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The Story Of... 'Driving Home for Christmas' by Chris Rea

15 December 2023, 10:59

By Tom Eames

Since it was remotely acceptable to play Christmas music, we've been jamming along to one of our all-time favourites: 'Driving Home for Christmas' by Chris Rea.

"Top to toe in tailbacks..."

And it got us thinking, what was the backstory to this jaunty classic that we can't help but chuck on when we're on our way home for Christmas?

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Here's all you need to know about the festive classic by Chris Rea :

Who wrote 'Driving Home for Christmas'?

Chris Rea first wrote the song in 1978, 10 years before he released it.

He needed to get home to Middlesbrough from London's Abbey Road Studios. His wife had come down to drive him home in her Austin Mini to save money, as it was cheaper to drive than travel by train, and his record company was not willing to pay for the rail ticket.

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While stuck in heavy traffic and snow falling down, Chris started looking at the other drivers, who "all looked so miserable".

He said: "Jokingly, I started singing: 'We're driving home for Christmas...'. Then, whenever the street lights shone inside the car, I started writing down lyrics."

It was actually written for Van Morrison and he never intended to release it

Describing it as a "car version of a carol", Chris later revealed that he wrote it for Van Morrison in mind, but did not manage to get it to him.

Chris never planned to write a Christmas song. It wasn't until several years later, that during testing pianos with keyboard player Max Middleton, he found a tune which fitted the lyrics.

It was first released as a B-side to 1986' single 'Hello Friend', but was later re-recorded with some strings, Middleton's distinctive jazzy intro, and a typical 1950s Christmas carol-style arrangement.

Shockingly, it was a flop

Incredibly, the song only reached number 53 back in 1988, but slowly became a Christmas favourite over the years.

After downloads were included in the charts, it re-entered the top 40 in 2007, and eventually reached 26 in 2016.

With streaming now included, it has now reached a new peak of number 11.

Chris Rea rarely plays it live

Chris Rea - Driving Home for Christmas (Live at Hammersmith Apollo 2017)

It's probably fair to say that the tune isn't Chris's favourite!

But every now and then, he indulges his fans with a festive performance.

One year while playing at the Hammersmith Odeon, he was "badgered" into playing it by his road crew. And boy did he go big. Watch a recent performance of the song above.

He said: "I went, 'If I’m going to sing this f***ing song, we’re gonna do it properly.' So we hired 12 snow cannons. We put three feet of artificial snow in the stalls. The venue charged me £12,000 to clean it up."

There wasn't a proper video until 2009

Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas (Official Music Video) HD

While he recorded a video of sorts for Dutch TV show TopPop in 1986, there wasn't a 'proper' promo until over 20 years later.

In aid of the charity Shelter, various celebrities appeared in a new video, including Martin Shaw, Gail Porter, Jimmy Greaves, Matt Di Angelo and Lionel Blair.

Rea said: "I wanted to do something special this Christmas and what better way than to help keep a roof over people’s heads when they need it most – at Christmas. By teaming up with Shelter we can hopefully make a difference".

Who has covered it?

Stacey Solomon Driving Home for Christmas

Stacey Solomon covered the song in 2011 as her debut single. Originally intended to be used in commercials for Iceland, it was later released as a single to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK and children's hospice charity Together For Short Lives.

It reached number 27, one place lower than Rea's chart peak.

The song has also been covered by the likes of Tony Hadley, Gavin James, Michael Ball and Joe McElderry.

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Song Meanings and Facts

• Chris Rea / Christmas Songs

“Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea

by Amanda London · Published December 9, 2021 · Updated December 16, 2021

The origin of Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas” actually dates back to the late 1970s. This was about a decade before Chris really established himself as a permanent artist in the UK music scene, and relatedly, by the looks of things, he faced economic struggles. 

This included for instance opting to have his wife pick him up in an automobile from London’s Abbey Road Studios, nearly 300 miles from their home in Middlesborough. The sole purpose of this was to save money because the more efficient train travel was also more expensive, and his superiors on the musical food chain wouldn’t foot the bill. 

This was around Christmastime, and accordingly in the UK it was quite snowy. Moreover, Chris and his wife had to deal with considerable traffic during their trek home. And Rea was able to perceive that inline with such an experience, other drivers on the road were quite miserable also. 

So being the artist that he is, he used that universally uncomfortable journey to simultaneously write a song, i.e. “Driving Home for Christmas” – a fact that he speaks directly to in the second verse.

The Lyrics of “Driving Home for Christmas”

In fact reading in between the lines of the lyrics more or less reveals the exact same narrative as mentioned above. Early on, the vocalist lets it be known that he is indeed “driving home for Christmas”. He also implies that “it’s been so long” since he’s been there. 

Of course with the foreknowledge above, we know in that regard that he’s most likely referring to spending a considerable amount of time in traffic, a factor that is made more blaringly known later on in the song. 

But putting it that way also makes it seem as if maybe the vocalist hadn’t literally been home for a long time. And as far as a thesis sentiment goes, it does revolve around the singer’s earnest desire to reach his domicile which, all facts considered, may be interpreted as being more about finally getting out of traffic than anything else.

There is also an unidentified addressee that comes into play whom Chris is ‘singing for’, even if said individual ‘can’t hear him’. And going a bit out on a limb, well first of all said addressee would likely be the listening audience itself. 

And secondly, in that respect this piece is intended to read more like a traditional Christmas song, not so much being about beating traffic but rather a more general, conventional yearning to actually be at home during what is considered the most important family-oriented holiday in Western civilization.

The Conclusion

So with all of that in mind, it can be said the title is sort of a double entendre. This factual side of the narrative is indeed based on a less-than-ideal ride home the vocalist engaged in during Christmastime. 

But ultimately the more pressing point is that experience was tolerable, indeed even necessary at the time in the name of being in his comfort zone and alongside his loved ones,  i.e. at home , during this paramount holiday.

Chris Rea is a singer/guitarist from the UK that has been in the game since the early 1970s. He released a prolific-level 25 studio albums between 1978 and 2019. His most notable success came during the late 1980s into the late 1990s. During that period, he dropped six successive studio albums, beginning with 1987’s “Dancing with Strangers” and concluding with 1998’s “The Blue Cafe”, that scored within the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart.

Furthermore, a couple of them also topped the aforementioned album chart list. This is on top of a handful of these projects performing exceptionally well on the Billboard 200.

Facts about “Driving Home for Christmas”

As for “Driving Home for Christmas”, it was written in 1978. However, it didn’t come out until serving as the B-side to a single Chris released in 1986 entitled “Hello Friend”. 

But the version of this song that actually blew up was totally different from the original of 1986. This new version appeared on Chris’ 1988 compilation album “New Light Through Old Windows”.

Chris wrote and co-produced this track (alongside Stuart Eales).

The 1988 rendition charted in over 20 countries, also peaking at number 11 ( in 2018 ) on the UK Singles Chart. It also went double-platinum in Denmark. 

This Christmas tune was also exceptionally well received in Iceland. In this country, it was featured in a number of very popular Christmas commercials throughout the years.

“Driving Home for Christmas” charted in the top 10 spot in the countries below:

• Austria (No. 3)
• Denmark (No. 6)
• Germany (No. 3)
• Hungary (No. 5)
• Netherlands (No. 4)
• Norway (No. 2)
• Slovenia (No. 1)
• Sweden (No. 5)

During Christmastime of 2014, Chris Rea pimped out a performance of “ Driving Home for Christmas ” complete with, according to his recollection, “three feet of artificial snow”. And it cost him over £11,000 to properly clean the venue, London’s Hammersmith Apollo (aka the Eventim Apollo), of said substance.

More Interesting Facts

Also, this song did eventually get its own official music video, in 2009. And said clip served as a charity video. All the proceeds generated from the clip were donated to a UK-based NGO called Shelter.

This tune was covered by Stacey Solomon, another singer from England, in 2011. Stacey’s version performed moderately well on the UK Singles Chart.

This song became hugely popular again the UK in 2020. This was because Britons used it as a means  of parodying or criticizing  COVID-19 prevention regulations which actually prevented many from visiting loved ones during the holidays.

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Driving Home For Christmas

“I'm driving home for Christmas/Oh, I can't wait to see those faces/I'm driving home for Christmas, yeah.” Hearing those lyrics for the first time each year makes it official: the festive season is upon us. Chris Rea's classic is the first track in our soundtrack to your own Christmas pilgrimage.

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Chris Rea: how we made Driving Home for Christmas

‘The first time we played it live, we hired 12 cannons and put three feet of snow in the stalls. The clean-up cost me £12,000’

Chris Rea, singer-songwriter

The story of Driving Home for Christmas is like a classic festive story. It was 1978, coming up to Christmas. It was all over for me: I was just about out of my record contract, and my manager had just told me he was leaving me. I just needed to get home to Middlesbrough from London, but the record company wouldn’t pay for a rail ticket, and I was banned from driving.

You do some crazy things when you’re young. My wife got in our old Austin Mini, drove all the way down from Middlesbrough to Abbey Road studios to pick me up, and we set off back straight away. Then it started snowing. We had £220 and I was fiddling with it all the way home. We kept getting stuck in traffic and I’d look across at the other drivers, who all looked so miserable. Jokingly, I started singing: “We’re driving home for Christmas … ” Then, whenever the street lights shone inside the car, I started writing down lyrics.

We eventually got home at 3am. It was so cold inside the house that the snow tumbled on to the doormat and didn’t melt. There was one letter – from PRS America. My song Fool (If You Think It’s Over) had been a hit in the US, so there was a cheque for £15,000. We went from being down to our last £220 to being able to buy a house. The song went in my old tin full of unfinished stuff.

Some years later, my career had turned around and [keyboard player] Max Middleton and I were testing two new pianos. We started joking around, playing this Count Basie-type thing. I pretended I was Nat King Cole. Someone said: “That’s a great tune, that. You should get it down.” I went back to my tin, and the words to Driving Home for Christmas fitted perfectly.

I’d never intended to write a Christmas hit – I was a serious musician! So initially, the song came out on a B-side. Then a DJ flipped it over and started playing it, so Max suggested we re-record it and add some strings. Max played the distinctive jazzy intro, we did a classic 1950s Christmas carol-type arrangement, and loved it. At first, it was another radio hit – but then it started re-entering the Top 40 every year.

I had big companies using it in adverts, and it was in a video for Shelter . I used to be terrified the song would ruin any credibility I had left, but now we have a laugh with it. If I’m ever stuck on the M25 – the Road to Hell – I’ll wind the window down and start singing, “I’m driving home for Christmas” at people in cars alongside. They love it. It’s like giving them a present.

I’d never played it live until one year at Hammersmith Odeon: the gig was on 21 December, so the road crew kept badgering me to do it. I went, “If I’m going to sing this fucking song, we’re gonna do it properly.” So we hired 12 snow cannons. When we started the song, you couldn’t hear it for the noise of the crowd, and we let go with the machines. We put three feet of artificial snow in the stalls. The venue charged me £12,000 to clean it up.

Martin Ditcham, drummer

We recorded Driving Home for Christmas at Chris’s house near Maidenhead. He had a modest home studio – in what had been the garage, as I remember. As would often happen, I turned up for a coffee and a chinwag prior to doing something for him. The next thing I knew, I was in this little place laying down the drumbeat to this Christmassy track, even though it wasn’t Christmas. The song was already recorded and ready to go. I just overdubbed my parts: a bit of percussion, put some jingle bells in there, tucked away discreetly.

I thought it was a hooky little number, a pretty little song. I did lots with Chris, so at the time it was just another session, but it’s nice to be part of a song that’s turned out to be one of the most played Christmas singles of all time. You put on the radio or sit in the coffee bar, and it’s on. My daughter is 15. None of her friends know who the hell Chris Rea is but they know that song – as soon as it comes on, they start singing it. I’ve played with everyone from Status Quo to Talk Talk, but nothing impresses them as much as the fact that I play on Driving Home for Christmas.

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Story behind the Christmas song: Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas

WITH its soft piano based melody and gravelly vocals, Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas is a perennial festive favourite.

It was written by Rea in 1978 when he was, in fact, in a car heading home around Christmas time.

However, he wasn’t the one driving – he was scribbling away the lyrics that he’d eventually put to music in the 1980s.

In an interview with The Guardian , Rea explains that he had just been released from his record contract and his manager was parting company with him.

He was trying to get back home to Middlesbrough from London, but the label wouldn’t pay for his train back up.

Luckily, his wife was a kind soul and drove down to Abbey Road studios in her Austin Mini and drove her husband all the way back north… in the snow!

He said: “We kept getting stuck in traffic and I’d look across at the other drivers, who all looked so miserable. Jokingly, I started singing: ‘We’re driving home for Christmas…’ Then, whenever the street lights shone inside the car, I started writing down lyrics.”

The couple were struggling financially, but returned home to find a royalty cheque for Rea’s song Fool (If You Think It’s Over).

The song was put to one side for several years before a jam session resulted in a Christmassy sounding melody forming that fit the lyrics perfectly.

“If I’m ever stuck on the M25 – the Road to Hell – I’ll wind the window down and start singing, ‘I’m driving home for Christmas’ at people in cars alongside. They love it. It’s like giving them a present,” Rea says.

In the charts, it peaked at number 53 in 1988. Subsequent re-entries have reached higher spots, with the song hitting number 26 in 2016.

The song has been used in Christmas adverts for supermarket chain Iceland several times, including one cover version by X Factor star Stacey Solomon.

A new music video for the song was released in 2009, with proceeds going to homeless charity Shelter. It starred celebrity cameos from the likes of Mike Read, Gail Porter and Jimmy Greaves.

Earlier this month, Rea collapsed on stage during a performance and cancelled his UK shows. He is currently in a ‘stable’ condition.

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6 Songs You Need on Your Driving Home for Christmas Playlist

If you’re looking for songs to drive home to this Christmas, check out our holiday playlist to keep you bopping all the way there!

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Mariah Carey

If you’ve ever been stuck in Christmas traffic, you’ll know how much of a difference a good driving home for Christmas playlist can make. Whether you’re heading to see the family or just dashing to the store for some last-minute essentials, here are some of our festive favorites to help you get through your journey.

“Driving Home for Christmas”

No holiday travel playlist is complete without this festive pop-rock classic. Described by Rea as a “car version of a carol,” the song was released in 1988 but written all the way back in 1978 as Rea was, in fact, driving home for Christmas. What better driving soundtrack could you have this holiday season?

“All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Mariah carey.

Is there a more iconic Christmas song than this? Released in 1994, Carey’s classic has estimated sales of over 16 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling holiday song by a female artist — as well as one of the best-selling physical singles of all time. Recognizable from those first twinkling notes, this festive hit will help your journey fly by.

“Someday at Christmas”

Want something a little more modern? Released last month, Lizzo’s cover of the 1967 Stevie Wonder classic is full of her signature soulfulness and charm. If you’re in the mood for another Stevie Wonder classic, make sure the iconic “What Christmas Means to Me” is on your playlist — it’s sure to keep you bopping all the way to your destination!

“Santa Baby”

Eartha kitt.

Released in 1953, Kitt’s “Santa Baby” is perhaps one of the most well-known Christmas songs. Upon its release, several Southern states placed a temporary ban on the song due to its “controversial” and “suggestive” lyrics. If the original isn’t your favorite, you can still enjoy the song through covers from Madonna, Taylor Swift, Michael Bublé, and more.

“So Much Wine”

Phoebe bridgers.

Released in 2022, Bridgers’ cover of “So Much Wine” brings a gentle indie twist to the Handsome Family’s original. As well as being a great accompaniment to your journey, proceeds from sales of the song will benefit the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center.

“Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)”

The darkness.

If you’re looking for something a little different for your drive home, this rock classic from 2003 is the perfect combination of exciting guitar riffs and impressive falsettos. Featuring in the band’s debut studio album, Permission to Land , this parody-style tune will have you rocking out behind the wheel!

For more Christmas hits, browse our variety of holiday channels . Plus, stream Road Trip Radio’s  Home for the Holidays  mixtape as you head out over the river and through the woods this month, exclusively on the SXM App .

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Stick Season by Noah Kahan

• As you promised me that I was more than all the miles combined You must have had yourself a change of heart, like halfway through the drive Because your voice trailed off exactly as you passed my exit sign Kept on driving straight and left our future to the right Now I am stuck between my anger and the blame that I can't face Memories are somethin' even smoking weed does not replace And I am terrified of weather 'cause I see you when it rains Doc told me to travel, but there's COVID on the planes And I love Vermont, but it's the season of the sticks And I saw your mom, she forgot that I existed And it's half my fault but I just like to play the victim I'll drink alcohol 'til my friends come home for Christmas And I'll dream each night of some version of you That I might not have but I did not lose Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do So I thought that if I piled something good on all my bad That I could cancel out the darkness I inherited from dad No, I am no longer funny 'cause I miss the way you laugh You once called me forever, now you still can't call me back And I love Vermont, but it's the season of the sticks And I saw your mom, she forgot that I existed And it's half my fault but I just like to play the victim I'll drink alcohol 'til my friends come home for Christmas And I'll dream each night of some version of you That I might not have but I did not lose Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do Oh, that'll have to do My other half was you I hope this pain's just passin' through But I doubt it And I love Vermont, but it's the season of the sticks And I saw your mom, she forgot that I existed And it's half my fault but I just like to play the victim I'll drink alcohol 'til my friends come home for Christmas And I'll dream each night of some version of you That I might not have but I did not lose Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do Have to do Writer/s: Noah Kahan Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé’

Little Saint Nick by Pentatonix

Pentatonix has received cult-like success and it’s not difficult to see why. Listen to this acapella song with a cacophony of multi-layered voices.

Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

This lighthearted Christmas song which was from Ariana Grande’s EP, Christmas Kisses, has dominated the music charts worldwide. America’s reigning pop princess shows us how she manages to stay on top with her husky and angelic voice.

Sleigh Ride by TLC

Our favourite girl band, known for the hit song, “Waterfalls”, is back with their trademark sultry and sexy voices in this R&B version of the traditional song.

This Christmas by Chris Brown

This jazz number by Chris Brown, eponymously named after the movie “This Christmas”, showcases his sleek and smooth vocals.

Youtube link: Chris Brown – This Christmas (Official HD Video) – YouTube

Feliz Navidad by First To Eleven

Nothing like a rock cover by an indie music band featuring the lead vocalist’s pleasant vocals accompanied by heavy guitar riffs to get you into the groove.

Last Christmas by Cascada

You will want to dance along to this radio-friendly disco hit by Cascada which has racked up over 22 million views to date.

Like It’s Christmas by Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers used to be very popular back in their heyday, best known for their performance on Disney’s Camp Rock. The band disbanded around late 2013 and faded into obscurity. In 2019, they decided to make a comeback and this is one of their greatest hits.

Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

Do you remember the era when Justin Bieber was still a fresh-faced teenage heartthrob and pop sensation? This pop song is a nice throwback to the earlier days in his career.

You Make It Feel like Christmas by Gwen Stefani ft. Blake Shelton

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton make a great team, with her yodelling and her signature twang accompanied by his full-bodied voice. Watch her channel old Hollywood glamour complete with stilettos and a silver sparkly dress in this Youtube video.

Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, known for hits like “Love Story”, brings this song to life with her storytelling skills. You can literally picture yourself huddling under the mistletoe with your lover in tow.

My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears

Whether you love or hate her baby voice, Britney Spears has enjoyed commercial success for years and this catchy song with over 5.5 million views is no exception.

Everyday is Christmas by Sia

This winsome and sad song which highlights Sia’s raw and expansive chest voice as well as her unique vocal fry is not your typical Christmas jingle. Nevertheless, it has struck a chord with many of us due to the relatable lyrics.

One I’ve Been Missing by Little Mix

If you are bored of the traditional Christmas carols, this ballad should be a breath of fresh air, featuring the hypnotizing and sensuous voices of the mainstream pop quartet.

Christmas in New York by Lea Michele

This song rendition by Lea Michele showcases her lilting voice and delicate voice which has been compared to a Disney princess.

Traditional Christmas songs

If you prefer opera or traditional styles we grew up on, these Christmas songs might be perfect for you.

Silent Night by Kelly Clarkson ft Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire

Listen to a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night” performed on NBC 2013 by a star-studded cast which includes Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire.

Hark! The Herald Angels sing by Celtic Women

The melodious voices of the members of Celtic Women perfectly complement each other in perfect symphony, accompanied by a choir of singers.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Andrea Bocelli

We love Andrea Bocelli’s rich and soulful tenor voice which harmonizes nicely with the children’s choir and the backdrop of the accompanying orchestra.

It has been 10 years since Michae Bublé’s last Christmas album, while ardent fans waited with bated breath. The song from his latest album, ‘Christmas’ was recently released on 5 November 2021 and reception has been positive so far.

Where are you Christmas? by Faith Hill

If you enjoy listening to vocalists with big voices like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera, you will like this emotional ballad which features Faith Hill’s iconic powerhouse vocals.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Frank Sinatra

This Christmas song by the jazz legend who brought us hits like “Fly Me To The Moon” is a beloved old-time classic.

Hallelujah by Carrie Underwood and John Legend

Magic happens when you have amazing chemistry between the King of Ballads, John Legend and the Queen of Country, Carrie Underwood. This romantic song will tug at your heartstrings.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight

Christina Aguilera showcases her vocal gymnastics in this duet with Brian McKnight, featuring her raspy signature growl and incredible vocal runs.

O Come All Ye Faithful by Anne Murray

Traditionally, Christmas was seen as a Christian celebration. Anne Murray’s resonant and powerful vocals do justice to this underrated song paying homage to the birth of Jesus Christ as well as the origins of Christmas.

We hope you enjoyed the list of Christmas songs that we have curated specially for you. Do you have any song recommendations? Leave a comment in the comments section below. Merry Christmas!

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