Growing up with an older brother Mark and a younger sister Joanne, Young first went to work at the Vauxhall Motors factory and in his spare time played in several bands as bass guitarist. The first group for which he became lead singer was Kat Kool & The Kool Kats. In the late 1970s he joined the Streetband, who had one Top 20 hit in the UK, with the humorous, novelty track "Toast", reaching No. 18 in November 1978.
In December 1979 the Streetband broke up and Young formed the Q-Tips, who established their name by playing live and supporting The Who on their 1982 tour but had no chart hits in the UK, although their single "Letter Song" did enjoy minor success in mainland Europe.
The Q-Tips went their separate ways in 1982, and Young was signed by CBS Records as a solo performer, uniting the fields of New Wave and Soul. His first two singles, "Iron Out the Rough Spots" and a cover of Nicky Thomas’ "Love of the Common People" had no success, but the third, a cover of the Marvin Gaye B-side "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" was No. 1 in the UK singles chart for three weeks in the summer of 1983, the first of fourteen British Top 40 singles.
Similar success followed all over Europe. In the UK, follow-up single "Come Back and Stay" reached No. 4, and a re-release of "Love of the Common People" made it to No. 2, while his début album No Parlez was certified platinum in various countries.
Young's style at the time was a warm, approachable white soul, though he sometimes received playful criticism for his fashion decisions. However, his choice of an Antony Price leather suit for the cover of No Parlez was impractical for stage, where an energetic show dictated more robust clothing.
1984 was a difficult year for Young, as his first heavy promotional and live concert tour of America affected his vocal cords to the extent that he couldn't sing at all for most of the year. He recovered, however, to famously perform the opening line to the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and his second album, The Secret of Association, secured his future success in the U.S., Japan and Australia. Young's biggest worldwide hit came from this album in 1985 with a version of Daryl Hall & John Oates's album track "Everytime You Go Away". The song reached #1 on the U.S. pop charts.
His third and fourth albums, Between Two Fires, in 1986, and Other Voices, in 1990, were commercial failures (though the latter was a success in the US) but a popular duet, "Senza una donna-Without a Woman", with Italian blues singer Zucchero in 1991 and a corresponding greatest hits album (which also featured duets with Clannad and Joni Mitchell) returned him to success. It also included a new track, 'I’m Only Foolin Myself'. He sung "Radio Ga Ga" with Queen in 1992, at the tribute concert to the recently deceased Freddie Mercury.
In 1992, Paul Young formed Los Pacaminos, a Tex-Max style live band including other top-class musicians such as Jamie Moses and the late Matt Irving. The group have released two albums, with a third scheduled for released in 2024.
In 1993, Young released The Crossing, which produced his first solo Top 20 hit since 'Everytime You Go Away', 'Now I Know What Made Otis Blue'. After this, Young was freed from his contract with CBS. In 1994, he released the covers album Reflections, which was a commercial failure.
He reformed the Q-Tips for a short series of concerts that year in 1993. A year later he suffered significant vocal damage, which has followed him ever since. He contributed to the Vangelis album Voices in 1995. Young sang the British national anthem "God Save the Queen", on the eve of England's Euro '96 semifinal match against Germany.
In 1997, he released his final album to feature original material on EastWest Records. The album featured his final UK Top 40 hit, 'I Wish You Well' and abandoned soul in favour of a more country style somewhat similar to that of Garth Brooks. In 2006 and 2016, he released covers albums, Rock Swings On The Wild Side of Swing and Good Thing, with the former being only released in Germany.
Paul still actively tours solo and with Los Pacaminos and is releasing a new albums both solo and with his group in 2023. He spends his time with his family and following his past time of cooking.
www.paul-young.com/
What Christmas Means to Me
Paul Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lots of mistletoe
Lots of snow and ice
Everywhere we go
Choir singing carols
Right outside my door
All these things and more
Oh, yeah, yeah
I see your smiling face
Like I've never seen before
Even though I love you madly
It seems I love you more
Oh, the little though you give me
Touched my heart for sure
All these things and more, darling
And that's what Christmas means to me my love
I feel like running wild
I feel like just a little child
To bring you 'neath the mistletoe
Kiss you once and then some more
Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
And such happiness in the coming year
Let's deck the halls with holly
Singing 'Silent night'
Dress the trees with angel hair
Pretty, pretty lights
Go to sleep and wake up
Just before daylight
All these things and more, darling
And that's what Christmas means to me my love
Oh, yeah, that's what Christmas means to me
I talk about desserts underneath the tree
Talkin' 'bout lights of nights and snow
Ooh, everybody sing now
Yeah, that's what it means to me
The lyrics to Paul Young's song, What Christmas Means To Me, detail the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season. From candles burning low to lots of snow and ice, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of wintertime festivities. The mention of mistletoe and caroling remind the listener of classic Christmas traditions, and the inclusion of the choir singing carols right outside the singer's door conveys a sense of community and togetherness that is often felt during the holiday season.
However, it is not just the external environment that brings joy, but also the presence of the loved one. The mention of the smiling face and the little thoughts that touch the singer's heart show that for the singer, the presence of the loved one adds an extra layer of happiness and meaning to the holiday season. The line "I feel like running wild, I feel like just a little child" also emphasizes the childlike joy that comes with being with the loved one during Christmas.
The lyrics conclude with a call to action to decorate the halls, sing Silent Night, and enjoy the pretty lights. This song ultimately emphasizes the fact that Christmas is more than just external decorations and activities, but rather about spending time with loved ones and creating meaningful experiences together.
Line by Line Meaning
Candles burning low
The soft light of candles creates a cozy and warm feeling.
Lots of mistletoe
Mistletoe represents love and affection, reminding us of the importance of being close to our loved ones during the holiday.
Lots of snow and ice
These features of winter create a magical atmosphere, setting the scene for festive joy.
Everywhere we go
The festive season is everywhere around us, from decorations in homes to lights in the streets. There's a sense of unity and celebration that is visible in every corner.
Choir singing carols
As a group of people prepared for the holiday season, the choir creates a beautiful sense of harmony and excitement.
Right outside my door
The joy of Christmas is so close that I don't even need to step outside to feel that beautiful festive spirit.
All these things and more
There are unlimited ways to celebrate Christmas, and this is just a small sample of the beautiful things that make this holiday special.
That's what Christmas means to me my love
All of these elements are truly magical and wonderful and embody the true spirit and joy of the holiday season.
I see your smiling face
Seeing the smile of a loved one can brighten up the darkest winter day, bringing hope and joy.
Like I've never seen before
The moment is so special that it feels new and unique, creating beautiful memories for years to come.
It seems I love you more
The spirit of Christmas is about love, compassion, and generosity. It is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the special people in our lives, deepening our love for them.
Oh, the little though you give me
The simple act of giving is what makes the holiday spirit so special. Even a small act of kindness can touch our hearts and create lasting memories.
Touched my heart for sure
The holiday season is a time for emotional connection and depth, bringing us closer to those we love and giving us a renewed appreciation for life.
And that's what Christmas means to me my love
The emotions of the holiday - the love, the generosity, the gratitude - all combine to become the true meaning of Christmas.
I feel like running wild
The joy of the holiday can make us feel like we have no limits, creating a child-like sense of excitement and happiness.
To bring you 'neath the mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe is a symbol of love, affection, and togetherness - a moment of the holiday season that can be cherished for years to come.
Kiss you once and then some more
The moment is so special that no single kiss is enough - we want to hold on to the moment forever and relive it again and again.
Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
The beauty of the holiday is the chance to express our love and gratitude to those we care about most.
And such happiness in the coming year
Christmas is a time of hope and renewal, a chance to envision a bright and beautiful future filled with joy and blessings.
Let's deck the halls with holly
Decorating our homes is a way to create a beautiful and festive atmosphere, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
Singing 'Silent night'
The beauty of Christmas music can be one of the most powerful forces of the season, reminding us of the importance of peace, joy, and love.
Dress the trees with angel hair
The ornamentation of Christmas trees is a beautiful and cherished tradition, symbolizing hope and renewal of life.
Pretty, pretty lights
The bright and colorful lights of the season create a beautiful atmosphere of hope and celebration, embodying the beauty of the holiday spirit.
Go to sleep and wake up
Christmas morning is a magical moment filled with anticipation and wonder, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.
Just before daylight
The joy of Christmas is so powerful that we cannot wait to wake up and experience it in full.
Oh, yeah, that's what Christmas means to me
The beauty of Christmas is beyond words, transcending any single experience or moment, embodying the essence of love, kindness, and hope.
I talk about desserts underneath the tree
The spirit of Christmas is also about indulgence and celebration, creating culinary creations that enrich the holiday experience even more.
Talkin' 'bout lights of nights and snow
The picturesque and dreamy winter landscape is a hallmark of the season, embodying the beauty and wonder of this special time of the year.
Ooh, everybody sing now
Music is a universal language that brings us together, filling the holiday with a powerful sense of joy, togetherness, and hope.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Allen Story, Anna Gaye, George Gordy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Whipple
Like a lot of 'newer' Christmas songs, this song has really caught my ear lately. Great beat, alot of fun, great to hear on the car radio, driving around the city. 🎅☃️🎄👍🎅
Dessert Tray
Great version of this song; my favorite! One sad note: This version was the final song I played at a Christmas party for a bank that got absorbed and closed up in the late 90s. We got everybody up dancing for what would be their final time together...PERIOD! I hope they are doing well. This is still my favorite version of the song!
Dessert Tray
@Civilsmith thank you kindly
Civilsmith
@Dessert Tray 😊Merry Christmas to you and yours in 2022!
Dessert Tray
@Civilsmith Merry Christmas in 2022
Civilsmith
Dessert Tray how sad... makes you appreciate and remember to savour the good times. Merry Christmas!
Daniel Larsson
One of the great Christmas songs!! Paul Young rocks this song, undoubtedly the best version!!
Andrea Kline
I'm a big Stevie Wonder fan, so I love his version, but Paul Young just nails this song!! Brilliant!!!
Vibeke Winther
this song is a total MUST HEAR every single christmas - I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it - Paul rocks :)
Mélina
i love this song, especially by paul! <3