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Olivia Rodrigo’s first Christmas single, “take me home (4 christmas),” prompted comparisons with the Waitresses’ 1981 hit “Christmas Wrapping.” Christopher Butler, who wrote the older song, says he likes Rodrigo’s track and considers the resemblance a shared vibe rather than plagiarism; he says the songs do not share its melody or chord progression.
Waitresses songwriter Christopher Butler has defended Olivia Rodrigo after her new Christmas song, “take me home (4 christmas),” drew comparisons to the band’s 1981 hit “Christmas Wrapping.” Butler called Rodrigo’s track a “fantastic” song and said he hears a similar vibe, not plagiarism, adding that she had contacted him before its release.
Rodrigo released “take me home (4 christmas)” on Thursday, Nov. 5. The song was quickly compared online with “Christmas Wrapping,” the Waitresses’ holiday single written by Butler. In a Facebook post described by Stereogum, Butler said Rodrigo had emailed him about two months earlier, praising the band and inviting him to hear her Christmas song.
Butler said he initially suspected the email was fake, then looked into Rodrigo’s career and responded positively. He later met her with his partner, Beth, after a show in Columbus, Ohio. Butler wrote that Rodrigo’s song was “great” and wished it success, describing himself as a fan. He also said he and Beth paid for their concert tickets despite being offered complimentary ones.
As discussion of possible plagiarism grew, Butler addressed the musical comparison directly in Facebook posts and YouTube comments. He said the songs share a “vibe” but that Rodrigo’s track has no copied “melody/chord progression” from “Christmas Wrapping.” He characterized the new song as an homage and said there was nothing actionable in it, while emphasizing that this was his view as the writer of the older song.
The Songwriter Rejects a Plagiarism Claim
Butler’s response matters because he wrote the song at the center of the comparisons and has publicly supported Rodrigo rather than alleging that she copied it. His remarks offer a direct account of how he views the resemblance, but they are his assessment, not a court ruling or an independent legal finding.
The episode also shows how quickly musical similarities can prompt online accusations before the people involved have publicly explained their positions. Butler says Rodrigo reached out before release and that he was comfortable with the track. His comments help clarify their interaction, while leaving listeners free to hear the songs differently.
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How the Two Holiday Songs Compare
“Christmas Wrapping” was released by the Waitresses in 1981 and is a recurring reference point in discussion of holiday pop. Rodrigo’s release is described in the source report as her first Christmas song. The comparisons followed soon after “take me home (4 christmas)” became available, with some listeners alleging that it borrowed from the older track.
Butler said Rodrigo’s representatives had arranged their Columbus meeting after her tour reached the city. He also praised her earlier work and her support for artists she respects. Stereogum reported that Butler later shared a BBC article discussing the Waitresses song’s influence on Rodrigo’s track, writing that he respected her for reaching out and wished her success.
“Her song was/is great. It’s going to be a smash.”
— Christopher Butler, in a Facebook post
No Legal Finding Has Been Reported
The available report describes online comparisons and allegations, not a lawsuit or an official determination about Rodrigo’s song. Butler said he believed Rodrigo or her representatives had consulted legal counsel, but that is his speculation; the report does not independently confirm that such a review occurred.
It is also unclear whether Rodrigo or her representatives will comment publicly on the comparisons. Butler’s view that the songs do not share a melody or chord progression is not accompanied in the source material by a published musicological analysis. The report does not establish whether any other songwriter or rights holder has raised a formal concern.
Public Reaction Will Continue
The immediate development is Butler’s public endorsement of the song and his rejection of plagiarism claims. The source material does not identify a forthcoming legal action, formal review or response from Rodrigo’s team, so no such step can be confirmed. Further developments would depend on whether Rodrigo, her representatives or another rights holder comments or takes action.
For now, the discussion remains centered on listeners’ comparisons and Butler’s account of his contact with Rodrigo. The song’s reception and any additional statements from the people involved may clarify how the debate develops.
Key Questions
What is Olivia Rodrigo’s new Christmas song?
Rodrigo released “take me home (4 christmas)” on Thursday, Nov. 5. The source report describes it as her first Christmas song.
Why are people comparing it with “Christmas Wrapping”?
Listeners heard a similar holiday-pop vibe and began comparing Rodrigo’s track with the Waitresses’ 1981 song. The report does not provide a formal musical analysis establishing copying.
What has Christopher Butler said?
Butler, who wrote “Christmas Wrapping,” said he likes Rodrigo and her song. He described the resemblance as a shared vibe and said he did not hear copied melody or chord progression.
Has a court ruled on whether Rodrigo copied the song?
No court ruling or formal legal finding is reported in the source material. The plagiarism claims described are part of the public discussion, and Butler has rejected them.
Source: stereogum.com
