who wrote fairytale of new york

“Fairytale of New York” was written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer of The Pogues.

Quick Scoop: The Essentials

• The song was co‑written by Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan (lyrics and vocal melody) and banjo player Jem Finer (initial concept and main tune).

• It was recorded by The Pogues as a duet featuring singer Kirsty MacColl and released as a single in November 1987.

• The track later appeared on the Pogues’ 1988 album If I Should Fall from Grace with God , cementing its status as a modern Christmas classic.

A Bit of Backstory

• Finer first came up with the melody and original idea, then MacGowan reshaped it, giving it a more Broadway‑style melodic feel and writing the final lyrics.

• The title was inspired by J. P. Donleavy’s 1973 novel A Fairy Tale of New York , which was lying around the studio while the song was being developed.

TL;DR: Who wrote “Fairytale of New York”?
Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer of The Pogues are the credited songwriters.

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