The song Kirsty MacColl called “glorious and tragic at the same time”
When exploring the domain of folk singer-songwriters, Kirsty MacColl frequently emerges in conversations about the most exceptional talents. This is because MacColl undeniably left a vast imprint in the music sphere, captivating audiences with her unique vocals, emotive songwriting, and spirited stage presence.
MacColl’s musical versatility was evident across genres, effortlessly navigating through folk, pop, and rock with equal finesse. Her collaborations with various artists, including the late Shane MacGowan and The Pogues on the Christmas classic ‘Fairytale of New York’, highlighted her ability to infuse emotion and depth into her work, leaving an enduring impact on many.
Beyond her distinctive voice and musical talent, MacColl was celebrated for her candid and often thought-provoking lyricism. Her songs often explored themes of love, loss, and societal issues, resonating with audiences on a profound level. Tracks like ‘There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis’ and ‘Walking Down Madison’, for instance, showcased her lyrical dexterity and storytelling prowess.
With a discerning ear for fellow vocal talents, MacColl notably admired the skill of Lou Reed. In fact, MacColl draws inspiration from one song in particular, a simple composition alluding to Reed’s romantic endeavours alongside his own conflicts with drug use and ego. Crafted for his 1972 album, Transformer, ‘Perfect Day’ emerged as an unexpectedly tender creation by the singer, weaving lyrics abundant in carefree romanticism.
However, embedded within these verses is a notable undercurrent of reality. Legend has it that the ex-Velvet Underground frontman penned ‘Perfect Day’ following a stroll in Central Park with Betty Kronstad, his fiancé, who also took on the role of Reed’s lighting designer during the Transformer tour.
Speaking to The Independent, Kronstad recalled how Reed wrote ‘Perfect Day’ about “a day we spent together in the park, exactly as he says in the song. We had become officially engaged around then”.
Detailing further, she added: “Although it appears to be a simple love song, its brilliance lies in the suggestion that love between consenting adults is never simple, always complex. He has said the most important lines of ‘Perfect Day’ are, ‘You made me forget myself. I thought I was someone else, someone good.'”
In MacColl’s eyes, the song’s poignancy deepened when she was searching for a song to sing with Evan Dando of the Lemonheads for her greatest hits. When explaining why she chose this specific song, she emphasised its strength deriving from its contrasting elements. “[‘Perfect Day’] is glorious and tragic at the same time,” she said, adding: “Of course it’s a bit weird that it’s a drug song, especially for Evan.”
Nonetheless, their version remained loyal to the original, except, of course, for their vocalisation in place of Reed’s. “It doesn’t need cannons going off to have drama,” MacColl stated, and that’s exactly it: she felt no need to alter the original because, in her eyes, it was already flawless.
