Classical Composer Reacts to Fairytale of New York (The Pogues) | The Daily Doug (Episode 294)
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- Опубліковано 19 сер 2024
- #FairyTaleOfNewYork #Pogues
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, we're listening to Fairytale of New York by the Pogues. As I say in the video, this is a song that I've heard through the years but never given a critical or intentional listen. And, this one is Megan's Choice for this special Christmas week of episodes. I hope you enjoy!
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In many UK pubs, when this comes on (and it will), when it gets to the line "I could have been someone", the whole pub will chime in with "Well so could anyone". It's brilliant
I posted a comment with the "You scumbag..." lines that Doug talked over and it got deleted, presumably due to the a-word.
@@Graham_Langley Probably more due to the "F slur". Many radio stations don't even play it for that reason
@@MongerOfStrings8222 i dont support censoring art. thatnk god the original is still the standard
I'm from new York so my favorite line is queen of new York city lol 👑
@@MongerOfStrings8222 That's a point.
Watching this in 2023 after Shane MacGowan passed away and this was played at his funeral by his family and friends. People were dancing in the aisles was so uplifting to see - I'm sure Shane was looking down smiling at everyone. Even Johnny Depp was one of the pall bearers
Such a moving and lively funeral
in his local Catholic Church in County Tipperary. He was just another much loved local.
Irish but born in England.🙏🏻🇮🇪💕
It was a true celebration of life. May he rest in peace.
RIP to both - you, made a difference.
We lost Shane couple of days ago...He was the voice of our generation especially those of us who emigrated to the far flung corners of the earth, he understood that hole that's left in your soul when leaving your homeland and the people we love ❤️🇮🇪😎
❤ 🇮🇪 😎
😢RIP 🙏 Shane love ❤️ you 💔
R I.P
indeed we did. rip to him and remembrance to Kirsty who is often forgotten
@@bunnybanks4454I don’t forget. I think it’s partially why the song makes me so emotional. And now Shane. What an incredible song they created between them all. Beautiful music.
RIP Shane. A very talented songwriter, a poet and an all round Irish gentleman
Love this song. Let's get it to no 1 this year in memory of Shane and Kirsty. Keep playing the original keep steaming.
"Steaming"? Haven't we had enough controversy already with the 'F' word in the song... 😂
RIP Shane, you will be missed but your music will live on forever ❤
Best Christmas song of all time R.I.P. both of them
I was a Kirsty MacColl fan long before this was recorded. Her death - her murder by a Mexican millionaire who drove a powerboat through a swimming area, hitting her after she pushed one of her sons out of the way - was a tragedy, especially as she was just starting a new musical phase. I loved this song from first hearing it. Every year for over the last twenty years I has returned to the top 10 just because people want to hear it. I cannot reme,mber how long it is since I was last able to hear it without crying.
Same for me: l can’t Listen to this song without tears running down my face like that river in the song ❤
OMG I did not know this . . . how I didn't is ignorant on my part and will hear it now with more tears as christmas is to me negative from past experiences. Love this song
❤❤❤
Poor Kirsty never got justice. She was a phenomenal talent. She had perfect pitch apparently and rarely had to do more than one take when recording. Such a sad loss.
Yes Kirsty had a brilliant, unique, voice, which I’m sure was a big reason why this was such a hit. Also, Jem FIner never gets any credit for writing the music.
It's the only song that acknowledges how stressful chistmas can be for a lot of people. love it. :)
For me, this song is pure poetry.
The opening lines in a few words paint an incredible but heart-breaking scene of a persons life....it just moves me. A person who has a good heart and is full of love is brought down by an addiction to gambling and alcohol. It's one of the very few songs that actually brings a tear to my eye.
Nice ❤
Shane. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.❤
RIP Shane McGowan, a poet, a singer, a drinker, a romantic. Btw Scotch is never a substitute for Irish whiskey.
❤ btw😂
Two different drinks for two different flavours of depression 😂
@@123brizylove it 😂
Scotch is better than Irish whisky, FACT
@@andy70d35 Saying "fact" does not make it so, that's just, like, your opinion maaaaan. I prefer Irish, I find it smoother and sightly sweeter. To each their own.
"Can't live without you. I built my dreams around you." Those lines tear me up every time I hear this song. 😪
For many those lyrics could be about The City as much as the characters in the song. So many New Yorkers can relate to this ballad.
His come back to her accusation of him robbing her dreams floored me the first time i heard it.. and i felt deeply known & acknowledged. Which is what i reckon this poetic song may do for the many.. so beautifully subtle and evocative... Shane ❤ Kirsty Rip 🎹 🎼 🎙
I kept them with me babe, i built my dreams around you. 😢
can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you.
The smile on your face says more than any words, THE greatest Christmas song ever written and performed to perfection by two artists sadly no longer with us.
I smiled, sung, laughed and cried at this for more years than I care to remember
Christmas songs don't have to be saccharine crap to be popular.
This song can make you cry every time you hear it.
Can? Does. Every time.
Fairytale of New York definitely the hands-down winner over all that jazz about Mistletoe and Wine!
@@darlahaines6928 Mistletoe and Wine is a goddamn truly awful song
It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when Kirsty comes in and gives me a lump in my throat when they sing about their dreams near the end.
Yup, every time.
"The cigarette smoking on the piano is a nice touch". No sir, that's just Shane McGowan lol
Lol frank Sinatra and Dean Martin smoked on stage and basically anytime before Shane and Keith richards
@@leahflower9924 Smoking is a disgusting deadly habit. Kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray. Shane's long-time lady friend and finally wife, Victoria is the one he wrote a song about: "Victoria, the Girl With Green Eyes," influenced Shane to smoke and drink less. It is probably the reason he is still alive.
less? hahahaha smoking is wonderful
shane left us all the most wonderful christmas gift in this song. i hope that him and kirsty are singing together now.
The song is so popular in the UK and Ireland due to the reality of the lyrics and sentiment, and closing with hope and optimism, if you think about problems with alcohol, friends and family passing, it is bitter sweet. That is what millions deal with at Christmas, that is not talked about.
One of the most beloved songs of all time in U.K. and Ireland, not just one of the best Christmas songs
I can't prevent from crying when hearing this song. It is tragically beautiful.
There are other great Christmas songs for sure, but none have the poignancy and raw emotion this song has the power to evoke. It is moving, sad, hopeful, and joyous all at once. Quite an achievement.
It's probably my second favourite Christmas song, after "White Wine in the Sun", written by Tim Minchin, an Australian living in London at the time.
A punk a poet a drunk an Irishman an Englishman all of those and definitely a legend rest easy Shane.
You missed legend
Oh actually you didn't 😅
So so true, always himself. most of all , loved by everyone who ever met him, saw him, heard him. Appreciated him and his talents a true gentleman. 👏👏🙏He is with God, Holy Mary, and his beloved mum..🍺
Consistently the topped rated Christmas song in the UK, always gets the whole venue singing no matter what, and rest in peace Kirsty McColl.
It's one of my favourite Christmas songs too. I love the music, it's not as cheesy as most commercial Christmas songs, it deals with real stuff, and it's got an amazing atmosphere. I'm always surprised at how short it actually is, because this song feels epic. There aren't many songs that pack this much in such a short song.
RIP to one of the great songwriters of our time. And a more unique individual you will not find. A beautiful song. It wouldnt be Christmas without it.....thank you Shane.....
I totally agree
Indeed.
Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this song. I play it hundreds of times over Christmas. Shane is gone but his music never will!
Hi Doug, Something that is often misunderstood in the lyrics of this song, is the seeming 'abusive' language in the middle of the song. Part of Irish culture is, what is what we call 'slagging' and it is a way of showing affection to a friend/partner by name calling or making fun of some trait or characteristic. To an outsider this might seem abusive, like calling someone a 'scumbag, a maggot or a cheap lousy faggot'. I know it is something visitors to Ireland sometimes comment on is how we make fun of our close friends and relatives, while in their presence. It's like we love them so much that we can push the bounds of social propriety aside and is a way of showing that love. Hope that makes sense.
One of the great things about MacGowan's writing is the rhythm of the words. "They've got cars big as bars, they've got rivers of gold," could only be for an Irish tune. Majestic work.
And yet they weren't even Irish. lol
@b.griffin317 he's father and mother are Irish he's 💯 Irish that's why he's buried in ireland 🇮🇪
@b.griffin317
Shane MacGowan,
..tho born in Kent while his "Irish Parents" were visiting friends, on their return to Ireland Shane's family spent all of his formative years living in his maternal Grandmother's home in N.W.Tipperary, Ireland.
After living in England for many years later he sadly past away at his home in Dublin on 30th Nov 2023.
After his funeral in both Dublin & later in Nenagh.
Co.Tipperary..after his Cremation his ashes were, as requested by him, to be scattered on Ireland's longest river, reflecting the lyrics of one of the Pogues most famous songs...
"The Broad Majestic Shannon".
So in rebuttal to your comment on his nationality & confirmed personally by himself throughout his life..Shane MacGowan was & always will be acknowledged as being 💯% IRISH.
☘️🇮🇪☘️
They were all first or second generation you eejit.
I’ve been a pogues fan since the 80’s. Shane was a treasure, he will be missed.
A song of broken dreams. Kirsty Mac Coll 's beautiful voice is countered perfectly by Shane MacGowan's rought tones. No one else who performs this can bring the same intensity and credibillty.
It's not a song about broken dreams, just a song about an Irish married couple getting drunk, violent and miserable at each other. So more like a song about Friday.
@@Hastur876Have you actually listened to the song?🤦♂️
They've got cars big as bars
They've got rivers of gold
But the wind goes right through you
It's no place for the old.
This is exactly a new visitors impression of NYC, especially coming from across the Atlantic, I know from personal experience, amazing lyrics
jem finer wrote most of this i believe and shane changing the odd line.
Look into who Kirsty MacColls dad was. A legend of the UK folk revivle who amongst other bits of genius, wrote "Dirty Old Town" and Roberta Flacks "The first time ever I saw your face" In my opinion the tracks worth checking out are "Freeborn Man" "The Joy Of Living" "River Thames Flow Sweetly" and "Sholes Of Herring"
And to add to that- Ewan's grandson / Kirsty's nephew is Jamie MacColl - the guitarist of Bombay Bicycle Club, a very successful British indie band
Thank you for this, I'm excited to look him up
❤
I THINK (could be wrong) that was her uncle or grandfather who wrote Dirty Old Town, magnificent song. @@cliffrat
As someone from the NYC area the song feels like comes out of a very deep understanding of what The City really is and is as much a love ballad for New York as a Christmas song. It rouses the heart of the New Yorker in you for the city which batters you so much yet you love it so much.
You're absolutely correct , they crammed so much song into such a short space of time. Its the perfect Xmas song because you can take what you want from it, nostalgia, dissapointment, disfunctionality or hope. It's all there.
If you can get past Shane MacGowan VERY thick accent you will discover a song writer that is in the same league as Bob Dylan, Not as prolific, but definitely of the same quality.
His lyrics are pure poetry that comes from actually living what he sings about, one day he'll be recognised in the same breath as Yeats, Shelley, Byron, Russell, Moore ..........
"The Broad Majestic Shannon" is a cut above, lyrically. Hard agree.
A true genius
The truth is that people will be playing and singing the songs of Shane MacGowan in 100 years.
He does have a very strong English accent. He went to public school with Brian Eno.
@@AndrewLakeUK No - he didn't. MacGowan is about 9 years younger than Eno. He went to school in Kent and in Westminster. Eno was at school, then art school, in Ipswich then Winchester.
It's not just about those who have much and those who have little. It's about those for whom Christmas is not the happy-clappy time for all which the ads would have us believe. RIP Shane McGowan. You were always real and true to yourself.
Thank you very much for your excellent reaction to this wonderful song. God bless Shane & Kirsty - they are gone ahead of us to our real home. Greetings from Ireland. 👍❤️🇮🇪
Gone ahead of us to our real home, such a lovely sentiment for those of us who have loss.
My love of this song is magnified tenfold now it has been given the Daily Doug seal of approval. Kirsty McColl (RIP) was one of the UKs premiere influential female singers. Very very underrated. Merry Xmas y’all!
It's such a beautiful song. Its full of despair, and sadness for what it's supposed to be the happiest time of the year. However it gives you a sense of hope in that in the end, our hopes and dreams are still there and will remain!!
@Chris The Gamer - "supposed to be the happiest time of the year". There are more suicides during the Christmas holidays than at any other time of the year. The song just fits...
Great song, great group. It's a pity most Americans have never heard of The Pogues.
American Pogues fan here. Definitely more known in the 35-45 age range, but mostly completely unknown outside of that group.
"is that Matt Dillon" 😅
it's a good thing they haven't in my opinion
@@leahflower9924and it is
Thank's for this great interpretation of the Greatest Christmas Song Ever.
No one will ever surpass The Pogues with their trip into the emotion and reality of how the Christmas spirit is rapidly diluted when real life is laid bare.
Bless you Kirsty MacColl and Philip Chevron.
Stay strong Shane McGowan. You are a legend.
I will never forget seeing them tour in Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1988 and 1990.
And on the subject of Kirsty MacColl. Smart, meaningful lyrics and clever, catchy tunes. Worth a visit in her own right.
And such a tragic death, saving her son from a speeding boat that shouldn't have been in the designated diving area.
@@Graham_Langley yep!
I really loved Kirsty's voice. Tragic she died.
@@zella417bcarter9 I can remember exactly where I was when I heard about it on the car radio.
@@Graham_Langley there was another link between Kirsty and the Pogues, Ewna MacColl, Kirsty`s father, a force of nature in his own right, wrote Dirty Old Town which the Pogues covered.
This song has become the most celebrated popular Christmas song of all. It's genuinely epic. A vintage Jameson or Midleton Irish whiskey would have been more appropriate. Happy Christmas Doug
Nix the wine served with Mistletoe!
Or a bottle of poitin with an antifreeze chaser.
🍀🥃 ❤
Yes I agree, but Islay brings to mind that lovely song by Donovan.
Trad celtic music has an interesting relationship to classical music theory. The chord structures and time signatures are simple because it's derived from oral traditions and dance music, it's designed to be easy to follow. All the complexity and beauty of the music comes from melody, tone and ornamentation. It's a style that is very much felt, not read. If you're interested in hearing some offerings from the current trad scene I'd recommend 'The Angel's Share' by Calum Stewart, 'Seabhag' by Breabach, 'Lust' by Rura or 'Deep Blue' by Imar, all can be found on UA-cam.
RIP Kirsty....a wonderful voice and talent
Hits me like no other Christmas song, one of my favourite bands. Shane is such a great writer tragic really that his addictions have robbed us of more music.
I am not fan of the Pogues but I like this song so much. It is so rough and rude but at the same time extremely gentle and pure. Unfortunetely Shane left us few days ago, at November 30th. R. I. P.
This is a beautiful song, both orchestration and lyrics. Shane is a brilliant poet
RIP to Shane McGowan 😭 may the Fairytale finally get the number one spot for Christmas in his honor, this is a great song and should not have been changed.
RIP to Kirsty and Shane this Christmas
Makes me cry for all kinds of reasons I can't articulate, but the Pogues somehow managed it. Brilliant song (don't care what anyone says), and nice to hear you cover it Doug. Yes I'm in the UK if that helps.
Ditto your comment mate. UK also.
@@ElfSixDave Hear! Hear!
It's because we're all brought up on a Disney Christmas when usually it turns out to be a pile of shite!
Because good music emits emotions buried deep in our soul. It's a brilliant piece that can make anyone feel nostalgic.
What a fantastic reaction. I really appreciated that you took the time to research the song, and that it is so beloved in the uk and Ireland.
Thank you for this.
A christmas song that points to the hardnesses of normal people's life. Of course it is popular, and perhaps the one song that actually brings the spirit of christmas around. It's not about the presents, it's about being a decent human being. Or maybe not in this case, and that is why we love it. Happy Christmas or whatever.
RIP Shane MacGowan, still the best Christmas song ever written.
Its one of the most popular (& in my opinion the best) xmas song EVER gere in uk and of course their homeland Ireland. we very recently lost shane and they sang this at his funeral as a tribute it was beautiful. I hope it finally gets to #1 now 🙏
Brilliant analysis. I loved the way you were really getting into the song. It sure is popular over here in the UK. I never tire of hearing it. There is a lot going on in this song, musically and lyrically. It's a bit like reading a short story.
"If I Should Fall From Grace with God" is an AMAZING album.
Personally I prefer Rum, Sodomy and the Lash - not the actions you understand but the album :-)
@@jonniegibbins They're both great, but so is Red Roses For Me. Transmetropolitan, for example, is simply brilliant craic.
@@FFM0594 Sure. To be fair which I prefer tends to depend on which is playing at the moment so I'm never going to argue too hard about it ;-)
I like all their albums
I like shanes punk band too
This song breaks my heart every year, and I love it so. Now that Shane, too, has passed it kicks me in the gut even more. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
I've heard this song so many times; seen the video so many times; yet watching this I had goosebumps. Why? Must be your reaction, Mr Helvering. Well done sir.
Fun fact: Shane MacGowan was educated at Westminster School in London. Alumni include Sir Christopher Wren, Robert Hooke, Henry Purcell, Charles Wesley, Francis Lewis (signatory to the Declaration of Independence), A.A. Milne, Sir Adrian Boult, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Peter Ustinov, Helena Bonham Carter and Andrew, Lord Lloyd Webber. Fancy that!!
He was expelled from Westmister school after 2 years for drug possesion
@@kevins2961 Indeed he was. Who'd have thought, eh?! 😏
@@nickk6518😂
and he got there because of his intelligence not because of who his ancestors were. He was a rebel with a streak of Irish individuality. Not a good fit at an English public school. RIP Shane
Shane McGowan wrote both the score and lyrics. So talented.
co-wrote with Jenn Finner
@@jimbailey1122 Jem Finer
At the passing of the inimitable Shane McGowan you should perhaps review his most beautiful song "A Rainy Night in Soho" RIP Shane
Both my parents were born in Ireland and I was born in Canada about 50 years ago. Fairytale of New York provides a very accurate insight into the Irish diaspora. It wouldn't be Christmas without listening to Fairytale of New York, just like it wouldn't be Christmas if my uncles didn't get in a fight after having a few too many.
The real genius of this song is actually built around a few simple, basic chords (as you rightly say). Here in the UK, nobody knows Christmas is coming until they hear this brilliant and iconic song, so wonderfully performed by The Pogues with Shane McGowan and the late, great Kirsty McColl. God rest her dear soul.
Shane McGowan is a special breed. Dude is always drunk, can barely sing or walk, chainsmoker, but by god do the Pogues have some great music.
I remember reading in Melody Maker in the late 80s that there was worry that he would die, after falling off the back of a truck drunk and smashing his head on the pavement. Meanwhile he's still alive today.
@@Hastur876 and got a new set of teeth. 👍
@@ninaturner1546 OMG I couldn't believe it when I saw your comment so I looked it up. And the first link was a Guardian article titled "the Everest of dentistry." 🙂
@@Hastur876 really? What a coincidence. 😂
Because of The Pogues, my friends a I made an irish celtic-punk band... in Portugal.
And that's it.
This is one of the only Christmas songs I truly appreciate, this and Greg Lake's I believe in Father Christmas.
For sure. And 'Ring Out Solstice Bells' by Jethro Tull.
Agreed. FONY is the best Xmas song by a distance, but "I Believe in Father Christmas" was really good too. But both only made it to number 2 in the Xmas singles charts. Greg Lake was pipped by "Bohemian Rhapsody" (fair enough!) and FONY by the Pet Shop Boys (really ????!!!). (OK - just my opinion).
I requested this song in a pub in the fall during an Irsh vacation, the band played it and the Irish and those who love it, broke out it cheers! A musical souvenir of my trip and my Christmas fave. ❤❤❤
Rip Shane. You gave a voice to the Irish in England and indeed worldwide with your music and your sublime lyrics. Thank you.
Fairytale of New York é uma obra de arte.
Yep. That is indeed Matt Dillon. A big Pogues fan
Doug has got in one, it was not expected to be such a big hit. The song hit off well because it told the truth
At last someone giving the song the respect it deserves .
Summed up perfectly !
Shane McGowan passed a few days ago. Every Christmas that song and Dirty Old Town got me through many Christmas I've spent alone. Rest Shane and Kristy.
One of my all time favourite Christmas songs.How can anyone not love the Pogues? Your take on it is bang on as usual Doug.Grounded in reality with just the right amount of sentimentality.Keep up the great work and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours Doug.
Love love love this song, and I've never been to the UK (I'm nestled firmly right in the middle of the U.S.). I share this one every holiday season with any friends who will sit still long enough to hear it, and I always have tears in my eyes well before the end.
Nice reaction, my favorite Christmas song, sad to know both singers are no longer around.
Great choice for a Christmas song, man I am slayed by such music, thanks Doug.
Shouldn’t that be “sleighed”? Lol
Hands down the best reaction to this I’ve watched.
The only one who picked up on Matt Dillon and the fact the NYPD don’t have a choir.
Apparently the choir were singing mickey mouse them who's the leader m I C k e y m o u s e
Anyone who hears -& sees this & who is not moved almost to tears & who does not see or appreciate the genius in the music, or the lyrics or the performance of it has no soul. I am a 76 year old 3rd. generation Australian, of Irish descent & I 'got it', decades ago, when I bought the CD. I have listened to it hundreds of times, not only at christmas. I would say to anybody who criticises it "Wake up to yourself".
Misty Morning, Albert Bridge is my favourite Pogues song. MacGowan has never sounded as drunk, tired or better ever.
I get shivers every time I hear this tune. Track down Chris Thile and Aoife O'Donovan covering it.
Merry Christmas Doug, I actually play in a pouges tribute band, love playing this song. The pouges have some great songs.
I hope none of you have to consume chemicals at Shane's rate!
@@2ridiculous41 the music makes no sense until the 6th pint of Guinness
Pogues are unique. Great band combining irish folk and punk. Kirsty MacColl is my favourite female artist. Check out her last album, Tropical Brainstorm.
Happy Christmas from Ireland. RIP Shane. I love you
Long this continue to all Irish, English Scottish and Welsh.
Rip Shane.
Peace to to all.
Merry Christmas.
Paul.
The song came about from a bet between Sir Shane! and Elvis Costello the latter daring Sir Shane to write a Christmas song and still retain his street cred the history is amazing
That’s the myth, but Elvis doesn’t remember that. He says he may have reacted to hearing they were writing a Xmas song with a comment like “I don’t think you can do that” or something, but there was no formal bet. Just, perhaps, an offhand remark that he doesn’t even recall.
My friend, you are damn right when you say "it's not tacky", it is a Christmas poem in song. It's so realistic in it's emotion; and doesn't just play to the Christmas-love feeling
I suspect it is drawn from a real occasion between Shane and his love (Victoria).
Fairytale of New York got me into the Pogues (and Shane) back in the early 90s, when I was just a 13 year old guy in Liverpool, but I came to discover that Shane is not just a one hit wonder...
I would LOVE to hear your reaction to Shane's "Thousands Are Sailing" which is based on the Huddled Masses arriving in New York in the 1880s; from a recently famined Ireland.
Here is the first stanza, to wet your whistle:-
"The island, it is silent now
But the ghosts still haunt the waves
And the torch lights up a famished man
Whom fortune could not save
Did you work upon the railroad?
Did you rid the streets of crime?
Were your dollars from the White House?
Were they from the five and dime?"
I've liked, commented,.. and I've subbed in the hope I one day see a new video of yours where you react to this song ;)
I pretty much listen to this song every day during the month of December. I absolutely love the message of this song and it always reminds me to think about my wife and our relationship
I love this song so much. Shows the imperfectness in relationships and how when you meet someone your plans hopes and dreams change as you grow with someone. In my family there was always the Christmas fight over one thing or another but we are family and love each other.
It took me a long time to understand Shane's brogue especially on "Thousands are Sailing."
I did not know much about Ireland or the Irish people, in spite of the fact that my mother was the child of Irish Immigrants, with no parents, raised in a children's home. People in Ireland told me it is likely her parents died. I learned a lot about Ireland history, culture, humor, slang, and ways of being from the music, from funny songs, sad songs, Rebel songs, very old songs, new songs, all sorts of Irish songs. I began to listen to other Irish Punk bands, which came after the Pogues. It took some time to decipher the meaning of the songs, because I needed to learn all of these things, such as how they would not want their dear old mothers back in the "Old Sod" (Ireland) to know how hard they had it in New York in those days. Housing and jobs were hard to get. Signs were put up "No Irish Need Apply" which the Irish wrote a funny song about. The Irish were discriminated against and generally hated. They rose up, after a couple generations, to become the most successful immigrant ethnicity to ever enter this land of the United States. They remain to this day, the most successful group to step foot on these shores. People think it is the Jews, or the Asians, but they are wrong. The Irish stuck together; they helped each other to get here, and to stay here, bringing over other family members, and joining the Police force, later entering politics. John F. Kennedy, our first Irish-American President, the equivalent to Barak Obama for Black people in the US. I've been to Ireland seven times, last visit was in 2016 for 3 weeks. I've been almost all over the Republic, and once to Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK if anyone does not know.) I stay in Hostels, and ride public transit (mostly busses) there are not a lot of trains; some areas cannot be reached by trains, and they do not have the fast trains like the mainland of Europe. Hostels are affordable and B & B are are a lot less than in the US. I only stay in B & B when there is no Hostel. Ireland and N. Ireland have Hosteling International, Ireland Holiday Hostels (all over) as well as Independent Hostels. I think all Irish-Americans should go. Don't just go to the cities or tourist towns; go to places most other Americans do not go to. You will have fun, and definitely go to the Pubs in the evenings, and Sunday afternoons for the Sessions. Music is played in most Pubs in summer, especially in the more popular towns. Galway & Killarney are great for music. Ask at an Independent Record Shops where is a Session going on. The Irish spelling is Seisiun. Do not try to sound out Irish names or words; ask an Irish person also, Colleen is not a name; it is an Irish word meaning "girl." This is why no Irish parent would name their daughter Colleen. Only Irish-Americans do this, and Irish people laugh at them.
Shane McGowan is an artist of the highest degree especially when he's writing either about street life and such, he is a poet of the highest order of the lowest life to the best.
It's like Greg lake's Christmas song, which is an anti-Christmas song which turned out to be a very successful Christmas song :)
I'm so proud and happy to have suggested this song on the live chat ! Merry Christmas Megan and Doug ! Merry Christmas y'all ! 🌟🎄
Lovely to hear this today as Shaun was laid to rest, beautiful
You missed the Ennio Morricone inspiration to this song: the section you discuss for the significance and poetry of the lyrics - "I could have been someone. Well, so could anyone. You took my dreams..." The music is from one of the movements to the soundtrack to Once Upon a Time in America - Deborah's Theme.
I could well be wrong but think it has regularly been voted by various polls in the UK as the best Christmas song of all time over the years. Slade's "Merry Christmas Everyone" and all the other ace 70's, 80's and 90's songs we still hear year in, year out notwithstanding, I think The Pogues own offering touches the British public who remember those decades (and before) with a melancholy depth I don't think could translate in today's immediate world. Not sure why. Perhaps it's becasue it makes you listen and feel. And that forces you to think about what you are hearing. So much truth in the words. SO perfectly Irish.
Love this song, I was lucky enought to see it performed live complete with Kirsty, in Finsbury Park back in the 90's. A great day and out of the many supporting acts there was Van the man Morrison
Been years since i heard and watched Fairytale of New York. It was a HUGE hit in most of Europe for years, and still is a very popular Christmas song.
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truly beautiful...i can't stop crying...it is hope
Heaven will have the best craic now when Shane and Kirsty sing this on his birthday coming up. God rest ye gentle, Shane... but we know ye won't be sitting still for long... Nollaig Shone to all! ⛄
This song reflects so many Christmases....the fantasy is the Christmas card with candles etc, the reality is so many arguments