Christmas wouldn't be complete without the belter that is Fairytale of New York. Arguably the best Christmas song of all time, Ed Sheeran made a brave move when he tackled The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl classic on the BBC1 Live Lounge yesterday (Dec 12).
If Fairytale of New York isn’t your fav Xmas song then you have a 98.7% chance of being adopted.
— Aaron Lee (@aaronlee_96) December 11, 2017
Let's be honest, the reaction was always going to be mixed. There's no way anyone could compete with the grittiness of the original version, nor should anyone try. The drunken hymn about broken dreams, hopes long gone and recriminations is high up there on a musical pedestal, along with all the other modern classics.
But in fairness, Sheeran didn't try to emulate the original. He just sang it straight up, with the help of Anne-Marie and Beoga.
Perfectly aware of the response he was going to get, before performing the song Sheeran said:
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It’s a cover that you shouldn’t really touch … I’m going to get murdered for doing this cover. BUT it’s Christmas!”
Couldn't be more excited for @edsheeran covering my favourite Christmas song .... Fairytale of New York ? on @BBCR1 #LiveLounge
— Caitlin Pringle (@caitlinpringle) December 12, 2017
Oh my god my fave song ???❤❤❤
— princess li ☆ flicker (@rainbowpinharry) December 12, 2017
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Don't know what I love more-the cover he's chosen,his Christmas jumper or the man himself!
— Bengta (@bengta_b) December 12, 2017
Listening to the @BBCR1 livelounge and legit hugged my speakers the second @edsheeran began to sing
— S·K·Y (@BabySkyen) December 12, 2017
@edsheeran singing Fairytale of New York has made my Christmas ? @BBCR1 #LiveLounge
— Laura Clarke (@LauraHannnah) December 12, 2017
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Is there anything more perfect than listening to @edsheeran's #LiveLounge? @BBCR1 pic.twitter.com/V3GyAHm0Mo
— Sonia Razvi (@soniarazvi) December 12, 2017
While others weren't as enamoured with the latest version of the song.
Phase II of the #Brexit negotiations - and the EU has to stand behind Ireland on stopping Ed Sheeran singing Fairytale of New York #TheFecker
— Joe O'Sleigh (@josefoshea) December 13, 2017
An Ed Sheeran cover of Fairytale Of New York. Haven't even heard it and Christmas is fucking ruined.
— Ro (@ronandusty) December 12, 2017
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Ed Sheeran has butchered Fairytale of New York
— IanGogo (@iangogo3) December 13, 2017
The brits can't invade us again bc of the EU so they made Ed Sheeran cover Galway Girl and Fairytale of New York and tbh it's worse
— Christmas Turkey Ad Ham (@RummHammm) December 12, 2017
Ed Sheeran covering Fairytale Of New York is a war crime.
— Cat 'Nazi Tweets Sod Off' Vincent (@catvincent) December 13, 2017
One user reminded us that when the song's on constant loop, it kind of loses its magic.
While you're enjoying Fairytale Of New York this Xmas, spare a thought for the poor bastards in retail who have to hear it 10 times a day.
— Matthew Lawrenson (@seethelizards) December 13, 2017
