LIKE the song itself, the furore over the lyrics of Fairytale Of New York has become a Christmas staple.
Now the BBC has kicked off the festive debate early — by playing an edited version on Radio 1 to avoid offending younger listeners.
The Pogues’ 1987 hit — a duet between Shane MacGowan and the late Kirsty MacColl — includes the lyrics ‘You cheap lousy faggot’. The Radio 1 version will say ‘You’re old and you’re haggard’ and also silence the word slut. Meanwhile, Radio 2 will play the original lyrics and presenters on 6 Music will be allowed to make their own decision.
Actor Laurence Fox, a campaigner against what he calls ‘woke ideology’ tweeted: ‘Here we go again. The culture commissars at the @bbc are telling you what is and isn’t appropriate for your ignorant little ears.’
But a comment on The Pogues’ official feed replied: ‘F*** off you little herrenvolk s***e.’