Out of the many Christmas classics created by rock ‘n’ rollers, Paul McCartney’s song “Wonderful Christmastime” is arguably the most popular. Released in November 1979, the song became an immediate success. In addition to putting people in the Christmas spirit, the song peaked at No. 6 on the chart and remained in the top 10 for three weeks.
Despite all of the public recognition it seemingly would get and did get. It seems McCartney made this song for reasons far more important than public reception and praise. Rather, it seems McCartney holds the holiday in a highly regarded place, and it’s thanks to his upbringing in Liverpool, England.
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Why Paul McCartney Wanted to Make a Christmas Song
In an interview with PaulMcCartney.Com, McCartney stated, “I like the idea of Christmas songs purely because they only come around at Christmas” and “They remind us of the fun atmosphere of the whole season.”
In regards to the hit sensation it became, Paul McCartney really had no ambition to create a song that would become such a staple Christmas hit. Instead, he was simply trying to create a song encompassing the Christmas spirit. “When I was writing ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ I was trying to capture that party aspect,” stated McCartney. He humorously added, “Sometimes people will go into a shop and hear it a little too much, but I don’t care! I’m happy!”
Looking Back on His Childhood
McCartney acknowledges how his youth had a major role in the creation of the song. When asked about what inspired the lyrics, The mood is right / The spirit’s up, McCartney stated, “I’m thinking about Liverpool Christmas parties, that’s really all I’m doing with that song.” He added, “You know, all the stuff you do at Christmas. Particularly with my old Liverpool family parties.”
That being so, McCartney always holds Christmas in near and dear space, and the music of the season is one of the premier reasons for its importance. Matter of fact, McCartney recorded an album just for his family to play every year at Christmas. “I now have this album I pull out every year, and it’s a bit of fun for the kids when we’re carving the veggie roast” and “I’ll stick it on and it means Christmas is here. It’s quite a cute little record actually! But it’s just for the family,” stated Paul McCartney.
It’s not clear as to when he recorded the album, however, this interview was two years ago. So, don’t expect to hear that album anytime soon, if ever.
Photo by Jeremy Grayson/Radio Times via Getty Images
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