Christmas B-Sides
Not so Christmassy Christmas Songs
We pause this Music Swap Christmas break to bring you a special edition Bonus Track from our very own Adam Tait on some unconventional Christmas tunes.
Merry Christmas, from the Music Swap!
Bonus Track: “Is This Christmas?” by Adam Tait
The boys of the NYPD choir
Still singing Galway Bay
And the bells are ringing out
For Christmas day
Is this Christmas?
Music has a unique way of touching our lives. It can set the mood for various occasions, help us celebrate, or even provide comfort during times of mourning. Sometimes, songs take on meanings they were never intended to have. Even Christmas music has a category for this phenomenon.
I've collaborated with a few others to create a playlist of songs that, while not traditional Christmas tunes, still have some connection to the holiday. These songs mention Christmas in some way, but they don't necessarily fit into the classic Christmas music category.
I've selected three of my personal favorites from this playlist to share with you, along with the reasons why I love them. You might wonder why anyone would want to listen to songs that only vaguely reference Christmas during the holiday season. Well, I'm here to add a bit of quirkiness to your playlist. If you're a regular reader of the Swap, you know my music choices often come from left field, and Christmas is no exception.
My hope is that you'll leave here today with a broader selection of songs to enjoy during the Christmas season. Happy listening!
Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis
This tune, originally written and recorded by Tom Waits in 1978 for the album Blue Valentine, frequently appears in Goose/Orebolo setlists, which is where I first heard it. It's a song that demands to be experienced in its entirety, as it weaves a vivid and wild narrative throughout. The song builds to a clever and climactic close. We all receive Christmas cards from people that leave us puzzled, and I particularly enjoy how Rick Mitarotonda performs this song in the version below.
Christmas in Prison
John Prine had a deep affection for Christmas, so much so that he kept a Christmas tree up in his house all year round. Widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Prine wrote a song that beautifully intertwines themes of Christmas and love. He once mentioned that the character in the song might not literally be in a jail cell, but rather in a situation that prevents them from being with their loved one. Whenever I listen to Prine, I marvel at his creative genius. There will never be another like him, so listen to this song with an open heart.
Fairytale of New York
Kirsty MacColl teamed up with The Pogues to create a timeless Christmas classic beloved in the UK and Ireland. I recently discovered this gem, and it's incredibly catchy. Shane MacGowan's opening lines genuinely sound like they were recorded in a drunk tank. This song has become a staple sing-along, likely belted out at countless pub lock-ins over the years. It's the kind of tune that makes you want to jump up and dance a jig. So happy Christmas, I love you baby!
Shane MacGowan passed away on November 30, 2023. At his funeral, Irish singers Glen Hansard and Lisa O'Neill performed a moving rendition of Fairytale of New York. I’ve included it here. It showcases the power of music - what else could cause people to dance at a funeral?
You can listen to the rest of my “Is This Christmas?” songs here:
Be sure to drop a song we missed in the comments!
PS: Looking for more weird Christmas songs? Check out this playlist!
Adam Tait is American by birth but Southern by the grace of God. He currently resides in Louisville, KY, with his wife, Maggie, and their two sons, Thomas and Harvey. These days, he prefers jam bands and hopes that 2025 will be chock full of concerts.