Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly
It started with a funeral notice published on page 33 of The Age newspaper on August 11, 2025:
“With great sorrow, we announce the death of Joe by sudden misadventure. Much-loved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank and Dolly.
You loved life and went hard at it. You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales and strong argument. We can still see you cooking up a storm in the kitchen at our big family gatherings, pots and pans on the go, BBQ smoking outside, glass of wine in hand, your beloved reggae music on the stereo, Junior Murvin, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Gregory Isaac and the like. You filling up everybody's drinks and teasing the little ones.
Christmas just won't be the same this year without you. But we know you'll always be with us, hovering above us, floating all around us, making sure we get it right.
The funeral and service will be on August 14th. Followed by a wake to end all wakes! Further details to follow.”
We met Joe in 1996 when he wrote a letter to his brother Dan from prison on December 21. He was scared of losing his wife Rita and their children and concerned that no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas. This letter became the lyrics for Paul Kelly's classic song How To Make Gravy.
On August 15, 2025, Paul Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, a long-awaited sequel continuing the story from Rita's perspective.
Key themes in Joe’s story
- The deep love Joe had for life, music, and family.
- His passion for food, especially during festive gatherings.
- The sense of loss felt by his family and friends after his sudden death.
- The enduring connection between Joe and his family, symbolized through music and memories.
Paul Kelly’s narrative craft
Kelly masterfully transforms a personal, heartfelt letter into a widely resonant song, bridging years and emotions through storytelling rooted in real family experiences.
Author’s summary: Paul Kelly’s songs capture intimate family stories, turning personal grief and love into timeless narratives that resonate through generations.