Tantalising stories behind some of our most enduring and significant songs.

2/8. In 1987 Shane McGowan and Jem Finer penned the Pogues hit Fairytale of New York. Twenty years on and the song still has Irish emigrants weeping into their pints. It's also become a legacy to the late Kirsty McColl and a perennial Christmas classic.

Songlines delves into the remarkable story behind the song. Show less