The True Story Behind «Driving Home for Christmas»

Chris Rea's «Driving Home for Christmas» is one of the most beloved Christmas songs. However, the story behind it is less known.

In 1978, Chris Rea was in a difficult phase of his career. His record company wasn't paying for travel expenses, and he couldn't drive. His wife picked him up from London in their car to return to Middlesbrough.

During the journey, it started to snow, and Chris Rea, seeing the other drivers, jokingly began singing «Driving Home for Christmas». The lyrics were gradually written as the streetlights shone inside the car.

Several years later, in 1986, the song was released and became a big hit, bringing luck to Chris Rea.