Spending this Christmas abroad and want some homegrown talent to transport you back? Or maybe you just can’t get enough of the artists on your doorstep. Either way, there really are some cracking Christmas songs by Irish performers out there. To name but a few, here are some great Christmas songs by Irish artists.
Autamata – Liberty Bell
Not to be confused with the Fontaines D.C. song of the same name. This song from 2005 may be a bit of a forgotten gem, but it’s certainly a Christmas tune worth playing. Hot Press wrote about the song in 2005 saying, “Given that Christmas seemed to start around the end of August, it’s perhaps no great crime to be talking about Liberty Bell in terms of being one of the great alternative records of the season, even if it is only mid-November.” This song will take you on a spin around parts of Dublin City, with lyrics like “At Christchurch Christmas knell / I’m passing the Liberty Bell” among descriptions of market places and traders.
Picture This – This Christmas
After a stellar 2016 for this Kildare duo, they dropped a Christmas song with The Line-Up Choir. This Christmas is mellow yet sentimental. The lyrics ring home for many who may be wondering what a love interest is up to at the holidays. It starts off by asking questions about the place the other person is staying, followed by the time they spend with their family. The chorus, however, is where the unfortunate reality comes together. It says, “And it’s a wonderful time / To make you mine / Though I know it’s not that easy”. Followed by the heartbreaking, “I hope that you find love / And all you’re dreaming of / This Christmas.”
The Irish Rovers – Bells Over Belfast
This song, written by George Millar and performed by the Irish/Canadian folk band The Irish Rovers is an upbeat tribute to peace. It celebrates Christmas and New Years in Belfast, despite the differences that may face the area throughout the year. Millar sings, “People have their customs, religions and their laws / But we can stand together now / United in one cause”. The final chorus seeks out the enjoyment of the holidays with those around us, drinking “to health and happiness”. Peace is the most important thing for the time of year. “We’ll put our differences aside / Our troubles all behind / And take a cup of kindness yet / For days of Auld Lang Syne.”
The Pogues – Fairytale of New York
Ah, how could we not include Fairytale of New York? One of the most iconic songs about the Christmas period, this one from 1987 is regularly voted the best holiday song in Ireland and the UK. Some of the lyrics have faced controversy in recent years, but the rest will have people singing and dancing along – especially when the traditional music begins. It also captures the Irish diaspora abroad. JOE.ie describes it as, “An idyllic song about two people living away in a foreign country who can only rely on each other to make it in the sometimes cruel but mesmeric metropolis that is New York.”
Frank Kelly – Christmas Countdown (12 Days of Christmas)
Despite it not being a traditional “song”, Christmas Countdown is certainly a brilliant one. It’s based around 12 letters written by one Gobnait O’Lúnasa to Nuala. Unfortunately for him, she doesn’t seem to be receiving the message in them. In each letter, he reveals the bizarre gifts she has left for him. These include four calling birds, three French hens and two turtle doves. (You can probably guess what else he’s getting from her). O’Lúnasa becomes increasingly angry and distraught with Nuala as he and his mother become overruled by the ten drummers drumming and the eleven Lords-a-leaping. What initially begins as an affectionate thank you note to her becomes the complete opposite. He starts to call her all sorts of names including manure-face and slurry head. A definite addition for any Irish Christmas playlist!
What’s your favourite Christmas song by an Irish artist? Let us know down in the comments!
