Finnginn's Festive Countdown: Number 2

Some songs happen to have been popular at Xmastime, but have little discernible Xmas content or theme: Here in the UK, East 17's Stay Another Day is a case in point - sleigh bells notwithstanding. My mum, who has been following this countdown closely, keeps messaging me to remind me of the existence of David Essex’s A Winter's Tale (which I can exclusively reveal has not made the number one spot). Even Jingle Bells is pretty heavy on the delights of winter equestrianism and light on any actual Xmas references.

Because Xmas music is a fuzzy category, there are plenty of songs that can be in or out of the set depending on who’s making the distinctions. 

When I worked as a bartender, back in the days of CDs, we had the Best of the Pogues album behind the bar. Inevitably, if ever the familiar piano chords of the opening track would start to play, you could guarantee some member of the public would pipe up: “Why are you playing Christmas music in July?” But for me, A Fairytale of New York is a Xmas song that is not just for Xmas - it’s great all year round. 

But Fairytale of New York is not the Pogues’ best Xmas song. That honour goes to…

Number 2: Dark Streets of London by the Pogues

“Now the winter comes down, I can't stand the chill

That comes to the streets around Christmastime.

I'm buggered to damnation and I haven't got a penny

To wander the dark streets of London.”

Honourable mention should go to Thousands Are Sailing which is frequently my favourite Pogues track and includes the line "...from rooms that daylight never sees, where lights don't glow on Christmas trees..." I feel like Shane Macgowan really had a handle on Xmas lyrically and wasn't afraid to reference it in unexpected places, including songs about failed relationships, troubled souls feeling lonely in capital cities, and the Irish immigrant experience in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Have I missed any Pogues Christmas references? Let me know in the comments here or on Facebook.