Fairytale of New York Lyrics – The Pogues
Fairytale of New York Song Lyrics
[Verse 1: Shane MacGowan]
It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank
An old man said to me, "Won't see another one"
And then he sang a song, 'The Rare Old Mountain Dew'
I turned my face away and dreamed about you
[Verse 2: Shane MacGowan]
Got on a lucky one, came in eighteen-to-one
I've got a feeling this year's for me and you
So, Happy Christmas, I love you, baby
I can see a better time when all our dreams come true
[Verse 3: Kirsty MacColl]
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
When you first took my hand on a cold Christmas Eve
You promised me Broadway was waiting for me
[Verse 4: Kirsty MacColl & Shane MacGowan]
You were handsome, you were pretty, queen of New York City
When the band finished playing, they howled out for more
Sinatra was swinging, all the drunks, they were singing
We kissed on a corner, then danced through the night
[Chorus: Shane Macgowan & Kirsty MacColl]
The boys of the NYPD choir
Were singing, "Galway Bay"
And the bells were ringing out
For Christmas Day
[Verse 5: Kirsty MacColl & Shane MacGowan]
You're a bum, you're a punk, you're an old ѕlμt on junk
Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed
You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap, lousy faggot
Happy Christmas, your arse, I pray God it's our last
[Chorus: Shane Macgowan & Kirsty MacColl]
The boys of the NYPD choir
Still singing, "Galway Bay"
And the bells are ringing out
For Christmas Day
[Verse 6: Kirsty MacColl & Shane MacGowan]
"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
[Outro: Shane Macgowan & Kirsty MacColl]
The boys of the NYPD choir
Still singing, "Galway Bay"
And the bells are ringing out
For Christmas Day
Fairytale Of New York Lyrics Explained
"Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl tells a poignant and gritty Christmas tale set in New York City. It explores themes of love, dreams, disappointment, and the harsh realities of life, all within the backdrop of the holiday season. The lyrics are raw, emotional, and paint a vivid picture of the struggles and dreams of the characters involved.
[Verse 1]
In the first verse, the narrator describes being in a drunk tank on Christmas Eve, where an old man remarks that he won't live to see another Christmas. The mention of a song, 'The Rare Old Mountain Dew,' and the narrator dreaming about someone hint at a sense of nostalgia and longing.
[Verse 2]
The second verse introduces a sense of optimism as the narrator expresses a feeling that this year is going to be lucky. The mention of "Happy Christmas, I love you, baby" suggests a connection to someone significant, and the hope for a better future where dreams come true.
[Verse 3]
Kirsty MacColl's part introduces a contrast between the glitz of the city with cars and rivers of gold and the harsh reality where the wind cuts through. The promise of Broadway represents unfulfilled dreams, highlighting the disparity between expectations and reality.
[Verse 4]
The duet continues with vivid imagery of a romantic encounter on a cold Christmas Eve in New York City. The mention of Sinatra and the festive atmosphere conveys a sense of joy and celebration despite life's challenges.
[Chorus]
The chorus involves the boys of the NYPD choir singing about "Galway Bay," creating a juxtaposition between the romanticized version of Christmas and the tough reality. The bells ringing out for Christmas Day symbolize the persistent hope and celebration despite the hardships.
[Verse 5]
This verse takes a dark turn with harsh words exchanged between the narrator and the person they once loved. The bitterness and resentment expressed reflect the challenges and disappointments that have tainted the relationship.
[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the continued presence of the NYPD choir singing about "Galway Bay" and the bells ringing out for Christmas Day. This repetition underscores the cyclical nature of life, where celebrations persist despite hardships.
[Verse 6]
The final verse reflects on lost dreams and the impact of the relationship on the narrator's life. The mention of "I could have been someone" and building dreams around the other person conveys a sense of regret and longing.
[Outro]
The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus, leaving the listener with a mix of emotions — a blend of hope, nostalgia, bitterness, and the enduring spirit of celebration amidst life's challenges. The "Fairytale of New York" is a complex narrative that captures the essence of both the magic and the harsh realities of Christmas in the city.
This is the end of "Fairytale Of New York Song Lyrics" by The Pogues. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- The Pogues (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Featuring
- Kirsty MacColl
- Producer(s)
- Steve Lillywhite
- Writter(s)
- Shane MacGowan & Jem Finer
- Released On
- November 23, 1987
The Pogues (Singles) Songs
- 1.A Pair of Brown Eyes
- 2.A Rainy Night in Soho
- 3.Dirty Old Town
- 4.Fairytale of New York ft. Kirsty MacColl
- 5.The Body of an American
The Pogues Albums
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Fairytale of New York" song?
"Fairytale of New York" song is sung by The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl.
Who is the lyrics writer of "Fairytale of New York" song?
"Fairytale of New York" song lyrics written by Shane MacGowan & Jem Finer.
Who is the music producer of "Fairytale of New York" song?
"Fairytale of New York" song music composed & produced by Steve Lillywhite.
When was "Fairytale of New York" song released?
"Fairytale of New York" song was released on November 23, 1987.