Song written by Kate Bush. The song was originally recorded in 1979 and premiered during the Christmas Special in December 1979, but it was not officially released until 17 November 1980, when ‘December Will Be Magic Again’ was issued as the follow-up to Army Dreamers.
Versions
In addition to the studio version on the single release, another very different cut exists with bongos and slide whistles on the rhythm track. This version has only been released on Christmas compilation CD’s.
Music video
Despite the single release, no music video for ‘December Will Be Magic Again’ exists.
Performances
Kate performed ‘December Will Be Magic Again’ on television twice: the first performance took place during the Christmas Snowtime Special, broadcast by BBC television (UK) on December 22, 1979. In it, Kate, dressed in a red suit, sits in a large wicker chair with red velvet upholstery. She uses some imitation snow to emphasize a few lines from the song. The second performance, during the Christmas Special called Kate, broadcast on December 28, 1979, features Kate on piano and Kevin McAlea on keyboards and electric piano.
Cover versions
‘December Will Be Magic Again’ was covered by Kathleen Bielawski, Juice, Goodknight Productions, Liquid Pickles and Chuck White.
Highest chart positions
Germany: 55
Ireland: 13
UK: 29
Lyrics
December will be magic again
Take a husky to the ice
While Bing Crosby sings White Christmas
He makes you feel nice
December will be magic again
Old Saint Nicholas up the chimney
Just a-popping up in my memory
Ooh, dropping down in my parachute
The white city, she is so beautiful
Upon the black-soot icicled roofs
Ooh, and see how I fall
See how I fall
(“Fall!”) [backwards]
Like the snow
Come to cover the lovers
(Cover the lovers,
But don’t you wake them up)
Come to sparkle the dark up
(Sparkle the dark up
With just a touch of make-up)
Come to cover the muck up
(Cover the muck up
Ooh, with a little luck)
December will be magic again
Light the candle-lights
To conjure Mr. Wilde
Into the Silent Night
Ooh, it’s quiet inside
Here in Oscar’s mind
December will be magic again
Don’t miss the brightest star
Kiss under mistletoe
I want to hear you laugh
Don’t let the mystery go now
Ooh, dropping down in my parachute
The white city, she is so beautiful
Upon the black-soot icicled roofs
Ooh, and see how I fall
See how I fall
(“Fall!”) [backwards]
Like the snow
Come to cover the lovers
(Cover the lovers
But don’t you wake them up)
Come to sparkle the dark up
(Sparkle the dark up
With just a touch of make-up)
Come to cover the muck up
(Cover the muck up
Ooh, with a little luck)
Oh, I’m coming to cover the lovers
Ooh, and I’m coming to sparkle the dark up
Ooh, and I’m coming to cover the muck up
