Sara Groves - Winter Wonderland Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
Sleigh bells ring are you listenin'
In the lane snow is glistenin'
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Verse 2
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is the new bird
He sings a love song
As we go along
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Chorus
In the meadow
We can build a snowman
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun
With Mr. Snowman
Until the other kids knock him down
Verse 3
Later on we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
The plans that we've made
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Verse 4
In Saint Paul snowy weather
Makes us huddle together
I'm here by your side
Happy tonight
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Refrain
Sleigh bells ring
Are you listening
Refrain
Sleigh bells ring
It's a beautiful sight
It's a beautiful sight
It's a beautiful sight
Video
Sara Groves - Winter Wonderland (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on October 25, 2019, as part of her deeply reflective album, *Joy of Every Longing Heart*, Sara Groves’ rendition of "Winter Wonderland" offers far more than a simple holiday jingle; it becomes a meditation on finding God's grace and present joy within the everyday. While the original song is a classic secular celebration of winter, Groves, with her characteristic spiritual depth, transforms this familiar tune into an invitation to discover profound beauty and companionship, subtly weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with a faith-informed perspective. Her choice to include this carol on an album specifically titled to evoke spiritual longing and fulfillment suggests an intentional elevation of its themes, encouraging us to see the sacred in the seemingly mundane and to cherish the gifts of presence and connection.
Groves’ interpretation invites us to slow down and truly “listen” as the sleigh bells ring and the snow “glistens,” a call to mindful observation that echoes the psalmist’s praise of creation declaring God's glory (Psalm 19:1). This opening sets a tone of gratitude, reminding us that the capacity to perceive beauty is a divine gift, urging us to recognize God’s invisible qualities made evident through the splendor of the natural world (Romans 1:20). The shift from the "bluebird" gone to the "new bird" singing a love song speaks to transformation and renewal, themes central to the Christian journey. Just as God makes all things new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), Groves’ lyrical embrace of a “new bird” can symbolize the fresh mercies we experience each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and the enduring, transformative love song of redemption that accompanies believers through every season of life.
The playful imagery of building a snowman and pretending he’s a circus clown captures the essence of childlike joy and imagination, yet the subsequent acknowledgment that "the other kids knock him down" adds a poignant layer. This transient joy, though beautiful, reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly delights, contrasting them with the enduring joy found in Christ. While earthly creations and moments pass away like a mist (James 4:14), the spirit of delight and connection fostered in such moments can leave an indelible mark on our hearts, echoing Jesus' call to embrace childlike faith (Matthew 18:3). As the song progresses, the imagery of conspiring and dreaming by the fire, facing "unafraid the plans that we've made," speaks to a shared vision and courageous hope. This communal planning, warmed by intimacy and trust, reflects the biblical encouragement to commit our plans to the Lord so they may be established (Proverbs 16:3) and to face the future with faith, knowing that God is our strength and courage (Joshua 1:9). It embodies the spirit of fellowship and mutual encouragement to pursue God-given purposes together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Perhaps the most personal touch comes in the fourth verse, a slight lyrical departure from the original, where Groves sings, "In Saint Paul snowy weather / Makes us huddle together / I'm here by your side / Happy tonight / Walkin' in a winter wonderland." By rooting the song in her own experience of Minnesota winters, she emphasizes the profound comfort and joy found in human companionship, especially when external circumstances might be cold or challenging. This highlights the deep biblical value of community and presence, where two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), and the divine promise that God Himself is always by our side, never leaving nor forsaking us (Hebrews 13:5). The repeated refrain, "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It's a beautiful sight," becomes a persistent invitation to be present, attentive, and grateful for the simple, daily blessings from God. Groves’ "Winter Wonderland" ultimately encourages us to find God’s beautiful design, His enduring love, and the profound joy of genuine connection woven into the very fabric of our everyday lives, even amidst the chill of winter, transforming a classic carol into a powerful anthem of spiritual presence and gratitude.