The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” is an unlikely Christmas classic. It was never written to be one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, yet here we are. What did singer Shane MacGowan think of it?
According to his widow, Victoria, “He never thought it was about presents or turkeys or any of that stuff. He indulged me, because I always insisted on having a tree, and he would think that was cute with the decorations. But he wasn’t fussed about presents unless they were things that he really wanted.”
Overall, he was rather amused by the success of the song but was also proud of it as a piece of songwriting. He must have also been very pleased that the song brings in about £400,000 in royalties every year.
By the way, December 25 was Shane’s birthday.
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