Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” stands out as a unique fixture among the array of festive hits that emerge each holiday season. While many classic Christmas tunes offer cheer and warmth, this 1974 release brings a distinct melancholy, coupled with an unmistakable vocal style that has long prompted questions and comparisons. For fans of classic pop and festive music, the story behind why Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” resonates so strongly with the sound of a certain King is a fascinating dive into 70s music history and clever tribute. This song, deeply connected to the [elvis presley christmas songs](https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-christmas-songs/) canon in the public imagination, has a story rooted in chart ambition and musical admiration.
The concept of a “Christmas Number 1” truly solidified in the UK charts in the early 1970s. The festive season became a battleground for artists vying for the coveted top spot, a phenomenon largely ignited by the 1973 clash between Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ and Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’. Following this trend, by 1974, other glam rock contemporaries were eager to capture the holiday magic and chart glory. Mud, already successful, stepped into this arena with their offering.
The Genesis of a Christmas Hit
Emerging from the vibrant glam rock scene, Mud had already made their mark with high-energy tracks. Their entry into the Christmas chart race with a ballad was a departure from their usual style, but a strategic move aimed at the festive market. The song was crafted by the powerhouse songwriting and production duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, often referred to as ‘Chinnichap’. These two were behind a string of hits for many 70s artists, including The Sweet, Suzi Quatro, and of course, Mud. Their previous collaborations with Mud had already yielded chart-toppers like the stomping ‘Tiger Feet’ in the same year, proving their ability to capture the public’s ear.
Mud performing their hit song ‘Tiger Feet’ in 1973
Mud’s lineup at the time featured frontman Les Gray, guitarist Rob Davis, drummer Dave Mount, bassist Ray Stiles, and keyboard player Andy Ball. It was Les Gray’s distinctive vocal performance that would become the defining feature of “Lonely This Christmas”.
What is the Song About?
In stark contrast to the typical joyous themes of Christmas songs, “Lonely This Christmas” explores profound sadness and heartbreak during the holiday season. The lyrics depict a singer left alone after a partner has departed, facing Christmas with only emptiness and solitude. Lines like “Try to imagine a Christmas all alone / That’s where I’ll be since you left me, my tears could melt the snow” paint a vivid picture of festive misery. The song captures the feeling that even the traditional symbols of Christmas offer no comfort when experienced in isolation: “I just break down as I look around and the only things I see / Are emptiness and loneliness and an unlit Christmas tree.” This somber theme set it apart from its more upbeat contemporaries.
Screenshot from the official lyric video for Mud’s ‘Lonely This Christmas’ song
The Striking Elvis Resemblance
Perhaps the most enduring question about “Lonely This Christmas,” and the core of the search query Lonely Christmas Elvis, is its uncanny vocal similarity to Elvis Presley. While Mud was known for glam rock, this ballad features Les Gray employing a vocal style remarkably akin to the King, particularly his later-era ballad performances. This has led many younger listeners, and even some older ones, to mistake the song for an actual Elvis recording, or to wonder if it was originally written for him.
Les Gray of Mud in the music video for ‘Lonely This Christmas’, featuring an Elvis-inspired look
The truth behind this deliberate stylistic choice was simply Les Gray’s deep admiration for Elvis Presley. Recognizing Elvis’s status as “the King of the Christmas Album” due to the immense popularity of titles like ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ (which included [elvis presley elvis christmas album songs](https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-elvis-christmas-album-songs/) that became holiday standards), Gray saw an opportunity for a direct musical tribute.
Elvis Presley performing his classic song ‘Blue Christmas’ during the ’68 Comeback Special
Beyond just the vocal impersonation, Gray fully committed to the homage. He adopted an Elvis-inspired look for the song’s music video and live performances, often sporting flared jumpsuits reminiscent of Presley’s 1970s stage attire. This visual element further solidified the connection for the audience. Adding a remarkable layer of coincidence to the story, Mud’s final appearance on the iconic show Top of the Pops performing “Lonely This Christmas” occurred on January 8, 1975 – which was Elvis Presley’s 40th birthday. This timing was unplanned but served as a perfect, albeit accidental, nod to the inspiration. When people search for [elvis presley singing christmas songs](https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-singing-christmas-songs/), Mud’s track often comes up due to this striking vocal similarity and the song’s Christmas theme.
Chart Performance and Legacy
“Lonely This Christmas” was released in December 1974, perfectly positioned to compete for the Christmas Number 1 spot. It quickly ascended the charts, reaching number 1 on December 15th and holding the position for four consecutive weeks. It famously beat out a competitive field of releases that year, including songs by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Barry White, Ralph McTell, and even Elvis Presley himself with his single ‘My Boy’.
Mud performing ‘Lonely This Christmas’ on Top of the Pops on Elvis Presley’s 40th birthday in 1975
The song’s chart success cemented its place in UK festive music history. It has since been certified Platinum in the UK, surpassing 600,000 sales and sales equivalents. Despite its melancholy theme and unique vocal style, it has become an enduring classic, featured frequently on Christmas compilation albums and holiday radio playlists, often alongside genuine [elvis presley most famous christmas song](https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-most-famous-christmas-song/) tracks like ‘Blue Christmas’.
Notable Cover Versions
While not covered as extensively as some other major Christmas hits, “Lonely This Christmas” has seen interpretations by a diverse range of artists over the years. These covers showcase the song’s ability to translate across different genres and styles, from indie rock to vocal groups.
Promotional image for the Christmas song ‘Lonely This Christmas’
Among the notable acts who have recorded versions of the song are Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, the boy band Blue, progressive rock band Marillion, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, pop artist Olly Murs, and vocal group Collabro. Each offers their own take on Mud’s distinctive festive ballad. For those interested in exploring more Christmas classics, discovering [elvis presley christmas songs youtube](https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-christmas-songs-youtube/) can offer a gateway to the legendary performances that inspired Mud’s timeless hit.
In conclusion, Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” is more than just a chart-topping holiday song; it’s a clever blend of festive melancholy and a heartfelt tribute to one of music’s biggest icons. Les Gray’s deliberate Elvis impersonation transformed a Chinnichap composition into a unique Christmas classic that continues to spark curiosity and earns its place on holiday playlists, often right next to the very artist it sought to honor.
