came here after watching the tribute at his service, and I am thrilled by JayveeTV's reactions and appreciation for the singularity of this gem of a song. I adored his reactions to the changes in the song and his enjoyment of on my favorite punk tunes.
This song is massive in Ireland and the UK. Shane was a genius who sadly was buried yesterday. He was an Irish national treasure who had a beautiful soul. He gave most of his money away to charity as he didn't attach much importance to money. He received half a million euros in royalties every year for his music. Thousands lined the streets of Dublin to see his funeral cortege pass, and his funeral mass was a celebration of his life, with friends from the music world singing his songs. RIP Shane, and thank you for leaving us such a wonderful legacy.
@Tornado1994 No, I didn't forget about Kirsty, but I didn't mention her as Shane just passed during the past week, and I was focused on him this time. Kirsty was a wonderful singer who met a very tragic end, which I think about every time I hear the song. May she rest in peace. Shane's wife said that he had a crush on Kirsty, which made her jealous at the time.
@@marymurphy937 You forgot the fact that she sang duet with the Pogues in this song and did so until her death in 2000 or the fact that they both died during Christmas. That's why you cannot say R.I.P. Shane regarding Fairytale of New York without mentioning Kirsty Maccoll.
Hands down the best Christmas song ever written. Shane’s lyrics are genius, a melancholy expression of how this time of year isn’t like in the movies for everyone.Some folks are having a difficult time for various reasons and Shane captures this in a heartfelt, bittersweet and moving poem, accompanied by an uplifting melody. If Bob Dylan received a Nobel prize for his ditties, I’m sure that one should be awarded to Mr. McGowan posthumously. RIP Kirsty and Shane, what legacies you have both left 😢
If you're interested I just watched a wonderful reaction to this song by a you tuber called WINGS OF PEGASUS. Its a bit long winded but well worth the watch .
I'm always struck by the forlorn idea of an old man's last Christmas in the first verse, and then the begging for this horrible time to be the last Christmas in the second verse. His poetry was always so honest, and that will never not be refreshing. RIP Shane and Kirsty- thanks for this
"Well so could anyone..." One of the most brutal lines in a song ever, delivered with such a feeling of, "I've heard your self-pitying shit 1000 times before".
@@lucaswallo8127 it's a 'call and response' section where he sings 'I could've been someone' and her response is 'well so could anyone'. Scathing and dismissive. Neil's right.
Hard to explain how synonymous this song is with Christmas in Ireland. It literally isn't Christmas until you've heard this on the radio, or played as the last song in the pub on a night out in December, while the whole place sings along and waltzes around! They took the traditional Irish ballad format which is to sing a lament, updated it to be about the Irish experience of emigration to the US in the 80s, and the sadness of two people down and out at Christmas, and somehow made a song that still feels so rich and warm every time you hear it.
Go into any pub in the UK 🇬🇧 at Christmas and this song will be playing The tragedy of Kirsty’s death saving her sons lives over her own makes it more poignant
@@theunrealtimemm Thanks for telling me. For some reason I had it in my mind it was Christmas Eve. It's just stuck in my head. Like you say it's just so tragic. Thanks for correcting me.
Don't forget the next line from him is 'I put them with my own, Can't make it all alone, I build my dreams around you' There's a bittersweet air to this song that gets right under your skin
It's a tragity, I mean I'm gay myself and I find it ridiculous they remove words like "faggot". Competely ruins the point of the song. I remember whern the male singer was asked about using words like 'faggot' and 'slut' and he explained that in the song, a drunk/high irish couple are having a heated argument, and that is the most realistic way to view it. Which I could'nt agree more, they are trying to insult each other, not trying attack minorities, so no need to edit the lyrics.
A few radio stations used to stop the song just before the word 'arse' was used or bleeped it out back when this first came out in the late 80's.. by the time of the 90's all was well with it being played in its original form.... Fast forward to 2020, yeah, what can i say....
@@Scott_Miller I'm bi and I've never had an issue with (specifically) the Pogues using it, but I don't know if you've ever witnessed this song in a public group setting, but I'll tell you, the straights RELISH in their one excuse to get to say that f slur lmaoooo. There's a wonderful punk band from the UK called Creeper who recorded an absolutely gorgeous cover for a small Christmas EP, it's very faithful to the original and they have both a male and female vocalist so it's the perfect choice, but as soon as my (straight) dad heard them replace the f slur it was not even worth his time. Some people are definitely intelligent enough to understand context and use it when necessary - like when slurs are used by actors in shows, that's their character saying that, not them and the Pogues were playing characters. But if they used the n slur it would be a different story, it's interesting what slurs we're okay with, no? And then it does give way for those less intelligent musicians out there to use it as casual language, which, obviously not ok. Where do ya draw the line?
In my youth, I was in the British Royal Navy. Every winter our ship would in up at the Portland exercise areas with other British warships and our European NATO allies doing six weeks of war games and disaster relief exercises. When we did get sometime off away from the horrendous weather and brutal work schedule, we would go into a seaside town called Weymouth and a pub called 'The Black Dog'. This song seemed to be on all the time and it soon became very special to all of us sailors. When we heard it we knew that we would be home soon on Christmas leave with our loved ones. Best Christmas song ever! Many of my old shipmates were taken from this world far too young for one reason or another, this tunes reminds me of them and the good times we had.
Both Shane MacGowan and Kristy MacColl are gone now, R.I.P. ~ He was a soulful Irish singer and Kristy was a beautiful UK talent. But they left us a beautiful song to remember them by, "Fairytale of New York". Loved seeing your reaction and analysis, I think my first time reaction was the same and thoughts. Thank you, great review! And a beautiful song.
The Pogues started out as Pogue Mahone which was the anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic "pog mo thoin".....which translates to "kiss my arse". One of my favourite Pogues songs is "Thousands are Sailing" - about the plight of Irish immigrants.
So "Pogues" is pronounced like "Rogues;" it's Irish Gaelic for "tongues." That's the polite shortening of the band's original name, since the radio stations wouldn't even say it on the air - "Póg mo thóin," pronounced roughly "pogue ma hone," and meaning "kiss my ass." They're an awesome band. They started out playing traditional Celtic music at high speed and with a punk attitude, and went from there.
Teanga is tongue and/or language. Seo Gaelige is mo theanga means Irish is my language. The actual translation is correct in this context. This Sassenach keyboard is preventing me from doing the fada, toin means bottom, not just arse.
I’m Northern Irish and this is my favourite Christmas song. It wouldn’t be Christmas without this song. It’s played an awful lot in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland. Glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you. 🎄🎉🎄🎉
This is probably the best Christmas song ever written. I'm impressed that you can understand the accent. And I love your take. You've got the spirit of it straight away. If you want to feel even shittier about this track, check out what happened to poor Kirsty McColl.
its about immigrants and their struggled in adapting to a new country and longing for home and love. let it play and the vibes will improve. Its a beautiful song. Shane always hit you in the heart, a true Irish Bard: "I could have been someone Well so could anyone You took my dreams from me When I first found you I kept them with me babe I put them with my own Can't make it all alone I've built my dreams around you" RIP Shane and thank yo
@@KenBreadbox All good performances indeed .. But to me, The Pogues now have the definitive version, and the one that makes me feel the lyrics the most ..PS :- The writer's daughter, Kirsty McColl ( singing here ) is one of my favourite artists ever .. Tragically died way too young ..Wayne
Best Christmas song ever. I loved when you stopped it seconds before it changes and said that they've mixed it up 🤣 I was thinking..just wait, you have no idea 😝.
Hi Jovaughn, this is my favourite Christmas song. Popular in the U.K. The lady singing, Kirsty MacColl died December 2000, very sad. Thankyou for sharing
Love this song and love how they got Matt Dillon to be the cop at the beginning, He is of Irish descent so it fits perfectly with the Irish American / New York vibe. Great reaction too !
There is an excellent documentary about the making of the black and white video for Fairytale of New York. That too will make you laugh and cry. The part about the NYPD is hilarious. Many of the characters along with the manager, producer, director,…
Hey, Jovaughn! Fairytale of New York is the ultimate Christmas song. The all-time best one. As a side note, the female singer is not part of The Pogues. She's Kirsty MacColl, a renowned British singer and songwriter. She is best known for her sublime and intricate harmonies and for her witty lyrics. She has a really cool and diverse discography. You can react to songs like They Don't Know (the original version is from her and not by Tracey Ullman who famously covered it), There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis, Terry, A New England, He's on the Beach, Days, Innocence, Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!, Walking Down Madison, My Affair, All I Ever Wanted, Angel, Soho Square, Mambo de la Luna, In These Shoes, among others. Unfortunately, she passed away in the year 2000 due to a horrible accident at age 41 but on a brighter note fortunately her legacy is still celebrated. You must check her music out.
"you took my dreams from me, when I first found you..." It is an important lyric, but the follow up is equally important... "I kept them with me, babe. I put them with my own. Can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you..." That finishes the argument or strife, in my opinion. It ends the argument and our characters move forward as a more strongly bonded couple
This was one of my brother's favourite songs, sadly he died just over a year ago. Whenever I hear it, I can't help but sing along but there's always a tear or two ready to roll own my cheek. And yes, our Christmases together were often characterised by rows and slamming of doors. 😂😉😔🙏
When you hear this song in England for the first time that year, usually end of November beginning of December...... ......right at that moment Christmas has begun This is englands official Christmas season starter song It gets everyone in the Christmas mood
@@michaelireland9953 sorry mate there not, there an anglo -irish band coming from the Irish diaspora in the UK especially London even the band themselves acknowledged this and out of the original 7 band members only 2 were born in Ireland i believe. Im the same my mother is Irish from Cork and I'm married to a woman from Dublin but I'm born and brought up in Yorkshire lol 😆
The record was produced by Steve Lillywhite who was married to Kirsty MacColl at the time and he recalled in a recent interview that Shane MacGowan had recorded his lyrics first and then Kirsty MacColl recorded hers but when Shane heard Kirsty's lyrics he said that his weren't anywhere near good enough so he re-recorded his, which is probably why it works so well.
I'll be 61 in three weeks and one day and back in the 1980s I was living & working in London and saw the Pogues live on many occasions,the first time in 1984 at the Irish centre(where else) in Camden but the best one was 1987 St Patrick's Day at the Town & Country Club,Kentish Town,North London.The audience in the venue erupted when Kirsty MacColl appeared on stage and they did this song live,it was spine tingling.As a big Clash fan,had an extra bonus included at the gig,Joe Strummer was also a special guest playing guitar on stage with the rest of the band.A verse from one of their earlier songs,Dark Streets of London :Now the winter comes down, I can't stand the chill That comes to the streets around Christmas time I'm buggered to damnation and I haven't got a penny To wander the dark streets of London
You got it. This song is about the hardship some people go through at Christmas. Christmas is not a happy time for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. It's the other side of the coin you could say. We love this song in Ireland. Low you x
Great Irish band. This tells about the hard side of the holidays. Brings images of what Christmas is like for those of us who are down on their luck. It's definitely not all happiness and gifts. Sometimes we may have family to spend it with. Great honest song.
I saw him in concert several years ago…it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen! “Talent” is just the tip of the iceberg! If voting is a criteria for making this song the song of the year spread the word! There are many of us on this side of the pond who will definitely vote!!
Leave it to the Irish to tell it how it is!😂 I'm Australian and I thought I knew my British and Irish cousins pretty well but I've never heard this. My loss. I'm here in April 2021. Keep safe everyone and I hope you are all back in pubs this Christmas singing this song and forgetting the bad memory of Covid. My husband and I were supposed to be in Ireland and Scotland this time last year. Hopefully next year.
The greatest Christmas song of all time, when this song comes on anywhere in Ireland and the UK over Christmas it lights the place up. If things are shite we can relate and it lifts the spirits. If things are great you appreciate others might not be the same. Overall its a classic because it relates to every person in the room, unlike the classic Christmas songs when everything is perceived to be perfect. You are very good by the way, listen to your reactions most nights now, all the best.
Great reaction, mate ! .. You've picked up on the essence of the song, and how it shows the reality of life for many people, even at a traditionally joyful time like Christmas .. And you listened closely enough to handle the accents they are singing in and take in the lyrics .. And yes, you are right, the melody and the playing are excellent.. Good job ! .. Wayne
Just over 20 years ago, the female vocalist, Kirsty MacColl threw herself in front of a narcotrafficer's boat to save her son. She's a treasure of a singer/songwriter and penned one of the finest pop songs ever, "They Don't Know." You'd do well to check it out.
@@kristenkidd1 You're spot on with everything you just said .. Kirsty is one of my favourite singer-songwriters, and I have all her albums as well as some of her singles .. including They Don't Know .. I have loved that song from the time it was released, and it would be in my all-time top 10 favourite songs ever .. Would love to see some YT reactors check it out and comnent on it .. And yes, so tragic about how young Kirsty was when she died, and the circumstances of it .. Cheers, Wayne
as you get older in life, Christmas becomes very bitter sweet. this track really represents that. In the UK this is the biggest Christmas song by far! for these reasons Also we dont have Thanksgiving etc Emotions run high at xmas
I didn't notice anyone else weighing in on the pronunciation, so here you go: Pogues rhymes with Rogues (long "o" sound, ignore the "u"). Hope that helps :)
I've been listening to the Pogues since I was a teen in the 80's. RIP Shane; you've added a beautiful thread to the fabric of my life. It was refreshing to watch you listening to it; your face was beautiful to watch as you listened. Happy Christmas!
I love your wonderful reaction! Your musicality is evident. Your understanding straight away of the truth of relationships and the rawness yet, real love in humanity. We are flawed and we fight but there is a strong undercurrent of tenderness, You have to watch the video to the end to see them dancing together. At 81 I have many favourite songs and I have sung all my life. I also love story and poetry. I had Irish parents and the music is in my blood. This has to be the tops!! Thank you for your wonderful reaction. True joy in the combination of story telling and talent and raw music.
@@ugadawgs1990 true but fella, just enjoying my paid 6 weeks holiday and paternity leave and of course free healthcare when I need it. Not to mention instant bank to bank transfers, chip and pin/contactless for many years but thanks to Apple you caught up the rest of the world in mobile technology.....I still get internet of 64mbps as standard though. I love your country having visited a few times however I’m aghast at the differences in the simple things they need to be better at. All the best bud
Its all about a beautifully crafted song, with lovely lyrics, and always brings a lump to my throat, also it doesn't get played enough at any xmas time. As Jayvee said, its a true reflection, of what really happens at xmas. Thanks Jay
Still the best Xmas song ever! As others have commented, it is hard for anyone outside Britain & Ireland to understand how popular this song is there! Pogues are classic! RIP Kirsty & Shane's teeth..
My first husband and I had some hard times, especially during the holidays, and we always thought of this as 'our' holiday song. Life isn't always what we plan for it to be.
i love this song, and one written by the late pogues member, philip chevron, "thousands are sailing." so much wistfulness in both, and both about the irish diaspora. p.s. "pogue" is an anglicization of the irish "póg," which means "kiss." their original name, "pogue mahone," (or "póg mo thóin" in irish), means "kiss my arse." lol.
RIP Shane, most beautiful and honest Christmas song for the ordinary people, struggling and lost and lonely.
came here after watching the tribute at his service, and I am thrilled by JayveeTV's reactions and appreciation for the singularity of this gem of a song. I adored his reactions to the changes in the song and his enjoyment of on my favorite punk tunes.
A Classic God rest their souls ❤️
Well said. Rip Shane. 🙏 🇮🇪
Honest and truly heartbreaking/warming in the same breath... RIP Shane
Not only one of the greatest Christmas songs, just one of the best songs ever in general. Iconic
The only Christmas song that can bring a tear to my eye.
Rest in Power, Shane & Kristy. May you slow dance in that dingy bar together forever.
When I hear this song, it means the start of Christmas.
This song is massive in Ireland and the UK. Shane was a genius who sadly was buried yesterday. He was an Irish national treasure who had a beautiful soul. He gave most of his money away to charity as he didn't attach much importance to money. He received half a million euros in royalties every year for his music. Thousands lined the streets of Dublin to see his funeral cortege pass, and his funeral mass was a celebration of his life, with friends from the music world singing his songs. RIP Shane, and thank you for leaving us such a wonderful legacy.
@@marymurphy937 Kirsty. You forgot about her.
@Tornado1994 No, I didn't forget about Kirsty, but I didn't mention her as Shane just passed during the past week, and I was focused on him this time. Kirsty was a wonderful singer who met a very tragic end, which I think about every time I hear the song. May she rest in peace. Shane's wife said that he had a crush on Kirsty, which made her jealous at the time.
@@marymurphy937 You forgot the fact that she sang duet with the Pogues in this song and did so until her death in 2000 or the fact that they both died during Christmas. That's why you cannot say R.I.P. Shane regarding Fairytale of New York without mentioning Kirsty Maccoll.
Hands down the best Christmas song ever written. Shane’s lyrics are genius, a melancholy expression of how this time of year isn’t like in the movies for everyone.Some folks are having a difficult time for various reasons and Shane captures this in a heartfelt, bittersweet and moving poem, accompanied by an uplifting melody. If Bob Dylan received a Nobel prize for his ditties, I’m sure that one should be awarded to Mr. McGowan posthumously. RIP Kirsty and Shane, what legacies you have both left 😢
If you're interested I just watched a wonderful reaction to this song by a you tuber called WINGS OF PEGASUS. Its a bit long winded but well worth the watch .
I'm always struck by the forlorn idea of an old man's last Christmas in the first verse, and then the begging for this horrible time to be the last Christmas in the second verse. His poetry was always so honest, and that will never not be refreshing. RIP Shane and Kirsty- thanks for this
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
It's not Christmas for me without this song. I adore The Pogues!
Same & I'm Aussie
@@jadecawdellsmith4009 me too 😊
@@tst4783 then u might understand that without Paul Kelly's How To Make Gravy I still don't really feel it's Xmas.
@@jadecawdellsmith4009 a great Australian artist
@@tst4783 one of the best! I was just listening to Everything's Turning To White. Not a hit but what a story! And it's true.
"Well so could anyone..."
One of the most brutal lines in a song ever, delivered with such a feeling of, "I've heard your self-pitying shit 1000 times before".
?
@@lucaswallo8127 it's a 'call and response' section where he sings 'I could've been someone' and her response is 'well so could anyone'. Scathing and dismissive. Neil's right.
Without question, one of the most powerful lines.
I'd agree whole heartfelt. I've been both in my time. On both sides of the drunkard fence. It hurts.
When it really hurts, and you're spilling your guts for help. Merry Christmas to all!
Most honest Christmas song /poem ever composed. RIP Kirsty McColl.
It always makes me emotional, partly because of the song itself and partly because of what happened to Kirsty McColl
❤💯
Amen Brother , rest in Peace Kirsty . A beautiful soul.
It has everything Christmas has including the fight.
Only the Irish have the ability to tear your heart out the way this song does
Shane was such a genius, we’ll never see his like again. RIP Shane and Kirsty, thanks for the memories.
Hard to explain how synonymous this song is with Christmas in Ireland. It literally isn't Christmas until you've heard this on the radio, or played as the last song in the pub on a night out in December, while the whole place sings along and waltzes around!
They took the traditional Irish ballad format which is to sing a lament, updated it to be about the Irish experience of emigration to the US in the 80s, and the sadness of two people down and out at Christmas, and somehow made a song that still feels so rich and warm every time you hear it.
That’s a perfect way to describe it wow
What a beautiful way to describe it! If you don't write for a living, i believe you should.
It's a funk ballad, which is a neat trick.
this and for some reason Jona Lewie Stop The Cavalry. Forget Mariah, Forget Wizzard, Forget Slade. I accept chris rea though
If the grinch wanted to steal Christmas in Ireland, all he’d have to do is ban this song
The best and most real christmas song ever written, ans superbly performed by the Pogues and Kirsty McColl. R.I.P to both Shane and Kirsty.
In other English speaking countries outside the US everyone knows and loves this song, guaranteed to get people singing along in the pub.
It sure does! One of my best pub memories is of everyone singing and dancing along to this song in a Birmingham (UK) pub last November
Absolutely does👌
Popular in Scandinavia as well. No Christmas without it ^^
Yup we love it in NZ too
There is a following in the US...it was one of the Pogues sons that made an impact here.
McColl and MacGowan singing songs together forever wherever they are. RIP ❤
Go into any pub in the UK 🇬🇧 at Christmas and this song will be playing The tragedy of Kirsty’s death saving her sons lives over her own makes it more poignant
Yeah it is as is the fact she died on Christmas Eve in 2000. Sadly missed but never forgotten
Still makes me choke up when I think about how we lost her. Beautiful voice and a golden soul.
@@kikianne8788 It was actually December 18th. It would have been even more tragic had it been 12/24.
@@theunrealtimemm Thanks for telling me. For some reason I had it in my mind it was Christmas Eve. It's just stuck in my head. Like you say it's just so tragic. Thanks for correcting me.
Believe it was surveyed to be the U.K.s number 1 Christmas song.
RIP Shane. Another Great Dead Irish Poet. The best modern Christmas tune. Cheers, mate.
If you're not from the UK or Ireland u won't understand how popular this is every year 😂
Still very popular down here in NZ as well!
Its not Christmas in my house in the US w/ out this song. RIP KM
I'm from the UK and have been in NYC at Christmas a couple of times, trust me, it's extremely popular there
There have been some powerful episodes of brit serials that feature this song.
quite popular in France as well !!
Go into an Irish pub at Christmas time and you'll most likely hear people singing this having the best craic.
along with Dirty old town
@@stelladonaconfredobutler9459Another fantastic song
Yes, Hammersmith, West London, I danced to this one with my Irish friends from Shepherds Bush...
Aye he's gid but prefer the woman
Kanny beat Kirsty
Don't forget the next line from him is 'I put them with my own, Can't make it all alone, I build my dreams around you' There's a bittersweet air to this song that gets right under your skin
My favourite line ❤ too
Still gets me in the feels every time, that one
Those are also my favorite lines in the song. Always make me tear up.
WALES
I'm so glad that isn't the cleaned up version. Some radio stations banned the song Christmas 2020
It's a tragity, I mean I'm gay myself and I find it ridiculous they remove words like "faggot". Competely ruins the point of the song. I remember whern the male singer was asked about using words like 'faggot' and 'slut' and he explained that in the song, a drunk/high irish couple are having a heated argument, and that is the most realistic way to view it. Which I could'nt agree more, they are trying to insult each other, not trying attack minorities, so no need to edit the lyrics.
A few radio stations used to stop the song just before the word 'arse' was used or bleeped it out back when this first came out in the late 80's.. by the time of the 90's all was well with it being played in its original form.... Fast forward to 2020, yeah, what can i say....
@@Scott_Miller more power to you
@@Scott_Miller I'm bi and I've never had an issue with (specifically) the Pogues using it, but I don't know if you've ever witnessed this song in a public group setting, but I'll tell you, the straights RELISH in their one excuse to get to say that f slur lmaoooo. There's a wonderful punk band from the UK called Creeper who recorded an absolutely gorgeous cover for a small Christmas EP, it's very faithful to the original and they have both a male and female vocalist so it's the perfect choice, but as soon as my (straight) dad heard them replace the f slur it was not even worth his time. Some people are definitely intelligent enough to understand context and use it when necessary - like when slurs are used by actors in shows, that's their character saying that, not them and the Pogues were playing characters. But if they used the n slur it would be a different story, it's interesting what slurs we're okay with, no? And then it does give way for those less intelligent musicians out there to use it as casual language, which, obviously not ok. Where do ya draw the line?
@@Scott_Miller cool
This is hands down the greatest Christmas song ever written.
I agree wholeheartedly, but some of the Jesus songs are pretty Christmasy as well.
I love Drop Kicking Murphy s Christmas song also
Kevin Bloody Wilson comes in second. Hey Santa Claus
RIP Shane, hope Fairytale is number 1 this year. It is for me, the best Christmas song ever.
In my youth, I was in the British Royal Navy. Every winter our ship would in up at the Portland exercise areas with other British warships and our European NATO allies doing six weeks of war games and disaster relief exercises. When we did get sometime off away from the horrendous weather and brutal work schedule, we would go into a seaside town called Weymouth and a pub called 'The Black Dog'. This song seemed to be on all the time and it soon became very special to all of us sailors. When we heard it we knew that we would be home soon on Christmas leave with our loved ones. Best Christmas song ever! Many of my old shipmates were taken from this world far too young for one reason or another, this tunes reminds me of them and the good times we had.
Beautiful share❤️
R.I.P. Shane McGowan. May the wind always be at your back.
And I'm sure he was in Heaven before the Devil knew he was dead ❤
Rest in Peace, Kirsty.
Unbelievably 20 years this year.
Wow 20 years and did a great version of A new England by Billy Bragg
20 years what?
@@soofitnsexy since she was killed in an accident in the Caribbean.
@@paulj106 great thanks
Both Shane MacGowan and Kristy MacColl are gone now, R.I.P. ~ He was a soulful Irish singer and Kristy was a beautiful UK talent. But they left us a beautiful song to remember them by, "Fairytale of New York". Loved seeing your reaction and analysis, I think my first time reaction was the same and thoughts. Thank you, great review! And a beautiful song.
RIP Shane MacGowan Most beautiful Christmas song ever.
My wedding day was 23rd December. We walked out of the ceremony to this. Everyone looked at us like we were nuts.
Like a good luck charm 🍀😂
Why not I would of done the same lol
Brilliant thing to do !
Awesome ❤👍😂
mine was december 21st, the Solstice and we did the same after we sang it together in the church!
The Pogues started out as Pogue Mahone which was the anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic "pog mo thoin".....which translates to "kiss my arse". One of my favourite Pogues songs is "Thousands are Sailing" - about the plight of Irish immigrants.
The whole album is pretty good I quite like "If I should fall from the grace of God" and "fiesta"
that really is a great song. Irelands answer to The Immigrant Song.
It used to be that there were more Irish in NYC than Ireland.
Yes. RUM, SODOMY AND THE LASH.
I am from Belfast, a huge fan. I had no idea about this trivia so thank you very much sweetheart and happy New Year!
It’s a reality song.Not everyone in the world has a ‘jingle bells’. Christmas. RIP Shane Music Man. 🌿🎼🍀💚🌿🇮🇪🌿
I cry when I hear it, the saddest, sweetest, most true Christmas song ever.
This is the epitome of Christmas for me, here in Sweden this is one of the most played X-mas songs every years!
Never a more truthful Christmas song than this. Still my absolute favorite.
The best Christmas song ever ... and the saddest
for many ppl xmas is the saddest holiday
So "Pogues" is pronounced like "Rogues;" it's Irish Gaelic for "tongues." That's the polite shortening of the band's original name, since the radio stations wouldn't even say it on the air - "Póg mo thóin," pronounced roughly "pogue ma hone," and meaning "kiss my ass."
They're an awesome band. They started out playing traditional Celtic music at high speed and with a punk attitude, and went from there.
no everybody says Pogues.Never heard anybody say rogues thats too confusing.
@@en6278 I meant "like Rogues, but with a P." Long o, hard g, etc.
@@YonatanZunger ok I thought you was talking about some weird gaelic pronounciation.
Teanga is tongue and/or language. Seo Gaelige is mo theanga means Irish is my language. The actual translation is correct in this context. This Sassenach keyboard is preventing me from doing the fada, toin means bottom, not just arse.
The Tongues
Excellent 👌
*Puts this song on for two seconds*
Every dad in the UK: ‘did you know Kirsty McColl died in a speedboat accident?’
And did you know her dad wrote dirty old Town...... Also the first time ever I saw your face..... Dads......
She had gone for a swim with her kids, dad. Some tosser who should not have been at the helm of a rowboat killed her.
@@rra7424 I did in fact. Ewan McColl absolute genius of a man
It was a large motorboat, the propellers cut her to pieces before it hit her son, whom she pushed out of the way to save.
@@david-spliso1928 Jesus. I had no idea. Man.
I’m Northern Irish and this is my favourite Christmas song. It wouldn’t be Christmas without this song. It’s played an awful lot in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland.
Glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you. 🎄🎉🎄🎉
This is probably the best Christmas song ever written.
I'm impressed that you can understand the accent. And I love your take. You've got the spirit of it straight away.
If you want to feel even shittier about this track, check out what happened to poor Kirsty McColl.
its about immigrants and their struggled in adapting to a new country and longing for home and love. let it play and the vibes will improve. Its a beautiful song. Shane always hit you in the heart, a true Irish Bard:
"I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
I kept them with me babe
I put them with my own
Can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you"
RIP Shane and thank yo
As an Irish person this song is as much a part of Christmas as anything else
"Dirty Old Town" is a great song by The Pogues
well, covered by them. I believe the Dubliners made that famous. It was written by Ewan McColl and Roger Whittaker gives a standout performance.
@@KenBreadbox All good performances indeed .. But to me, The Pogues now have the definitive version, and the one that makes me feel the lyrics the most ..PS :- The writer's daughter, Kirsty McColl ( singing here ) is one of my favourite artists ever .. Tragically died way too young ..Wayne
The Poogs
Lot of people think it's an irish song because it feels it. But its actually an industrial Lancashire song. Great song dirty ol' town
One of the most perfect love songs ever penned..
This music gets to your soul I love it
Best Christmas song ever. I loved when you stopped it seconds before it changes and said that they've mixed it up 🤣 I was thinking..just wait, you have no idea 😝.
He said”switched it up” not mixed it up” 😀
One of the most loved songs in Ireland all year round but it soarss into a universe of it's own at Christmas, RIP Shane, RIP Kirsty 💚🤍🧡
Yup
Hi Jovaughn, this is my favourite Christmas song. Popular in the U.K.
The lady singing, Kirsty MacColl died December 2000, very sad.
Thankyou for sharing
Nuts that she was first to go.
Certain songs are addictive, and this is definitely one of them.
Love this song and love how they got Matt Dillon to be the cop at the beginning, He is of Irish descent so it fits perfectly with the Irish American / New York vibe. Great reaction too !
He a 100 irish
There is an excellent documentary about the making of the black and white video for Fairytale of New York. That too will make you laugh and cry. The part about the NYPD is hilarious. Many of the characters along with the manager, producer, director,…
@@lourdeszephier7377I’d like to see that.
This is probably no.1 in every Irish household at christmas. Its a classic.
Not just Ireland my friend. Its the only song I play every xmas. From north England.
Love this song. ‘And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day’ is a beautiful line.
That line *always* gives me the chills.
The one that gets me is when he answers "I kept them with me babe, and put them with my own." A very clever answer.
Shane is a wonderful poet
This Is one Of most brutally honest & wonderful Xmas song ever written! Love It!! Now he Is Irish lolol !
Hey, Jovaughn! Fairytale of New York is the ultimate Christmas song. The all-time best one. As a side note, the female singer is not part of The Pogues. She's Kirsty MacColl, a renowned British singer and songwriter. She is best known for her sublime and intricate harmonies and for her witty lyrics. She has a really cool and diverse discography. You can react to songs like They Don't Know (the original version is from her and not by Tracey Ullman who famously covered it), There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis, Terry, A New England, He's on the Beach, Days, Innocence, Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!, Walking Down Madison, My Affair, All I Ever Wanted, Angel, Soho Square, Mambo de la Luna, In These Shoes, among others. Unfortunately, she passed away in the year 2000 due to a horrible accident at age 41 but on a brighter note fortunately her legacy is still celebrated. You must check her music out.
"a really cool and diverse discography". Seconded.
So talented and taken from us so long, the wonderful Kirsty.
Yes, Kirsty was killed by a boat that should not have been in the area segregated for swimmers.
Her Dad wrote " The first time ever I saw your face"
She was and still is awsome i grew up listening to her in the 80s and still play a lot of her back catalogue as its really good.
So right such talent
"you took my dreams from me, when I first found you..."
It is an important lyric, but the follow up is equally important...
"I kept them with me, babe. I put them with my own. Can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you..."
That finishes the argument or strife, in my opinion. It ends the argument and our characters move forward as a more strongly bonded couple
Well said
Happy Christmas your arse
I pray God it's our last
Perfect!
This was one of my brother's favourite songs, sadly he died just over a year ago. Whenever I hear it, I can't help but sing along but there's always a tear or two ready to roll own my cheek. And yes, our Christmases together were often characterised by rows and slamming of doors. 😂😉😔🙏
Beautiful and classic
When you hear this song in England for the first time that year, usually end of November beginning of December......
......right at that moment Christmas has begun
This is englands official Christmas season starter song
It gets everyone in the Christmas mood
It's an Irish song written by an Irish band
#
@@michaelireland9953 sorry mate there not, there an anglo -irish band coming from the Irish diaspora in the UK especially London even the band themselves acknowledged this and out of the original 7 band members only 2 were born in Ireland i believe. Im the same my mother is Irish from Cork and I'm married to a woman from Dublin but I'm born and brought up in Yorkshire lol 😆
@@andrewgrimshaw1606 1-0
The best Christmas song EVER....
Kirsty McColl is an absolute legend
R.I.P
The record was produced by Steve Lillywhite who was married to Kirsty MacColl at the time and he recalled in a recent interview that Shane MacGowan had recorded his lyrics first and then Kirsty MacColl recorded hers but when Shane heard Kirsty's lyrics he said that his weren't anywhere near good enough so he re-recorded his, which is probably why it works so well.
I'll be 61 in three weeks and one day and back in the 1980s I was living & working in London and saw the Pogues live on many occasions,the first time in 1984 at the Irish centre(where else) in Camden but the best one was 1987 St Patrick's Day at the Town & Country Club,Kentish Town,North London.The audience in the venue erupted when Kirsty MacColl appeared on stage and they did this song live,it was spine tingling.As a big Clash fan,had an extra bonus included at the gig,Joe Strummer was also a special guest playing guitar on stage with the rest of the band.A verse from one of their earlier songs,Dark Streets of London :Now the winter comes down, I can't stand the chill
That comes to the streets around Christmas time
I'm buggered to damnation and I haven't got a penny
To wander the dark streets of London
That gig is here on youtube with backstage footage too.
You got it. This song is about the hardship some people go through at Christmas. Christmas is not a happy time for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. It's the other side of the coin you could say. We love this song in Ireland. Low you x
Shane Macgowan has a lot of soul in his voice, it can really take you places
One of my favourite Christmas songs ever🥰
Great reaction to such a legendary song! Merry Christmas mate 😁
"This song shows what Christmas is really like" is the perfect description lol
Great Irish band. This tells about the hard side of the holidays. Brings images of what Christmas is like for those of us who are down on their luck. It's definitely not all happiness and gifts. Sometimes we may have family to spend it with. Great honest song.
I saw him in concert several years ago…it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen! “Talent” is just the tip of the iceberg! If voting is a criteria for making this song the song of the year spread the word! There are many of us on this side of the pond who will definitely vote!!
Best Christmas song ever. No question!
i dont whats more amazing, this track or the fact that shane mcgowan is still alive
lmao
Not funny anymore 😞
Leave it to the Irish to tell it how it is!😂
I'm Australian and I thought I knew my British and Irish cousins pretty well but I've never heard this. My loss.
I'm here in April 2021. Keep safe everyone and I hope you are all back in pubs this Christmas singing this song and forgetting the bad memory of Covid.
My husband and I were supposed to be in Ireland and Scotland this time last year. Hopefully next year.
Rainy night in Soho by the Pogues is another brilliant song .
Lyrically & musically one of the most beautiful songs ever written, god bless you Kirsty 🙏
Can't sing that without crying. My total Christmas song
Me neither...🍻😪🎶🎵🇮🇪
I’m the same. It’s like it taps into the blood of my ancestors.
The greatest Christmas song of all time, when this song comes on anywhere in Ireland and the UK over Christmas it lights the place up. If things are shite we can relate and it lifts the spirits. If things are great you appreciate others might not be the same. Overall its a classic because it relates to every person in the room, unlike the classic Christmas songs when everything is perceived to be perfect.
You are very good by the way, listen to your reactions most nights now, all the best.
RIP Shane MacGowan (2023) and Kirsty MacColl (2000). Beautiful people who brought beautiful music. This song has brought tears to my eyes this week.
Great reaction, mate ! .. You've picked up on the essence of the song, and how it shows the reality of life for many people, even at a traditionally joyful time like Christmas .. And you listened closely enough to handle the accents they are singing in and take in the lyrics .. And yes, you are right, the melody and the playing are excellent.. Good job ! .. Wayne
Just over 20 years ago, the female vocalist, Kirsty MacColl threw herself in front of a narcotrafficer's boat to save her son. She's a treasure of a singer/songwriter and penned one of the finest pop songs ever, "They Don't Know." You'd do well to check it out.
@@kristenkidd1 You're spot on with everything you just said .. Kirsty is one of my favourite singer-songwriters, and I have all her albums as well as some of her singles .. including They Don't Know .. I have loved that song from the time it was released, and it would be in my all-time top 10 favourite songs ever .. Would love to see some YT reactors check it out and comnent on it .. And yes, so tragic about how young Kirsty was when she died, and the circumstances of it .. Cheers, Wayne
This sums up Christmas in the Uk and Ireland, reality of life and a beautiful sentiment
as you get older in life, Christmas becomes very bitter sweet. this track really represents that.
In the UK this is the biggest Christmas song by far!
for these reasons
Also we dont have Thanksgiving etc
Emotions run high at xmas
The Pogues are an important band for me. Their music brings back so many old memories and feelings. Best Christmas song ever.
Just been rated No1 Xmas song (again)this year on a radio channel here in UK
This song always.produce me to tears...
I didn't notice anyone else weighing in on the pronunciation, so here you go: Pogues rhymes with Rogues (long "o" sound, ignore the "u"). Hope that helps :)
I've been listening to the Pogues since I was a teen in the 80's. RIP Shane; you've added a beautiful thread to the fabric of my life. It was refreshing to watch you listening to it; your face was beautiful to watch as you listened. Happy Christmas!
I just love this song, great vocal performances and melody. Big in Australia too, as are The Pogues. Dirty Old Town is a good next listen ☮️
I love your wonderful reaction! Your musicality is evident. Your understanding straight away of the truth of relationships and the rawness yet, real love in humanity. We are flawed and we fight but there is a strong undercurrent of tenderness, You have to watch the video to the end to see them dancing together. At 81 I have many favourite songs and I have sung all my life. I also love story and poetry. I had Irish parents and the music is in my blood. This has to be the tops!! Thank you for your wonderful reaction. True joy in the combination of story telling and talent and raw music.
Ironic how this song is huge everywhere except in the country where they're singing about 😊
That country is a black hole compared to the rest of the world in many many things
US resident here. It is huge for me.
American here. First, screw off, Scott. Second, we love the song, too, and the Pogues.
@@ugadawgs1990, New Yorker here. This is my Birthday song since 1989.
@@ugadawgs1990 true but fella, just enjoying my paid 6 weeks holiday and paternity leave and of course free healthcare when I need it. Not to mention instant bank to bank transfers, chip and pin/contactless for many years but thanks to Apple you caught up the rest of the world in mobile technology.....I still get internet of 64mbps as standard though.
I love your country having visited a few times however I’m aghast at the differences in the simple things they need to be better at. All the best bud
Its all about a beautifully crafted song, with lovely lyrics, and always brings a lump to my throat, also it doesn't get played enough at any xmas time. As Jayvee said, its a true reflection, of what really happens at xmas. Thanks Jay
Great tune, I have a tradition that me and my daughter dance to this song every Xmas morning... T.hanks for this
Still the best Xmas song ever! As others have commented, it is hard for anyone outside Britain & Ireland to understand how popular this song is there! Pogues are classic! RIP Kirsty & Shane's teeth..
And his liver.
Shane looks weird with new teeth!
My first husband and I had some hard times, especially during the holidays, and we always thought of this as 'our' holiday song. Life isn't always what we plan for it to be.
never is
Loved your comments on this Christmas classic. Wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2024.
It's not Christmas in the UK and Ireland until the radio stations start playing this song lol.
is this popular in london as well?
You really get it. It considered a love song too. Good listening to you❤
The pogues rainy night in soho is a brilliant song, Love the pogues and fairytale of Newyork is my favourite Christmas song
The only Christmas song I like, we in the UK sing this every year and I miss being home tbh because of it
i love this song, and one written by the late pogues member, philip chevron, "thousands are sailing." so much wistfulness in both, and both about the irish diaspora. p.s. "pogue" is an anglicization of the irish "póg," which means "kiss." their original name, "pogue mahone," (or "póg mo thóin" in irish), means "kiss my arse." lol.
A real life christmas song thanks for the memory it brought back dancing and singing it in a pub at xmas in Liverpool England uk
The actor who plays the policeman at the beginning was later Oscar nominated for his role in the 2004 film Crash. His name is Matt Dillon
Come time to shoot the scene, MacGowan was so drunk Dillon REALLY had to hold him going up the stairs. Authenticity, no need of method acting!!
This gets played a 100 times on Christmas Eve Christmas Day and Boxing Day ❤️🏴🏴🏴🇮🇪
St Stephens Day
And we Still need Justice for her! The Rich skank who killed her is probably still out on his yachts.
Proud to be irish
The best Christmas song ever....love how you stopped it just before it changed mood.
Can’t have Christmas in the uk without this.
Seen them more times than I can remember even had a few drinks with Shane and Spider before a gig at Cambridge corn exchange.
This is my favourite Christmas song of them all together with Adams Song with Swedish tenor, Jussi Björling.
My favourite christmas song ever ..........
Christmas is not over. It begins on Dec 25 and goes on until Jan 5.
I appreciate you. Not enough people celebrate properly, the holiday has been bastardised.