Aussie rock legend Paul Kelly has released a new film clip for his slightly modified 1996 song “How To Make Gravy”.

The song tells a story of a man named Joe, in prison writing to his brother letting him know that he won’t be home for Christmas.

A new recording released on his Christmas Train album, Kelly has has amended some lyrics around Joe recalling Mary’s old boyfriend, claiming that “there’s always room to change a line” and that lyrics can change as songs grow old.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the song has taken a new meaning for those stuck unable to spend their Christmas traditions with their family and friends. The new film clip features clips from around the world of people playing, dancing and singing along to the song as we prepare to have another Christmas that breaks some traditions and continues to feel a little weird.

One thing that has definitely remained the same, Kelly’s recipe for Gravy still calls for a dollop of tomato sauce.