When Christmas Comes Around

Album: Single release only (2016)
Charted: 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Matt Terry is a singer from Bromley, Kent. He beat Saara Aalto in the final of the thirteenth series of the UK TV singing competition The X Factor and was then joined onstage by his former competitors as he performed this song.
  • The song was written by Ed Sheeran and Bristol singer-songwriter Amy Wadge especially for the 2016 winner of The X Factor. Other collaborations between Sheeran and Wadge include the singer-songwriter's hit single, "Thinking Out Loud."
  • Lyrically, this is a Christmas song, in which Terry sings of his wish that his ex could love him again so they could be together over the festive period. Wadge recalled to the BBC:

    "We said 'let's write a Christmas song' and that's what we did. We wrote this song and Ed said we should send it to Simon Cowell and then I got a call to say it's the X Factor's winners single."
  • Though this is the first time Sheeran has penned a winner's song, he has co-written songs for other X Factor alumni. They are: "Moments," "Little Things," "Over Again" and "18" for One Direction plus "Love Shine Down" for Olly Murs' debut album.
  • All the record company profits from the song are shared equally between two children's hospice charities, Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.