Its popularity has also spread worldwide, reaching No.18 in Japan, No.2 in Norway and hitting the top spot in Slovenia. Since 2007, however, the song has entered the UK Top 40 every festive period, peaking at No.11 in 2018. He then added it to his 1988 compilation, New Light Through Old Windows.ĭespite being a radio hit, Driving Home For Christmas didn’t reach the Top 40, but it became a slow burner over the years. Despite receiving no promotion itself, the Hello Friends B-side gained attention from radio DJs, prompting Rea to re-record an amped-up version of the song with a jazzy intro and a string arrangement that gave it a distinctive 50s Christmas carol feel. Though he finished the song with Van Morrison in mind, Rea ended up recording it himself. It wasn’t until almost a decade later, when Rea was messing around while testing pianos with keyboardist Max Middleton, that he played something jazzy, delved back into his collection of unfinished songs and found the Driving Home For Christmas lyrics to be a perfect fit. When they got back to Middlesbrough at 3am, however, the sheet containing these lyrics was placed in a pile with many other unfinished songs, and was swiftly forgotten about.
#CHRIS REA HOME FOR CHRISTMAS DRIVERS#
Amused by the how miserable the other drivers locked, Rea began to sing in a cheery tone, “We’re driving home for Christmas…” noting down lyrics whenever enough light shone into the car. In true Christmas fashion, however, it began to snow, which caused heavy traffic on the motorway. Keen to get home in time to enjoy the holidays together, the pair set off on their return journey as soon as they were reunited. Just when he thought all hope was lost, his wife offered to brave the 250-mile journey by car, driving her Austin Mini all the way to London in order to bring Chris home. His record contract was almost up, and the record company didn’t supply him with a train ticket home to Middlesbrough.
Rea had been recording at Abbey Road Studios in late 1978, but found himself down on his luck when his manager left him. Explaining the experience to The Guardian, Rea’s inspiration sounded like a classic festive film plot that begins with him struggling get home to spend the holidays with his loved ones, until a Christmas miracle saves the day. Written eight years before it saw the light of day, Driving Home For Christmas was inspired by Chris Rea, well, making his way home for Christmas, funnily enough.
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