A spaceman came travelling: Chris de Burgh reflects on his unexpected Christmas classic
Chris de Burgh reveals its seasonal impact is unmistakable when he hears his song “A Spaceman Came Travelling” playing in various public spaces, from supermarkets to funfairs, where his family recently encountered it, reports BritPanorama. The 76-year-old singer-songwriter recounts the moments when shoppers or cashiers recognize the song and often sing along, unaware of his role as its creator.
Fifty years after its first release on de Burgh’s second album, 1975’s Spanish Train and Other Stories, the track has transformed into an accidental Christmas classic. Upon its launch, it received little attention in the UK, overshadowed by the singer’s subsequent hit “Lady in Red.” However, it is now regarded as his most recognized piece.
This song differs significantly from traditional festive tunes; it lacks jingle bells or any direct mention of Christmas. Instead, it presents a unique narrative, envisioning the Star of Bethlehem as an alien visitor delivering a message of goodwill. De Burgh noted he initially wrote it without intending to create a Christmas song, remarking, “At that time, we had Slade and all that stuff.”
The idea for the song emerged during a hot day in August 1974 in London, amid personal struggles, as he faced financial difficulties and worked odd jobs. Though his first album garnered praise, it had not achieved commercial success. De Burgh’s upbringing was privileged; he was born in Argentina to a British diplomat and grew up in a castle in Ireland, where he began performing for guests.
During his artistic development, he was influenced by various cultural texts, including Eric Von Daniken’s Chariots of the Gods? and W.B. Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming.” De Burgh mused the possibility of extraterrestrial life affecting human history, leading him to wonder if the Star of Bethlehem was indeed a spacecraft, which resulted in the song’s distinctive storyline.
Upon its recording, the track’s cosmic feel was enhanced by a string synthesizer introduced by session player Ken Freeman. De Burgh’s vocals, capturing angelic harmonies, were layered in an early attempt at vocal production. Interestingly, an unintentional mistake during recording resulted in a slight delay in the vocals, which they chose not to fix.
Initially released as part of Spanish Train and Other Stories on November 1, 1975, the song faced minimal pushback regarding its religious themes, aside from some light criticism from Private Eye magazine. Despite its limited initial impact in the UK, it topped charts in several countries, notably Ireland, and gained broader recognition over the ensuing decades.
De Burgh’s career trajectory took off with “Lady in Red,” but he suggests the perennial appeal of “A Spaceman Came Travelling” stems from its gradual assimilation into popular culture, with numerous covers and performances across the globe, cementing its status. He recounted performing it in significant locations, including Bethlehem, where he reflected on its historical and emotional significance.
Now, fifty years on, “A Spaceman Came Travelling” is a distinctive Christmas staple, appreciated for its uniqueness amidst a sea of more conventional holiday songs. De Burgh concludes that many fans consider it their favorite festive tune due to its distinctive narrative and resonance.
