Christmas memories still remind me of you
I wanna be closer to you
And I wish you were closer to me
Every song they play this time of year
Every melody that I hear, every minute I wish
I wish you were near
Something's missin' , must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
I listen to the bells
And they make me remember
When we were so in love
It was only last year, this time in December
I listen to the bells
And I reminisce
I hear those Christmas bells
But I never knew that I could miss you like this
Love the lights and everything under the tree
Friends come around
They have a good time
But it's not a party for me
Call up Santa
Tell him that I've been blue
Tell him it's hard for me
It's been a blue holiday, 'cause I'm missin' you
I keep wishin', wondering if you'll think of me
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
Something's missin', must be you
So I listen when the bells start ringin'
My heart starts singin'
I Listen to the Bells
I Listen to the Bells Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Luther Vandross's "I Listen to the Bells" is a poignant exploration of love and loss set against the backdrop of the Christmas season. The song captures the deep sense of absence when a cherished person is no longer present during a time traditionally associated with togetherness and joy. The lyrics vividly paint a picture of someone surrounded by familiar holiday festivities – the lights, the decorated tree, the gathering of friends – yet feeling a profound emptiness. This contrast between the outward cheer and the inward melancholy is a central theme, highlighting how the absence of one person can overshadow even the most vibrant holiday atmosphere.
The core of the song lies in the symbolism of the bells. As the festive bells begin to ring, they don't primarily bring a sense of holiday cheer to the narrator; instead, they act as powerful triggers for memories of a past love. The sound of the bells immediately transports the listener back to a specific time, just the previous year, when love was present and vibrant during the holiday season. This auditory trigger intensifies the feeling of loss, making the present absence all the more acute. The line "My heart starts singin'" suggests an emotional reaction sparked by the bells, a resonance within the narrator's heart that echoes the feeling of missing the loved one, rather than joining in the festive carols.
The song delves into the depth of this longing, expressing surprise at how intensely the person is missed. The narrator feels a pervasive sadness, describing the holiday as "blue" because the key element – the presence of the loved one – is missing. This feeling is so strong that the narrator imagines reaching out, perhaps metaphorically, to Santa, to convey the depth of this sadness. The release of the song's video on October 27, 2015, provided a visual dimension to this emotional narrative, allowing listeners to connect with the heartfelt performance and the themes of remembrance and longing during the holiday period.
Ultimately, "I Listen to the Bells" resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation or loss during a significant time of year. It captures the universal truth that while external circumstances and traditions continue, their meaning is deeply intertwined with the people we share them with. The song finds a quiet strength in acknowledging this pain, articulating the way familiar sounds like Christmas bells can become powerful reminders of cherished moments and the people who made them special. It speaks to the enduring impact of love and the bittersweet nature of memories, offering a sense of shared understanding for those navigating similar feelings during the holidays.
