Paul Kelly

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hello Dan, it's Joe here
I hope you're keeping well
It's the 21st of December
And now they're ringing the last bells
If I get good behaviour
I'll be out of here by July
Won't you kiss my kids on Christmas Day?
Please don't let 'em cry for me

[Verse 2]
I guess the brothers are driving down from Queensland
And Stella's flying in from the coast
They say it's gonna be a hundred degrees, even more maybe
But that won't stop the roast
Who's gonna make the gravy now?
I bet it won't taste the same
Just add flour, salt, a little red wine
And don't forget a dollop of tomato sauce
For sweetness and that extra tang

[Chorus 1]
And give my love to Angus, and to Frank and Dolly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry, I screwed up this time
And look after Rita, I'll be thinking of her
Early Christmas morning when I'm standing in line
[Verse 3]
I hear Mary's got a new boyfriend
I hope he can hold his own
Do you remember the last one? What was his name again?
Ahh, just a little too much cologne
And Roger, you know I'm even gonna miss Roger
'Cause there's sure as hell no one in here I want to fight

[Chorus 2]
Oh, praise the Baby Jesus, have a Merry Christmas
I'm really gonna miss it, all the treasure and the trash
And later in the evening, I can just imagine
You'll put on Junior Murvin and push the tables back

[Chorus 3]
And you'll dance with Rita, I know you really like her
Just don't hold her too close
Oh, brother, please don't stab me in the back
I didn't mean to say that, it's just my mind it plays up
Multiplies each matter, turns imagination into fact

[Chorus 4]
You know I love her badly, she's the one to save me
I'm gonna make some gravy, I'm gonna taste the fat
Ahh, tell her that I'm sorry, yeah, I love her badly
Tell 'em all I'm sorry, and kiss the sleepy children for me
You know one of these days, I'll be making gravy
I'll be making plenty, I'm gonna pay 'em all back
[Outro]
Yeah, do-do-do-do, do-do
Do-do-do-do, do-do

How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly is a heartfelt and poignant song that takes listeners on a journey through the narrative of Joe, a man who finds himself incarcerated over Christmas. Despite his circumstances, Joe remains connected to his family through the tradition of making gravy for their Christmas meal. In a touching twist, Joe opts to write a letter to his brother, Dan, detailing the recipe for making the gravy and reminiscing about their family's cherished Christmas traditions.

The song is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully captures the complexities of family and the longing for connection during the holiday season. Paul Kelly's soulful vocals and evocative songwriting make "How to Make Gravy" a timeless piece of music that resonates with listeners of all backgrounds.

About How to Make Gravy

Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" skillfully merges a compelling narrative with heartfelt lyrics and a memorable melody. The song opens with Joe's letter to his brother, Dan, written from behind bars, where he reflects on his incarceration and sends his love and holiday greetings. As Joe reminisces about their family's Christmas traditions, the lyrics are infused with nostalgia and longing, creating a bittersweet atmosphere.

Throughout the song, Joe shares the recipe for making gravy, providing step-by-step instructions to Dan just as he would if they were together. This act not only showcases Joe's love for his family but also highlights the significance of food and traditions in bringing people together, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Paul Kelly's masterful storytelling is evident in the vivid imagery and raw emotions portrayed in "How to Make Gravy." The lyrics paint a picture of a family gathering, where the warmth of the kitchen and the aromas of Christmas fill the air. Joe's letter captures the essence of these moments, evoking a sense of nostalgia and unity that strikes a chord with listeners.

The song's melody further enhances its emotional impact. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar sets the tone, while Kelly's soulful and heartfelt vocals infuse each word with depth and sincerity. The simplicity of the musical arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, ensuring that every word resonates with listeners.

One of the standout elements of "How to Make Gravy" is its relatability. The themes of family, love, loss, and longing are universal, touching the hearts of anyone who has experienced separation or yearned for connection during the holiday season. The lyrics capture the essence of the human experience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and traditions.

Moreover, the song's structure and pacing enhance its storytelling capabilities. The slow and steady progression draws listeners in, creating a sense of anticipation as Joe's letter unfolds. The lyrics are carefully crafted to maintain the song's momentum, allowing each verse to build upon the emotions of the previous one.

In addition to its emotional depth, "How to Make Gravy" also demonstrates Paul Kelly's versatility as a songwriter. While it may fall into the folk or singer-songwriter genre, the song incorporates elements of country and blues, offering a unique and captivating musical experience. This fusion of genres adds a layer of richness to the storytelling, making the song all the more compelling.

Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" is a testament to the power of music to evoke strong emotions and tell captivating stories. Through its heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and memorable melody, the song captures the essence of family, love, and longing during the holiday season. Whether you have experienced similar moments or simply appreciate well-crafted music, "How to Make Gravy" is a must-listen that will leave a lasting impact.

• Release Date: November 4, 1996
• Artist: Paul Kelly