The Pogues started making music in London in 1982.
They mixed Irish folk with punk rock—something totally new at the time.
Shane MacGowan led the band with his raw, distinctive voice, and they became famous for songs like “Fairytale of New York.”
What made them special was how they took traditional Irish music.
And gave it a punk edge, though Shane’s struggles with drugs and alcohol often made headlines, too.
About the Song ‘Fairytale of New York’
“Fairytale of New York” is a Christmas duet that tells a bittersweet love story.
The song features Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl singing about an Irish immigrant couple in New York City.
They reflect on their dreams and disappointments.
It’s known for its honest lyrics about love and loss, mixing both hope and heartbreak.
The song has become one of the most popular Christmas songs in the UK and Ireland.
| Song Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Fairytale of New York |
| Release Date | November 1987 |
| Album | If I Should Fall from Grace with God |
| Writers | Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer |
| Producers | Steve Lillywhite |
| Peak Chart Position | #1 in Ireland, #2 in UK |
| Notable Feature | Duet with Kirsty MacColl |
| Recording Location | RAK Studios, London |
| Length | 4:33 |
‘Fairytale of New York’ Lyrics By The Pogues
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
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 2: Kirsty MacColl, Shane MacGowan, Both
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
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 3: Kirsty MacColl, Shane MacGowan
You’re a bum, you’re a punk, you’re an old slut 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 4: Shane MacGowan, Kirsty MacColl
“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
Chorus: Shane MacGowan & Kirsty MacColl
The boys of the NYPD choir, still singing “Galway Bay”
And the bells are ringing out for Christmas Day
Live Performance Of The Song ‘Fairytale of New York’ By The Pogues
The Pogues, Ella Finer – Fairytale Of New York
Fairytale of New York (feat. Kirsty MacColl) [Top of The Pops Dec 1987]
Similar songs Like ‘Fairytale of New York’ By The Pogues
Here are some similar songs by The Pogues:
A Rainy Night in Soho – A tender love ballad that captures the same emotional depth as Fairytale of New York. The song tells a story of memories and lost love in London, with MacGowan’s vocals bringing warmth to the melancholic lyrics.
The Body of an American – Like Fairytale, this song paints a picture of Irish-American life. It’s a rousing tune about an Irish immigrant’s death in America, mixing sadness with celebration in true Pogues style.
Thousands Are Sailing is another powerful song about Irish immigration to America. It shares themes with Fairytale of New York and examines the dreams and hardships of Irish people seeking a new life in America.
If I Should Fall From Grace With God – While faster than Fairytale, this song shares similar themes of displacement and identity. It blends traditional Irish instruments with punk energy, telling a personal struggle and redemption story.
The Broad Majestic Shannon – A nostalgic song that, like Fairytale, mixes love and longing. It’s about remembering home and lost love, with a similar emotional pull to Fairytale but focused on Ireland rather than New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Fairytale Of New York So Popular?
The song mixes raw emotions with Christmas spirit, telling a real love story instead of typical happy holiday tales.
Its honest lyrics and memorable melody connect with people year after year.
Who Is The Female Singer In Fairytale Of New York?
Kirsty MacColl sang the female part.
She was a British singer-songwriter who perfectly matched Shane MacGowan’s style in this duet.
Was Fairytale Of New York Ever No. 1?
The song reached number one in Ireland but peaked at number two in the UK charts when first released.
It hit number one in Ireland again after MacGowan’s death in 2023.
