NEW YORK — For many Australians, December 21 is known as “Gravy Day,” a title stemming from a memorable lyric in one of the most unexpected Christmas songs ever composed.
“How to Make Gravy,” created by musician Paul Kelly, has solidified its status as a beloved holiday tune in Australia over the years. This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referenced the song while announcing the release of five incarcerated drug traffickers, and a film inspired by the song has recently been released.
Jeff Jenkins, a writer for an Australian publication, recently remarked that it has become the country’s most cherished Christmas song.
The narrative unfolds inside a prison, with the lyrics originating from a letter an inmate sends to his brother, sharing a recipe for their family’s Christmas feast. However, the song delves into deeper themes, as “Joe” reflects on feelings of regret, longing, fear, humor, and the universal holiday sentiment of yearning to be with loved ones.
The inmate’s letter is written on December 21, described in the second line of the song, “and now they’re ringing the last bells.”
**The Inspiration Behind ‘Gravy Day’**
Paul Kelly penned “How to Make Gravy” in 1996 after being invited to contribute to a charity holiday album. Originally, he intended to perform a cover of The Band’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight,” but since it was already taken, he chose to create lyrics for a melody he had in mind.
His inspiration stemmed from cherished holiday music, notably the iconic album “A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector,” and Darlene Love’s rendition of “White Christmas,” which features a rarely included first verse highlighting longing for a winter wonderland from sunny Los Angeles.
“There’s a clue,” Kelly noted during a TED talk discussing the song’s origins, spurring him on to write.
**The Story Behind ‘Gravy Day’**
Within the song, Joe envisions family gatherings occurring without him and ponders, “Who’s going to make the gravy now?” expressing concern that the dish won’t taste the same as he shares his recipe, borrowed from a former father-in-law.
He asks his brother to convey love to the family and expresses remorse for past mistakes, sharing humorous local gossip and his concern for his wife. The message culminates in a promise of retribution, “I’m gonna pay ‘em all back.”
**An Unconventional Holiday Anthem with Lasting Impact**
Kelly’s songwriting reveals influences from Shakespeare, combining elements of humor and seriousness. The emotional depth of the song struck a chord with Kelly’s real brother, who shared a story of how he had to pull over upon hearing it for the first time, overwhelmed with emotion.
Despite being a holiday song lacking traditional elements like mistletoe or catchy choruses, audiences frequently requested “Gravy” at concerts throughout the year. Some fans have taken to placing cans of gravy on their porches each year on December 21.
“I can’t predict which songs will resonate with my audience,” Kelly remarked in a recent interview, labeling “Gravy” as a quintessential example.
The song’s focus on family connections serves as its most significant theme. Kelly himself gathers with his large family each Christmas to sing carols. Bella O’Grady, a 27-year-old who moved to New York City and attended one of Kelly’s concerts, expressed that “How to Make Gravy” always evokes heartwarming feelings associated with holiday celebrations.
The song’s emotional journey also aligns with the warm Australian Christmas climate, where December marks the start of summer, highlighted by a mention of expected 100-degree heat on Christmas Day.
**Gravy Day in Australia This Year**
Prime Minister Albanese embraced the concept of “Gravy Day” in his recent announcement regarding the five men imprisoned for heroin smuggling from Indonesia in 2005. He remarked on the emotional struggles of families who have had loved ones incarcerated over many Christmases, underscoring the sentiments evoked by Kelly’s song.
Nick Waterman crafted a film inspired by “How to Make Gravy”, which debuted on the Australian streaming platform Binge, and is also being screened in select theaters for free over “Gravy Day” weekend.
Curious about that famous gravy recipe? The song suggests, “Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don’t forget a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang.”
It’s all in the music.