Song meaning of Fairytale of New York by The Pogues (Ft. Kirsty MacColl)
Song meaning for Fairytale of New York by The Pogues (Ft. Kirsty MacColl)
"Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues (featuring Kirsty MacColl) is a timeless Christmas song that tells a bittersweet tale of love, dreams, and the harsh realities of life. The song opens with the narrator, Shane MacGowan, reminiscing about a Christmas Eve spent in a drunk tank. He encounters an old man who sings a song called "The Rare Old Mountain Dew," which triggers thoughts of a lost love.
In the second verse, MacGowan expresses hope for the upcoming year, feeling lucky and believing that this year will be different. He wishes his love interest a Happy Christmas and envisions a better future where their dreams come true.
Kirsty MacColl takes over in the third verse, contrasting the grandeur of New York City with its harsh realities. She describes the city's opulence, with cars as big as bars and rivers of gold, but acknowledges that the cold wind cuts through, making it an inhospitable place for the old. She recalls a promise made on a cold Christmas Eve that Broadway was waiting for her.
The fourth verse sees MacColl and MacGowan singing together, reminiscing about a romantic encounter on the streets of New York City. They paint a vivid picture of the bustling city, with Frank Sinatra's music in the background and the joyous singing of drunks. They share a kiss on a corner and dance through the night.
The chorus brings in the boys of the NYPD choir, singing "Galway Bay," a traditional Irish song. The bells are ringing out for Christmas Day, creating a festive atmosphere.
However, the song takes a darker turn in the fifth verse. MacColl and MacGowan engage in a heated argument, exchanging insults and derogatory terms. It reveals the complexities and flaws within their relationship, highlighting the raw emotions that can arise during the holiday season.
In the sixth verse, MacColl reflects on lost dreams and the impact of the relationship. She expresses regret, feeling that she could have been someone if not for the influence of her partner. Despite the hardships, she still holds onto her dreams, which she had shared with him.
The song concludes with the boys of the NYPD choir still singing "Galway Bay," and the bells ringing out for Christmas Day. The juxtaposition of the festive atmosphere with the underlying tensions and struggles of the characters creates a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.
"Fairytale of New York" is a beautifully crafted song that captures the complexities of love, hope, and disappointment. It explores the contrast between dreams and reality, all set against the backdrop of Christmas in New York City. The emotional depth and vivid storytelling make it a beloved and enduring holiday classic.
Funny song meaning for Fairytale of New York by The Pogues (Ft. Kirsty MacColl)
Ah, Fairytale of New York, the classic Christmas tune that perfectly captures the spirit of the season: drunken fights, old men singing about Mountain Dew, and dreams of Broadway. You see, our protagonist here finds himself in a merry drunk tank on Christmas Eve, where he encounters a wise old man who serenades him with the enchantment of "The Rare Old Mountain Dew" (probably because eggnog wasn't cutting it). Our hero, lost in a haze of alcohol and Christmas spirit, believes that this year will be the one where all his dreams come true. So he gleefully wishes his lover a Happy Christmas, conveniently forgetting that she once promised him the glitz and glamour of Broadway. Instead, what he finds in New York City are "cars big as bars" and "rivers of gold" – but the freezing wind just cuts right through you, darling. Ain't nobody got time for that! And let's not forget the memorable encounter on that street corner, where they kissed and danced the night away. Oh, how beautiful it was, with Sinatra swinging and the drunks warbling along! But wait, what was that? Suddenly the festive cheer takes an unexpected turn, as our lovers exchange delightful insults, calling each other bums, punks, and even a certain unflattering f-word. Ah, the true meaning of Christmas, right there! As the boys of the NYPD choir continue their serenade of "Galway Bay" (Irish, my friends, because what's Christmas without a little cultural confusion?), and the bells ring out for Christmas Day, it becomes clear that our brawling lovebirds are no strangers to feuds. Yet, despite the insults and broken dreams, there's a glimmer of hope – our protagonist clings to the idea that he could have been someone, just as anyone could have been. And just as he once found solace in their shared dreams, he realizes he can't make it alone. No, he has built his dreams around his love, like an architect of romantic delusions. And so, as the chorus swells and the bells continue to ring, our Fairytale of New York reaches its cacophonous conclusion, with a Christmas f-bomb, because, hey, why not? May it be their last, indeed. Merry Christmas, you filthy animals!
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