How much are moods and attitudes influenced by upbringing and experiences, the classic ‘nurture’ half of the ‘Nature/Nurture” dichotomy and the basis of theories of inter-personal psychology and “Personal Growth”? Could it be that they are  also  influenced by a genetic disposition to optimism or pessimism? First we should look at how this could occur. [...]

The lyrics to “Fairy Tale of New York” are only half the story of this song. What comes across most strongly in the lyrics are the elements of despair, bitterness and frustrated rage and some people never see beyond that. My partner for example cannot stand the song, she just finds it depressing – maybe [...]

Shane McGowan is an extraordinary song writer. Some Xmas songs are about happiness, some are cynical, some are calls to think of the past and the future but I cannot think of anyone else who could write a song like ‘Fairy Tale of New York’ with its immense range of emotions – lost dreams, bitterness [...]