Christmas Music: Silver Bells
Silver Bells, populaire song of Christmas, est l’œuvre commune de Jay Livingston, compositeur américain, et de Ray Evans, parolier. Elle diffère quelque peu des chants traditionnels de Noël, puisque les paroles mentionnent la tenue d’un festival se déroulant dans une ville, alors que dans la plupart des autres chansons festives, la scène a presque toujours lieu dans un milieu rural. Qui plus est, fait particulier, Silver Bells a bien failli ne jamais voir le jour. En effet, l’épouse de Ray Evans, offusquée par le titre et les paroles, lesquels font tous deux référence à Tinkle Bells (tintement de cloches), s’opposait à sa publication.
It should be noted that in English, the word Tinkle can have a double meaning, and can be translated as a slang used by children to refer to the act of urinating. However, Ray Evans, although he admitted that there could be some confusion, decided, despite his wife's warning, not to change either the lyrics or the title. This is fortunate, because this song has enjoyed immense popularity, and even today, it is one of those traditional songs that is commonly played during the holiday season.
Inspired by the Salvation Army bell ringers, Livingston and Evans were right to release Silver Bells, as the first version, recorded by Bing Crosby and Carole Richard in October 1950, quickly shot up the charts. Other successful versions include those recorded by Diana Ross and The Supremes, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, Anne Murray, Brenda Lee, and Burl Ives.
Youtube video
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Youtube video
Words
City side walks, busy side walks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And in every corner you'll hear
Silver Bells
Silver Bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big seen
And above all the bustle you'll hear
Silver Bells
Silver Bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Christmas Day
Silver bells
Silver bells
Silver bells
