Solving ‘Fairytale of New York’ Issue with One Key Solution
While most people recognize Christmas by the last-minute shopping frenzy or snowflakes gently falling, for many, it’s signalled by finding themselves at the end of an eye-rolling argument about the classic song ‘Fairytale of New York’ in a dingy pub. The drunken anthem is undeniably a classic – no one can dispute that. It’s a rarity to meet someone who doesn’t know the lyrics by heart and even more uncommon to find someone who isn’t charmed by its melody. Following the passing of Shane MacGowan last year, there’s little doubt that the tune will be heard even more frequently. The song’s legendary status has been firmly established and isn’t questioned; however, the controversy lies within some of its lyrics.
The Festive Favourite and the Controversy
The festive favorite, arguably the best Christmas song not performed by Mariah Carey, includes the word ‘f****t’. Seen as a homophobic slur by many, certain radio stations have chosen to play only edited versions, while others have turned to Michael Bublé’s renditions instead. Shane defended using the term, stating it was spoken by the “character” played by Kirsty MacColl. He clarified that it was consistent with how Kirsty’s character would talk – “she is not supposed to be a nice or even a wholesome person. She is a woman of a certain generation at a certain time in history, and she is down on her luck and desperate.”
Historical Context and Modern Interpretation
At the time of writing, the lyricist used the word in its older sense. Historically, the term was slang for being lazy or useless in Ireland, suggesting no homophobic intent. However, to claim ignorance about the potential offensiveness of the word is incredibly naïve. Shane and Kirsty, both heterosexual, have likely never experienced the discomfort of being stared at in a crowded pub for 15 seconds while a slur teeters on someone’s lips. They probably haven’t had the word hurled at them as an insult, nor has it marred their coming-out journey.
The Key to Resolving the Controversy
With all this in mind, the Fairytale of New York controversy could be resolved with one thing: context. As a gay man, the inclusion of the slur in Fairytale of New York is, in Shane’s own words, not worth a “second thought”. Yet, it’s quite apparent when some straight individuals seem eager to seize the chance to belt out the slur during the festive season. I don’t have a problem with the lyrics until I see how many straight people demand the right to shout it at the top of their lungs as if they had seen the big red man himself and his nine imaginary reindeers. It has nothing to do with the lyrics and everything to do with how people, who aren’t part of the community it is weaponised against, abuse it.