The Pulltops’ vibrant reinterpretation of the traditional Christmas carol I Saw Three Ships is a sonic explosion of energy and joy, seamlessly blending the timeless spirit of the original with the duo’s modern pop-punk aesthetic. Milwaukee-based musicians Mark Pierret and Tom Crowell breathe new life into this holiday classic, crafting a version that feels equally at home in a festive movie montage, a high-energy TV show scene, or the climactic moment of a Christmas party playlist.
On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships) opens with punchy guitars and a driving rhythm that immediately grabs our attention. Crowell’s intricate riffs set the stage for Pierret’s commanding drumbeats, creating a soundscape that feels urgent yet celebratory. The lyrics, steeped in traditional imagery of three ships sailing into harbor on Christmas morning, retain their joyful charm. Still, the addition of anthemic “Oh oh oh” refrains and spirited vocals makes the track feel like a rallying cry for the season. The balance of reverence and rebellion makes it a versatile piece – perfect for soundtracking scenes of characters finding unexpected joy, rushing home for the holidays, or even a lively holiday concert sequence.
The Pulltops’ eclectic musical influences shine through in this rendition. Pierret’s grounding in soulful, earthy tones meets Crowell’s flair for experimental and underground sounds, resulting in a track that straddles tradition and modernity. While the song stays faithful to its carol roots, the raw energy and layered instrumentation make it fresh and accessible for contemporary audiences. The soaring melodies and driving beats create an atmosphere of relentless festivity, making it easy to imagine the song underscoring a feel-good family movie or a Netflix Christmas special where characters triumphantly rediscover the magic of the season.
What truly sets this version apart is its ability to evoke joy without feeling overly polished or commercial. There’s an authenticity to the performance that makes it perfect for moments of collective celebration, whether that’s a pivotal scene in a romantic comedy, a coming-of-age drama, or even a spirited holiday commercial. Its energy feels contagious, the kind of music you’d want blaring in the background of a snowball fight, a spontaneous dance party, or a scene where characters rally together to save Christmas.
Beyond its cinematic and television potential, On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships) is tailor-made for those holiday moments where energy and connection are paramount. It’s the track you want on a playlist to kickstart the mood of a festive gathering or to amplify the adrenaline of wrapping last-minute gifts with friends. It’s a reminder that while Christmas is rooted in tradition, it’s also about finding new ways to express joy and bring people together.
The Pulltops have crafted more than just a cover; they’ve reimagined a holiday classic in a way that feels vibrant, inclusive, and undeniably fun. Whether it’s in a movie montage, a TV holiday special, or your personal Christmas playlist, this track is sure to bring a dose of energy and festive cheer wherever it plays. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of The Pulltops!