Leslie Massey
Paul Kelly's How to Make Gravy is an iconic Australian song that was released in 1996 and has become a beloved Christmas classic in the country. The song is written from the perspective of a prisoner, Joe, who is longing to be with his family during the holidays. In the song, Joe writes a letter to his brother, Dan, sharing a gravy recipe and reminiscing about their family's Christmas traditions. The song has taken on new meanings for Australians, with its combination of Christmas tradition and Australiana, and has inspired an unofficial holiday called Gravy Day on December 21.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | How to Make Gravy |
| Artist | Paul Kelly |
| Genre | Folk |
| Album | Songs From The South |
| Year of Release | 1996 |
| Song Length | 5 minutes |
| Inspiration | A Christmas Gift For You from Phil Spector |
| Chorus | No recognisable chorus |
| Setting | Prison |
| Narrator | Joe, an incarcerated man |
| Recipient of the Letter | Dan, Joe's brother |
| Occasion | Christmas |
| Date Mentioned in the Song | 21st of December |
| Gravy Ingredients | Flour, salt, red wine, tomato sauce |
| Film Adaptation | Yes, to be released in late 2024 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The song's writer, Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly is an Australian singer-songwriter born in Adelaide in 1955. He is one of nine children. Kelly's memoir, 'How to Make Gravy', is based on a series of concerts staged in 2004, in which he performed one hundred of his songs in alphabetical order, over four nights. Between songs, Kelly told stories about them, and these tales formed the basis of his memoir. The book consists of one hundred chapters, also in alphabetical order by song title, with lyrics followed by a story inspired by the lyrics. Kelly's memoir has been described as playful, honest, insightful, intimate, and lyrical.
Kelly's song, 'How to Make Gravy', is told from the perspective of Joe, who is incarcerated over Christmas. Joe writes a letter to his brother, Dan, describing how the family traditionally spends Christmas together, and giving instructions on how to make the gravy. The song was written for the charity album 'The Spirit of Christmas' in 1996. Kelly was initially going to cover another song but chose to write his own Christmas track after learning that the one he had selected had already been covered. 'How to Make Gravy' was nominated as 'Song of the Year' at the 1997 Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Awards.
The song has been covered by several artists, including David Miles, Luca Brasi, From Nowhere, Semicolon, Ghostwriters, Karl Broadie, and Lawrence Agar. In 2023, it was announced that the song would be adapted into a film, starring Hugo Weaving, Daniel Henshall, and Agathe Rouselle, among others. The film will be written and directed by Nick Waterman. Kelly titled his 2010 memoirs after the song, and in 2012, he performed it at the AFL Grand Final.
Exploring Australia's Unique Domesticated Animal Heritage
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The character Joe's letter to his brother Dan
Dear Dan,
It's me, Joe. I hope you're keeping well. I'm writing to you on the 21st of December—they're ringing the last bells as I write this. I want to tell you about how to make the gravy for Christmas this year. I know I'm usually the one making it, and I bet it won't taste the same, but I'll walk you through it, step by step.
First, you'll need to gather the ingredients: flour, salt, a little red wine, and don't forget the tomato sauce for that extra tang and sweetness. You know how much I like that tang. I remember the first time I tried that recipe—it was from the father of my first wife, Alan. He passed it down to me, and now I'm passing it down to you. It's the little things, like a good gravy, that keep us connected, even when we're apart.
I hear it's going to be a hundred degrees or more on Christmas Day. I know how much you all love a good roast, no matter the weather. I can just picture you all, driving down from Queensland, with the windows rolled down and the radio blasting. Stella will be flying in from the coast, and the kids will be running around, full of energy. Give them my love, and kiss them for me. Tell them I'll be out by July if I get good behaviour.
Look after Rita for me, brother. I know you like her, but please, don't stab me in the back. Just don't hold her too close, alright? I know it's hard being apart from the family, especially during the holidays. I'll be thinking of you all, and I'll be making gravy again soon, I promise.
Your brother,
Joe
Explore Australia with Royal Caribbean Ships
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The recipe for gravy
Paul Kelly's song "How to Make Gravy" is a Christmas classic in Australia. The song is written from the perspective of a recently incarcerated man, Joe, as he writes a letter to his brother, Dan, from prison. In the song, Joe passes along a recipe for gravy, which is the basis for the song's title. Here is the recipe for gravy as outlined in the song:
To make gravy, start by adding flour and salt to form a base. Then, add a little red wine to enhance the flavour and give it a deeper colour. For a touch of sweetness and extra tang, include a dollop of tomato sauce—specifically, White Crow tomato sauce, as mentioned by Kelly in an interview regarding the inspiration behind the song's recipe. This particular brand was a special touch passed down to Kelly by his former father-in-law, Alan.
The addition of red wine and tomato sauce to the gravy is an interesting twist on the traditional recipe, adding depth and a unique flavour profile. While the song provides the key ingredients, it leaves room for interpretation and personal touches, such as adjusting the amount of red wine or experimenting with different types of tomato sauce to find your preferred taste.
Gravy is a staple condiment in many cuisines and is commonly served with meats, potatoes, and vegetables. It can be made from various ingredients, including meat juices, stock, flour, butter, milk, or cream. The consistency can range from thin and pourable to thick and creamy, depending on personal preference and the intended use.
While the song "How to Make Gravy" provides a foundation for a gravy recipe, it also represents a larger cultural significance in Australia. The song captures the emotions of longing, regret, and the importance of family during the holiday season. It has become an integral part of Australian Christmas celebrations, with Gravy Day being celebrated on December 21st, the date mentioned in the song's opening lines.
Best Practices: Australian Gold Accelerator Application Timing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's cultural impact in Australia
Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" has become an iconic Australian song, with a cultural impact that has led to the creation of an unofficial holiday. Released in 1996, the song tells the story of a man in prison writing to his family, sharing his gravy recipe and lamenting that he will miss their Christmas celebrations. The song's unique take on the holiday, with references to Australian culture and the emotional narrative, has resonated deeply with Australians.
The song's impact can be seen in how it has inspired an annual tradition, "Gravy Day," celebrated on December 21, the date mentioned in the song's lyrics. Australians mark this day with memes, social media posts, and by playing the song, shouting "give my love to Angus," and sharing the gravy recipe. "Gravy Day" has become a beloved part of the lead-up to Christmas in Australia, with the date even trending on Twitter.
The song's cultural significance also lies in its ability to connect with Australians' experiences of Christmas. The song's protagonist, Joe, anticipates a hot Christmas Day, a contrast to the northern hemisphere's traditional cold Christmas, and his messages to his family have become a focus of the celebrations. The song has been likened to an "Australian Christmas carol," with its combination of Christmas tradition and Australiana warming the hearts of listeners.
"How to Make Gravy" has had a lasting impact on Australian music and culture. It has been covered by various artists, including Tasmanian band Luca Brasi and Australian folk group All Our Exes Live in Texas. The song's popularity led to a film adaptation in 2024, showcasing its enduring appeal. The song's impact has even reached beyond Australia, with people worldwide adopting "Gravy Day" as a unique way to celebrate the holiday season.
Overall, "How to Make Gravy" has become an integral part of Australian culture, with its impact felt through the creation of "Gravy Day," its resonance with Australians' experiences, and its lasting influence on the country's music and film industries. The song's unique narrative and emotional power have ensured its place as an Australian institution.
Finding Campsites in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's film adaptation
The film adaptation of Paul Kelly's classic Australian song "How to Make Gravy" brings to life the story of a prisoner's longing to be with his family during Christmas. The song, written and performed by Kelly, earned him a "Song of the Year" nomination at the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Music Awards in 1998. The film, directed by Nick Waterman, offers a fresh take on storytelling, with impressive performances by its cast.
The movie centres around Joe, a newly imprisoned man, who writes a letter to his brother, Dan, expressing his regret at missing their family's Christmas celebrations. The film adaptation expands on this, exploring Joe's inability to express his true emotions and the impact of his imprisonment on his relationships. It features Joe's wife, Rita, who is reluctant to subject their children to seeing their father in prison, and Joe's brother, Dan, played by Brenton Thwaites. The cast also includes Hugo Weaving, who portrays a new character—a prisoner who becomes Joe's friend during his incarceration.
The film captures the essence of a modern Australian Christmas, with Kelly's song serving as the heart and soul of the production. The soundtrack features original songs by Meg Washington, including "The Hook," which samples French electronic producer Petit Biscuit's hit song "Sunset Lover." The chemistry between the cast adds a nice touch of realism to the film, and their solid performances bring the characters to life, making them relatable to the audience.
"How to Make Gravy" the film, provides a unique perspective on a prisoner's emotional journey during the festive season. It explores themes of family, regret, and the importance of human connections during the holidays. The film adaptation captures the song's emotional depth and provides a visual portrayal of the story that has resonated with many Australians.
Jumping Spiders' Appetite: An Australian Perspective
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The song is about an incarcerated man, Joe, who is writing to his brother, Dan, on the 21st of December, sharing a gravy recipe and reminiscing about how his family traditionally spends Christmas together.
The song was written by Paul Kelly and was released in 1996.
The song has become a holiday classic in Australia, with references to the expected heat on Christmas Day, which places the setting in Australia. It has also been covered by several Australian artists.
Yes, the song has been adapted into a feature film, with Australian actors such as Hugo Weaving, Kate Mulvany, and Brenton Thwaites. The film was initially set for release in December 2023 but has been delayed until late 2024.
