!) All a solid class act

  • @waratahdavid696
    @waratahdavid696 Рік тому +1

    Paul K. is a master story teller. A 20th/21st century balladeer.
    This song bring tears to my eyes every time.
    It was compelling to watch how you slowly transformed from listening to the music to listening to the story
    Try "If I could start this day again" if you want your guts ripped out and you heart to sink.

  • @dbrutiger8232
    @dbrutiger8232 2 роки тому +2

    This song is the only Christmas song that represents Christmas down under there’s no snow here even in winter it’s probably really hot and with our European backgrounds we still go with the traditional roast dinner.

  • @2ChukBuk
    @2ChukBuk 3 роки тому +17

    Thanks for giving Paul Kelly some love...he and Neil Finn released an excellent live performance a number of years ago that is sublime...check that one out.

    • @JonNewquist
      @JonNewquist 3 роки тому

      Yes!!

    • @I-love-my-pyjamas
      @I-love-my-pyjamas 11 місяців тому

      Had the joy to see them tour that album - saw them play in Brisbane.

  • @helenlizzystewart4908
    @helenlizzystewart4908 3 роки тому +2

    yay finally Paul Kelly is just so damn brilliant, you need to bring more of him to the table

  • @incubism
    @incubism 9 місяців тому

    Me, my wife and my kids rock this song every christmas. forever.

  • @adammcdonald1839
    @adammcdonald1839 2 роки тому

    He is iconic , from Melbourne Australia… Stkilda/ Elwood … near the beach and probably the coolest suburb in the world … Paul Kelly is perfect australia 🇦🇺 ❤love that you have paid respect ❤

  • @Deliquescentinsight
    @Deliquescentinsight 2 роки тому +2

    I have to report that I cried my eyes out when I first heard this song, I was no doubt feeling a little fragile but this is actually a very sad song, the guy is stuck in prison and imagining what his family and friends will get up to and how he will miss it, for him it is poignant and wrenching to think of, for the people outside, 'just another Christmas'-the humor is ironic and parochial but I think a heartfelt, sad ballad.

  • @nomadman123
    @nomadman123 3 роки тому +4

    Awesome, this has been my favourite Christmas song since I first heard it, about 5 years ago. It gets me in the feels every time.

  • @australia4aussies
    @australia4aussies Рік тому

    Tomorrow being the 21st of December, is Gravy Day here in Australia.
    Paul Kelly is an Australian legend

  • @AngusDobbie
    @AngusDobbie 3 роки тому +3

    Hey Angus - it' another Aussie here called Angus who happens to like Michael.a lot (Michael - i won the Supro Comet you gave away around Christmas time a few years back. So happy to see Paul Kelly making an appearance here - put a big smile on my face. I've been in New York for 15 years and really miss home around this time of year. Really enjoyed this! Cheers and Merry Christmas. Listen to the studio version as well Michael - also a great version. Merry Christmas.

    • @paul-Ess
      @paul-Ess 3 роки тому +3

      How many cabs in New York City?

    • @AngusDobbie
      @AngusDobbie 3 роки тому

      @@paul-Ess never enough is the accurate answer!

  • @70zenboy
    @70zenboy 3 роки тому +3

    Can we give it up for the incomparable Linda and vicka bull on backing vocals near the end.

  • @noniprimrose833
    @noniprimrose833 3 роки тому +3

    The story is aching. Stuck in jail and his family is together for Christmas and there’s nothing he can do about it. Except part with his recipe for making gravy. Gets me Every Single Time.

    • @richardkenna149
      @richardkenna149 3 роки тому +1

      And he's dying with worry that someone is going to move in on his girl in his absence..

  • @AlisonSkate1
    @AlisonSkate1 11 місяців тому

    We just had a family singalong to this song yesterday before Christmas lunch. It's an iconic song, full of love and pain. It was actually originally published on a Myer Spirit of Christmas CD in 1996, pitched as a song about Christmas without any chorus and sung by a guy in prison.

  • @johndrum6613
    @johndrum6613 3 роки тому +2

    Right Michael. This is the bloody 4th time I have played out this vid. Can I please explain that there is a saying in Australian working class vernacular. The expression relates to getting a good job and making really good money...it goes "making gravy". That is the metaphor in this poetry. Turns out the poem is a wonderfully positive tale of a man waiting to get out of prison so that he can get a good job and pay everyone back when he is "making gravy".

  • @timothygrupp
    @timothygrupp 3 роки тому +4

    An Aussie Treasure...and now we see why! Laughed my arse off. Thanks!

  • @foursticks100
    @foursticks100 Рік тому

    The ending of this song builds and builds to a great climatic ending
    Listen to the full band version

  • @maxhonzel472
    @maxhonzel472 3 роки тому +3

    Loving the acoustic breakdowns! Excited to see more of them

  • @shaneconnors757
    @shaneconnors757 2 роки тому

    Paul Kelly is an Australian Poet.He can Some how, live your life through song!

  • @markjohnson1870
    @markjohnson1870 Рік тому +1

    What a pleasure and a joy watching you listen for the first time. The original version has a funnier line in it here, 'I hear that Mary's got a new boyfriend, I hope he can hold his own. Remember the last one, what was his name again? Just a little too much cologne.' Humour and pathos abound! Ps. He pre-dates flight of the concords by many a moon. I think of him as our answer to Bob Dylan ;)

  • @martinpaulsays
    @martinpaulsays 2 роки тому +2

    this song makes me tear up every time. thanks for looking at one of our national classics - its not really humorous, it is pain, and longing and missing family at Christmas for an incarcerated dude.

  • @devo6488
    @devo6488 3 роки тому +4

    Let me open by saying I love how you played little fills in between the chords. The fact you’ve never heard the song before but it fit so well shows you’re a serious player. On to the song, this is from the perspective of someone writing to his brother from prison. Not really meant to be humorous haha.

  • @chrishare3981
    @chrishare3981 2 роки тому +2

    i am a aussie and this song allways gives me goosebumps.

  • @robinakym2356
    @robinakym2356 3 роки тому +1

    Aussie content yay! We come from convicts. This is a happy tune to us 😃 please do more Paul Kelly. Deeper Water, Everything’s turning to White’, Darlin’ it hurts, When I first met your Ma. So so many.

  • @Paul_at_9
    @Paul_at_9 Рік тому

    Stumbled across this video and am so glad. This is one of my favourite songs and is so meaningful. To hear the breakdown and view from you Michael has been great. As an Australian living abroad, it's songs like this which make it so very important. I love this song, and the story of the guy being locked away in the prison and missing Christmas with his family really hits home.

  • @kanesanders6669
    @kanesanders6669 3 роки тому

    This was surprising on so many levels. I’ve heard this song hundreds of times, even watched this version at least a dozen times. I didn’t expect to get teary watching it again, here, now. It’s certainly worthy of a reaction from a song writing point of view but it’s such a basic guitar song that I never expected to see it reacted to be a guitar player like Michael. Paul Kelly is indeed one of Australia’s greatest ever poets and song writers

  • @gregmullins6927
    @gregmullins6927 2 роки тому +2

    How about Richard Clapton,"Ace of Hearts","Girls on the Avenue" and many others,Richard's a genius and so is Frank Gambale!!!

  • @JohnDoe-ds6pr
    @JohnDoe-ds6pr 2 роки тому

    Ive always loved this song as an Aussie,... it depicts the non glamorous reality of the Christmas season, and i sought even more comfort in this song when i was living 1000s of Km's from home for several years and couldnt make it to see my family in my home town.
    Paul Kelly is a veteran singer/ songwriter who has many many hits, and is a mentor to the struggling entertainers making their way up the ladder today.
    Please check out his "God Told Me To" DVD filmed at Toowoomba Qld Australia.

  • @tosgem
    @tosgem 2 місяці тому +1

    Hey man, I really like your channel all respect, but I think you really missed the point on this one. This song makes a lot of people cry. It's not a humorous song. It has dry humour in it, and focuses on little details in the way that people often just talk about trivial things like the football game last night, when the deeper subtext is more meaningful, it's about being available to someone, or asking for presence.
    This song at Christmas time asks us to remember the less fortunate, and family and friends who can't be here. It reminds us of the deep bonds we have in family even through misfortunate, fights, accusations, drama.
    It turns our attention to those (mothers mostly, but many wanting to contribute and help out) working hard in the kitchen making our Christmas dinner, to the love she has for all of us, how much she wants to make it "just right" for this occasion and fuss over the little details as another indirect way to fuss over us.
    It has a poignant theme of confession and forgiveness, and redemption on Jesus birthday. This is actually one of the true, often overlooked meanings lost to the commercialism of Christmas, and playing this song at Christmas really makes us Aussies feel like we're connecting with the real Christmas Spirit.
    It's a bit gritty, like the Fairytale of New York by the Pogues.
    Paul Kelly is not a Christian but he believes in the role that ordinary, lay-person Christianity has had on our culture and he's written a few songs based on parts of the bible. There are parts he likes (e.g. Love is the Law, which is almost just singing bible verses from 1st Corinthians 13:2. Another song, About to Break, is sung Jesus perspective about the revolution he is about to bring to the world), but he also critiques elements of Christianity in our culture (e.g. God Told Me To). I heard in an interview he was talking about that while touring and staying in hotel rooms all over the world, he had a lot of time to read the bibles that the Gideon society puts in hotel rooms. He talks about how some of it so beautiful, and also how some of it is loved by lunatics and fanatics, in particular he mentioned the book of Revelation.

  • @videohistorysnippets8963
    @videohistorysnippets8963 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing how you can break down the song, great work Michael. I’m Australian and Paul Kelly is a legend, he tells our history through music, he has recorded so many wonderful songs throughout the years. Vika and Linda Bull on backup vocals are also a mainstay. My suggestion for another Australian is my all time favourite Shane Howard a brilliant singer/songwriter in his own rite and also founder of legendary Australian band Goanna, for him it’s all about the music, not fame and fortune, it’s about speaking out against injustice, a champion of our own indigenous owners of our country and the environment. Check him out!

  • @sandrarobinson3266
    @sandrarobinson3266 2 роки тому +2

    Paul Kelly is our National Treasure he is at every disaster relief, and boost young Talent whenever he can includes them in his big shows. Check the New Years Eve Sydney Concert Amazeballs on ABC iView. Brother is in Jail for those who missed it.
    Ironic Humour is 100% Aussie,

  • @kristenmarks9450
    @kristenmarks9450 3 роки тому

    Man thanks for making videos like this, people like you make the world go round 🎖🎸

  • @johnseabrook1029
    @johnseabrook1029 3 роки тому +7

    The acoustic version doesn’t do it justice. It needs that slightly overdriven, jangly electric guitar sound to give it the urgency at the end of each verse. The original version works so well due to that.

  • @Darryl_Frost
    @Darryl_Frost 3 роки тому +16

    Australia used to have an excellent pub band scene in the 80's and 90's, I would love to see you do some Midnight Oil (not beds are burning their hit), they are a really interesting band musically and performance wise. King of the mountain or US forces or "The Dead Heart" or "Read About it".. Thanks, and you have many Aussie friends..

    • @Darryl_Frost
      @Darryl_Frost 3 роки тому +2

      And "wedding cake island' just a guitar and instrumental..

    • @starlightshimmery
      @starlightshimmery 3 роки тому +3

      I was lucky to witness that era here too, what a time for music it was!

    • @gjw45
      @gjw45 3 роки тому +2

      @@starlightshimmery - Oh yes, I'm with you both on this. I remember seeing the following bands in PUBS or small festivals. - Cold Chisel, Aussie Crawl, Midnight Oil, The Sunny Boys, Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, The Angels, Hoodoo Gurus, Moving Pictures, Ice House, Men At Work, The Divinyls, Little River Band, Sherbert, Dragon, Mi-Sex, Redgum, Goanna ....and that's just off the top of my head. In the late 80's I remember when I was travelling from Melbourne to Cairns on holidays, I saw 1927, Noiseworks, Crowded House, Black Sorrows and so many more. There was another band who sounded similar to The Hoodoo Gurus that I also used to see a lot, I can't think of their name. I look back now and think of all the great times I had, especially along the coast around New Years Eve. Even the cover band were rocking, I was a fan of Captain Spalding and the Party Boys.
      At the time, I always felt like the USA & UK had better bands and songs, but I certainly do not feel that way these days.....our bands were the best.

    • @pvkoz8698
      @pvkoz8698 3 роки тому +1

      Why do I feel like we were at the Antler in about 1979/1980 seeing the Oils.

    • @illletmyselfout.8516
      @illletmyselfout.8516 2 роки тому +2

      It's a shame the pub bands are gone. I guess pokies revenue is so much more lucrative. Blow up the pokies!

  • @ashddd
    @ashddd 3 роки тому +4

    It's got a great sense of humour but few songs hit me harder in the feels than this one does. It's real. It's human.
    The guy is in jail for christmas and just longs to be with his family. It's also so deeply Aussie in soul and spirit.

  • @traceyvincent2217
    @traceyvincent2217 3 роки тому +2

    Michael thanks so much for playing some Paul Kelly. It's interesting that you point out the humour in the lyrics.... I always find the song so poignant. I cry every time I hear it. I think the album version brings out the sadness more than this version. I hope you get to investigate more of Kelly's work (he has a huge catalogue)... I recommend 'To Her Doors. Thanks again for your wonderful channel. (Tracey V)

  • @MikeSmithAus
    @MikeSmithAus Рік тому

    Just coming to this review now after listening to Paul Kelly's rooftop release, but it would be great for you to hear the back story as well. This song makes us Aussies cry with both joy and sadness. We are often far from family at Christmas, and deep in our souls we empathise with essentially good souls unjustly locked in prison... that's our history, after all.
    There were TV shows like Prisoner, and Against the Wind, and this story/song puts us in lockstep with all the Aboriginals dying in custody, essentially from broken hearts at the loss of their freedom and separation from country/home.
    The absurdity of Christmas in mid-summer is, yes, hilarious but if you watch an Aussie audience listening to this song - especially live, or even just driving solo across the country trying to get home - there will not be one dry eye.
    Cheers, mate! Love your work. Come visit sometime :)

  • @davidlynam529
    @davidlynam529 3 роки тому +2

    It's a shame you weren't given some context for this song. It is truly a sad song of frustration and regret. Paul is an amazing songwriter who crosses many generations of fans in Australia. Different memories of growing up in Australia I can align with a Paul Kelly song. Such an Icon.

  • @royevans5846
    @royevans5846 3 роки тому

    From Dordogne France l found this song a few years ago and just love it

  • @namni19
    @namni19 3 роки тому

    Been following all your reactions for some time.
    Seeing this notification made my year :')
    Thank you Michael.

  • @shaneholbeck6697
    @shaneholbeck6697 3 роки тому +4

    Wouldn’t be an Australian song without Vick’s and Lynda Bull making an appearance. If your going to do an Australian song your going to have to do. Slim Dusty song. Pick any song off one of his 120 albums.

  • @rosslapthorne9692
    @rosslapthorne9692 3 роки тому +6

    It’s sung as “a letter” home from a guy in Jail, absolutely beautiful and easily the greatest Australian song writer. I think it’s taken as humour but it’s a sad/lovely song. PK has some beautiful songs, but it isn’t humour.

  • @KC-yi1td
    @KC-yi1td 3 роки тому

    Paul Kelly is a stalwart of the Australian music industry. Another Aussie classic is am I ever going to see your face again by The Angels. The crowd participation when they play it live is so Australian

  • @scomti7057
    @scomti7057 Рік тому

    Great reaction! Thank you for reacting to this song!

  • @StuAus
    @StuAus 3 роки тому

    Paul Kelly is such a legend, a great storyteller, and an awesome guy.

  • @carpelibrarium8522
    @carpelibrarium8522 3 роки тому +3

    If you're interested in reacting to another beloved Australian Christmas song this year, I can enthusiastically recommend Tim Minchin's 'White Wine in the Sun'

  • @marcellinden7305
    @marcellinden7305 3 роки тому

    Xmas is about the love you have to give. Paul's song says that in a unique way, from a bound and humorously different perspective. We all feel it. Every one of us at Xmas wants to show it, but some of us for untold reasons can't.
    Love from Queensland Australia....

  • @bossdog1480
    @bossdog1480 9 місяців тому +2

    Closer to Dylan I think. He's a national asset.

  • @axelfs2532
    @axelfs2532 3 роки тому +1

    This song is quite applicable to many families for Christmas this year on the east coast. There has been a very recent lockdown put in place (which has funnily enough not allowed my brother to visit for the family Christmas), I can see a lot of people relating to the frustration this recent hindrance has brought for Christmas plans.

  • @s0ld4u
    @s0ld4u 3 роки тому +1

    Love Paul Kelly. He's the greatest.

  • @Chief.BigKnees
    @Chief.BigKnees 3 роки тому

    Fair dinkum! Can’t believe you reacted to this. PK is the fucking man

  • @dragon13304
    @dragon13304 3 роки тому +1

    You've earned yourself a subscriber mate! Cheers from Melbourne 🍻

  • @timmytwoshoes4076
    @timmytwoshoes4076 3 роки тому

    Paul Kelly is a national treasure and so are the Bull sisters

  • @cserd8734
    @cserd8734 Рік тому

    And Vick and Linda Bull… legends in their own right…

  • @SeverinGomboc_Musik
    @SeverinGomboc_Musik 3 роки тому +1

    Discoverd this song last year! great track, great musician. Not super well known (at least I never heard of it and I don't know anyone who knows it). Glad you picked this one up!

    • @philipandrew1626
      @philipandrew1626 3 роки тому

      If you enjoyed 'Making Gravy' you might also like Paul Kelly's song 'Dumb Things'.
      ua-cam.com/video/ZR-eTR3Dcps/v-deo.html

  • @tejaykeyo8479
    @tejaykeyo8479 3 роки тому +3

    Aw Mike. I’ll be your aussie friend.
    The girls are vika and linda bull. They tour with joe bonamassa

  • @dabomdotorg
    @dabomdotorg 3 роки тому

    Paul Kelly’s the best so glad you covered him, doesn’t seem to get enough love in the US