Olivia Rodrigo's Christmas song sounds familiar... on purpose
Pop star Olivia Rodrigo released a new Christmas song that intentionally references The Waitresses' 1981 hit 'Christmas Wrapping'. The original songwriter, Chris Butler, praised Rodrigo's songwriting and professional approach after she sought his permission.
Why it matters
It illustrates modern music industry practices regarding copyright, collaboration, and the respectful homage paid by younger artists to legacy musicians.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mark Savage Music correspondent Lizzie Klein The star's Christmas song follows the release of her chart-topping third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love Pop star Olivia Rodrigo unwrapped her first-ever Christmas song on Thursday night, alongside a festive music video starring Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon.
The track, called Take Me Home (4 Christmas), finds the pop star asking her boyfriend to "show some serious commitment" by bringing her to his parents' house for the Christmas break.
As soon as it was released, fans noticed similarities to The Waitresses' 1981 festive hit Christmas Wrapping... And it turns out that was by design rather than mistake.
Chris Butler, who wrote The Waitresses' song, posted a message on Facebook , saying Rodrigo had contacted him to seek permission for the song; and praising her "phenomenal" writing.
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