On the Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), singer Hozier performed the popular holiday song “Fairytale of New York” in a special way that moved many fans. The song, originally by the Pogues, has been a Christmas favorite since it was first released in 1987. Hozier’s performance was not only beautiful but also a tribute to the Pogues’ lead singer Shane MacGowan, who passed away in 2013, and to Kirsty MacColl, who sang the song with him.
Many fans shared their thoughts on social media, praising Hozier’s version. One fan wrote, “Hozier performing Fairytale of New York has to be the most Irish thing ever, and I’m here for it.” Another fan, Sinéad O’Brien, called it a “gorgeous version” and said it did justice to the original artists.
In his performance, Hozier made some changes to the lyrics of the song. One part of the original song had words that many people now consider offensive. The line “You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot” was changed to “You scumbag, you maggot, you’re cheap and you’re haggard.” This new line was more respectful, and one of Hozier’s backup singers even gave a wink when they sang it, making the moment lighthearted.
The original song had also included another line that many people now find hurtful: “You’re an old slut on junk.” This line is no longer sung in modern performances of the song.
Fairytale of New York is about two characters reflecting on their lives during Christmas. Shane MacGowan, who wrote the song, once explained that it was inspired by old Irish-American Broadway stars who would sit around at Christmas and talk about how their lives were going. The song mixes humor with sadness, making it a unique holiday tune that people love.
Hozier’s performance was a tribute to this special song, but also made it more suitable for today’s listeners. Some fans even suggested that the word “bowdlerize” (which means to change a piece of writing to remove things that are seen as offensive) should be the word of the day in honor of the changes to the lyrics.
Before performing Fairytale of New York, Hozier also sang a song called “Too Sweet” from his 2024 EP Unheard. This song showed off Hozier’s talent for writing deep, emotional music, which is why so many people love his work.
Hozier’s appearance on SNL added something extra to the Christmas celebration. His version of Fairytale of New York brought new life to an old favorite, while also making it more respectful for everyone. His performance showed that music can change over time but still hold onto its special meaning.
Fans who watched the show will remember how Hozier’s heartfelt performance honored the past and brought people together through the power of music.
