The ongoing saga surrounding The Pogues’ classic Christmas hit, Fairytale of New York, has once again captured the attention of music fans and industry insiders alike. The song, originally released in 1987, has long been a holiday favorite but has never quite reached the number one spot on the charts. Now, with a renewed push to send the song to the top, controversy has erupted over a live version featuring the original uncensored lyric “cheap, lousy f—–.”
Fans are outraged by the decision of BBC radio stations to exclude the uncensored live recording from their playlists, viewing it as a de facto boycott that could hinder the song’s chances of finally claiming the coveted Christmas number one spot. One industry insider expressed frustration, stating that fans feel a sense of injustice over the exclusion of a genuine performance of a beloved song by a beloved band.
The song has always been divisive due to the controversial lyric in question, with some broadcasters opting to censor or avoid it altogether. In 2020, the BBC aired an edited version of the song on Radio 1, muting certain lines. Despite the ongoing debate, Fairytale of New York remains a commercial powerhouse during the holiday season, generating substantial royalties through radio airplay, streaming, and licensing.
Written by Jem Finer and the late Shane MacGowan, and performed with Kirsty MacColl, the song tells the tale of a tumultuous relationship set against the backdrop of New York City. MacGowan defended the original wording of the song, emphasizing that it was meant to reflect the character’s persona rather than promote any particular sentiment.
However, the recent passing of both MacGowan and MacColl has brought new attention to the song and its creators. MacColl’s tragic death in a boating accident in 2000 has resurfaced allegations of a cover-up, with her ex-husband accusing a wealthy businessman of orchestrating the incident to avoid legal repercussions.
As the debate over Fairytale of New York continues to unfold, it is clear that the song’s enduring popularity and cultural impact will persist. Despite the controversies and challenges it has faced over the years, the song remains a cherished holiday classic that resonates with listeners around the world.
