Australia Celebrates ‘Gravy Day’ and Paul Kelly Holiday Song \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy” has become an enduring Australian Christmas classic, celebrated every December 21 as “Gravy Day.” The poignant song tells the story of a prisoner’s heartfelt letter to his family, mixing humor, regret, and holiday nostalgia. This year, the tradition expands with a film based on the song and Prime Minister Albanese referencing its themes in a high-profile decision.
Paul Kelly’s ‘How to Make Gravy’: Quick Looks
- Song Origins: Written in 1996 for a holiday album, it’s now a cherished Christmas staple.
- Narrative: A prisoner’s letter to his brother reflects on family, regret, and a recipe for gravy.
- Gravy Day: Celebrated annually on December 21, the date mentioned in the song’s lyrics.
- New Movie: Filmmaker Nick Waterman created a film inspired by the song’s characters, airing on Binge.
- National Icon: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cited the song while announcing clemency for prisoners.
Deep Look
The Song That Started It All
Paul Kelly wrote “How to Make Gravy” in 1996 when asked to contribute to a holiday album for charity. Initially intending to cover “Christmas Must Be Tonight” by The Band, Kelly pivoted when the song was already claimed. Drawing inspiration from Darlene Love’s “White Christmas” on Phil Spector’s holiday album, he penned a song unlike any other holiday tune—a heartfelt letter from a prisoner to his brother.
In the song, the narrator, “Joe,” writes on December 21, reflecting on the Christmas gathering he’ll miss. He imagines his family’s celebration, from gossip about Mary’s boyfriend to dancing after dinner, while expressing longing, regret, and paranoia. Central to the narrative is Joe’s recipe for gravy: “Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don’t forget a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang.”
Gravy Day’s Emotional Core
The song captures the complexities of the holiday season—joy, regret, longing, and love—through Joe’s perspective. He pleads with his brother to look after his wife, Rita, and sends love to extended family members. Yet, moments of humor surface as he mocks Mary’s new boyfriend for failing to appreciate Nina Simone. Kelly’s deft blend of drama and levity reflects his love for Shakespeare, an influence evident in the song’s structure and tone.
“How to Make Gravy” resonates because of its universal themes of family and redemption. Yet, it remains distinctly Australian, with references to sweltering Christmas heat (“I hear it’s going to be 100 degrees”) grounding it in the Southern Hemisphere. For Australians, the song captures the essence of their summer holiday celebrations.
A Song That Made History
This December, “Gravy Day” has taken on new dimensions. Filmmaker Nick Waterman’s movie, inspired by the song’s characters, is airing on the Australian streaming platform Binge. The film adds depth to Joe’s story, imagining the world behind the lyrics and bringing new life to a cherished classic. As a tribute to its cultural significance, the movie is being screened for free in select theaters during the “Gravy Day” weekend.
Political and Cultural Impact
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invoked “How to Make Gravy” in a high-profile political decision this year, referencing its themes of family and incarceration. Announcing clemency for five prisoners convicted in 2005 of heroin smuggling, Albanese drew parallels to Kelly’s lyrics. “Australians sing the great Paul Kelly song about having someone in jail over Christmas,” he said, adding, “Who’s going to make the gravy? These families had their loved ones in jail for 20 Christmases, and that was enough.”
The Magic of the Gravy Recipe
The song’s recipe for gravy is simple but central to its charm: “Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don’t forget a dollop of tomato sauce.” Over the years, fans have embraced the recipe, sharing it during holiday celebrations as part of their own traditions. For many, “How to Make Gravy” isn’t just a song—it’s a reminder of the small but meaningful connections that make the holidays special.
A Holiday Staple That Defies Convention
Unlike most holiday songs, “How to Make Gravy” skips the mistletoe and holly for raw emotion and vivid storytelling. Its unconventional structure—without a chorus—only adds to its uniqueness. Yet, its emotional core, evoking family gatherings and heartfelt longing, has cemented it as a cultural touchstone in Australia.
Conclusion
Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy” has become more than a song—it’s a cornerstone of Australian Christmas celebrations, with “Gravy Day” marking a unique cultural tradition. From its emotional lyrics to its simple recipe for gravy, the song continues to resonate with audiences, inspiring movies, political references, and heartfelt memories. As Australians celebrate another “Gravy Day” this December 21, Kelly’s masterpiece stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring importance of family.
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