The song Winter Wonderland is a favorite Christmas Carol Classic that brings nostalgia to the listener and reminds them of a simpler time during the Christmas season of yesteryear.
The song's title has become synonymous with Christmas, and the phrase "Winter Wonderland" is often used to describe Christmas decorations during the Christmas season.
The song has an interesting history and some misunderstandings within the lyrics. These misunderstandings are due to folks not equating to the changing of the times.
History of Winter Wonderland
The song was written by Richard Smith, who wrote the song while being treated for tuberculosis.
The song was recorded in 1934 for RCA Victor and had nothing to do with candy canes or Christmas but was a romantic song. The song featured the use of an orchestra, which is reminiscent of the Big Band period of music during the Roaring 20s and would become one of the biggest hits in 1934.
The emphasis needs to be on the year 1934 and not the Christmas Season. Winter Wonderland was a popular song that was sung year-round, especially during the winter months, which would lead to it becoming a popular Christmas song.
However, it would take until 1964, 30 years after it was first recorded before the song was used as a Christmas Song. The opening verse was sung by Doris Day in her recorded arrangement of The Doris Day Christmas Album.
Who is Parson Brown
The lyrics say:
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
It is a simple phrase, but when heard by a 21st-century ear, one thinks that Parson Brown is a person or possibly a celebrity of the time. This idea is made more realistic when the name Parson is capitalized.
The truth is that Parson is a title for a pastor and was commonly used in the 1930s. If you have ever heard of a home owned by a church as a parsonage, that meant it was where the pastor lived.
The lyrics are saying they will pretend that the snowman is a pastor and that, in the future, he could marry them.
Winter Wonderland Lyrics
Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
To sing a love song
While we stroll along
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
We'll 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
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, are you ready?
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
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland