Father Christmas (song) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Father Christmas" |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||
| Single by the Kinks | ||||
| B-side | "Prince of the Punks" | |||
| Released | 25 November 1977 | |||
| Recorded | Begun 1976, completed October 1977 at Konk Studios, Hornsey, London | |||
| Genre | Punk rock, Christmas, power pop | |||
| Length | 3:45 | |||
| Label | Arista 153 (UK) Arista AS 0296 (US) |
|||
| Songwriter(s) | Ray Davies | |||
| Producer(s) | Ray Davies | |||
| the Kinks singles chronology | ||||
|
||||
"Father Christmas" is a popular song by the English rock band the Kinks. It was released in 1977. The song tells a story about a department store Father Christmas (like a Mall Santa). He meets a group of kids who are not asking for toys. Instead, they want money and jobs for their parents. They suggest giving the toys to "the little rich boys" because toys aren't practical for them.
Contents
Song Story and Meaning
The song "Father Christmas" is sung from the point of view of a Mall Santa. He is approached by working-class kids. They tell him to save his presents for "the little rich boys." They ask for money and jobs for their parents instead.
The Kinks' Inspiration
Dave Davies, the guitarist for The Kinks, talked about the song. He liked its humor, energy, and a bit of sadness. He remembered his own parents struggling during Christmas. They worked hard to make ends meet. He felt there was something not quite real about the holiday.
Live Performances
When The Kinks performed "Father Christmas" live, the singer Ray Davies would often dress up. He wore a full Father Christmas outfit. This made the song even more fun for the audience.
Music Style
The song has a punk-like sound. It features strong guitar parts. Dave Davies said that "Father Christmas" was special to him. It gave him a chance to add interesting guitar riffs. The song also includes Christmas bells. These bells help create a holiday feeling.
Release Details
The single was released in November 1977. A music video was made for the song. In the video, Ray Davies played the main character, Father Christmas.
Song's Impact and Covers
"Father Christmas" has become a well-known song. Many other bands have performed their own versions of it.
Famous Covers
Some bands that have covered "Father Christmas" include Green Day, Bad Religion, and Cheap Trick. Jazz singer Jacqui Naylor also included the song on her 2007 album.
Appearances in Media
The song has been featured in several TV shows and movies.
- It was in a TV advertisement for the movie Unaccompanied Minors.
- It appeared in episodes of the TV series That '70s Show and Bob's Burgers.
- The song was also in the 2008 comedy film Step Brothers.
Album Inclusions
You can find "Father Christmas" on a few albums.
- It was part of the Arista compilation album Come Dancing with The Kinks.
- It is also a bonus track on the CD reissue of The Kinks' 1978 album Misfits.
- The band Warrant covered the song on a Christmas tribute album called We Wish You a Hairy Christmas.
