Sleigh bells ring, are you list'nin?
In the lane, snow is glist'nin'
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
Gone away is the blue bird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song, as we go along
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say "are you married?"
We'll say "no man!
But you can do the job when you're in town"
Later on we'll conspire, as we dream by the fire
To face unafraid, the plans that we've made
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
Over the ground lies a mantle of white
A heaven of diamonds shine down through the night
Two hearts are thrillin'
In spite of the chill in the weather
Love knows no season, love knows no clime
Romance can blossom any old time
Here in the open
We're walkin' and hopin' together
Together, together, together
Sleigh bells ring, are you list'nin?
In the lane, snow is glist'nin'
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
Gone away is the blue bird
Here to stay is a new bird
He's singing love song, as we go along
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
In the meadow we can build a snowman
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with Mister Snowman
Until the other kiddies knock him down
When it snows ain't it thrillin'
Tho' your nose gets a chillin'
We'll frolic and play, the eskimo way
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
Walkin' in the winter wonderland
Winter wonder, winter wonderland
Winter winter, wonder wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Johnny Mathis's rendition of "Winter Wonderland" captures the quintessential joy and romance associated with the winter season. Originally composed by Felix Bernard with lyrics by Richard B. Smith, the song has become a cherished standard, and Mathis's smooth, evocative voice imbues it with a timeless warmth that resonates deeply with listeners. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a snowy landscape, opening with the iconic sound of "Sleigh bells ring" and the visual of "snow is glist'nin'," immediately establishing a festive and serene atmosphere. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative centered on shared happiness and connection amidst the beautiful winter setting.
The song follows a couple walking through the snowy scene, their contentment evident in the line "A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight." The presence of a bird singing a "love song" further emphasizes the romantic theme, suggesting that love flourishes even when the season changes ("Gone away is the blue bird, here to stay is a new bird"). The lyrics then delve into playful activities, such as building a snowman. The idea of pretending the snowman is "Parson Brown" and engaging in a lighthearted dialogue about marriage introduces a charming, whimsical element, highlighting the couple's joyful and imaginative interaction. The line "Later on we'll conspire, as we dream by the fire, to face unafraid, the plans that we've made" brings a sense of hopeful future planning and shared purpose, grounded in the comfort and intimacy of being together.
As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the expansive beauty of the winter world – "Over the ground lies a mantle of white, a heaven of diamonds shine down through the night." This elevates the scene from a simple walk to something almost magical, mirroring the intense feeling shared by the couple. The core message of love's resilience is powerfully stated: "Two hearts are thrillin' in spite of the chill in the weather, Love knows no season, love knows no clime." This declaration makes the song more than just a seasonal tune; it's an ode to enduring love that finds happiness regardless of external conditions. The repetition of "together" at the end of this stanza reinforces the theme of unity and shared experience.
The later verses re-emphasize the familiar imagery and activities, sometimes presenting slight variations like pretending the snowman is a "circus clown" and describing playful interactions until the snowman's inevitable demise ("Until the other kiddies knock him down"). This adds a touch of realistic, perhaps even slightly melancholic, detail while maintaining the overall lighthearted tone. The feeling of exhilaration despite the cold ("When it snows ain't it thrillin' tho' your nose gets a chillin'") captures the invigorating nature of winter activities. The song concludes by reinforcing the central image and activity, the simple, profound act of "Walkin' in the winter wonderland," leaving the listener with a feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of love in a beautiful setting. Johnny Mathis's smooth delivery perfectly complements this narrative, wrapping the listener in a blanket of vocal comfort that makes his version a cherished classic. The song's timeless appeal is further underlined by its continued presence, including a video release in 2013, showcasing its lasting cultural impact.
