Chris Eaton recently shared insights into his iconic Christmas song, “Saviour’s Day,” written for Sir Cliff Richard. The track carries themes of unity and festive spirit, resonating with audiences for over three decades.
Backstory of ‘Saviour’s Day’
Eaton, who first gained recognition in 1982 with his single “Little Town,” aimed to create music for Sir Cliff that had more depth. He has a passion for cinematic songwriting, allowing for a rich auditory experience beyond typical pop conventions. Eaton describes his method as thinking orchestrally about a song’s overall impact.
Writing “Saviour’s Day” in December 1989, Eaton wanted to capture the essence of Christmas, highlighting togetherness and the importance of returning home for the holidays. The song came together rapidly, with Eaton completing the original version in just 90 minutes.
From Demo to Chart Success
Chris took a demo of “Saviour’s Day” to a Christmas party at Sir Cliff’s publisher. Upon arrival, he learned that Cliff’s next single had already been selected. Nevertheless, Chris managed to play the demo for him in his car. Cliff’s immediate reaction surprised Eaton. He declared, “This is a number one hit. I’m going to record it this year.”
Initially set aside, “Saviour’s Day” was recorded and released in December 1990. The song premiered at number six on the charts, eventually climbing to the top spot. It remarkably dethroned Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” to become the Christmas number one that year.
Cultural Impact
That fateful night when “Saviour’s Day” reached number one, Eaton recalls performing it live at a church event. He invited attendees to listen to the song live or in their cars, as it would be playing on Radio 1, creating a memorable moment for all present.
Much like Sir Cliff’s earlier Christmas hit “Mistletoe and Wine,” “Saviour’s Day” endures due to its universal themes of love and hope. Eaton expressed his gratitude for creating a song that has become intertwined with Christmas traditions. The song continues to find relevance, being cherished by various generations and covered by numerous artists.
Advice for Emerging Songwriters
Today, Chris Eaton remains dedicated to his craft, seeking new collaborations and inspirations in his home studio. He encourages upcoming songwriters to nurture their passion for music. “Music is a gift,” he said. “Earnings are a bonus.” He emphasizes the joy of creating music and drawing inspiration from everyday life, understanding that success in songwriting is about love for the craft rather than financial gain.
- Song: Saviour’s Day
- Artist: Sir Cliff Richard
- Written: December 1989
- Release Date: December 1990
- Initial Chart Position: Number six
- Number One Despite: Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby
