I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Overall Meaning

Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "White Christmas" is a classic Christmas song that expresses the longing for a perfect Christmas from days gone by. The lyrics speak to a desire to have a Christmas filled with the excitement and joy of youth, where the snow falls heavily and the children play, waiting for Santa to arrive with his sleigh and reindeer. The speaker reminiscences about the treetops that glisten with snow, and the sounds of sleigh bells on a peaceful winter night.

The second verse of the song carries on the wishes of the first, where the speaker sends out Christmas cards in hopes that loved ones will have a merry and bright holiday season. Ultimately, the song wraps up with a final wish that all Christmases to come are white, creating an image of unity and shared experiences that generations can bond over.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I long for a Christmas with snow, as I have experienced before, which represents peace and purity.

Just like the ones I used to know
I wish to have a Christmas just as lovely and idyllic as the ones from my past memories.

Where the treetops glisten and children listen
I wish to have a Christmas scene where trees are covered in a glittering snow creating a magical environment children can enjoy.

To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I wish to hear the sound of bells ringing in the snow, as well as the joyful laughter and music of people.

With every Christmas card I write
I hope that with every Christmas card I write or receive will bring some Christmas cheer and a reminder of this holiday season's warmth and joy.

May your days be merry and bright
I wish that you have a beautiful and cheerful holiday season filled with happiness and light.

And may all your Christmases be white
I hope every one of your Christmases is blessed with the tranquility and serenity the snow brings.

Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Fabiana Sylvestre

2y↑4

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow, oh, the snow

I said, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white

I said, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days, may your days, may your days
Be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white

All comments from YouTube:

Kenneth Blowers

10y↑23

Nobody can sing jazz, swing like the lady Ella , what an artist

Jeff Jefferson

11y↑7

These Ella songs are a gift. Somewhere my grandmother is kicking back to this.

kimsteel366

10y↑7

The absolute COOLEST version! Always makes me smile!

Fabiana Sylvestre

2y↑4

SPuccianti Puccianti

1y↑2

The best! The most elegant way to say Merry Christmas

babyboomerrodg

9y↑13

best EVER version but what do you expect...its ella!!

ThisGuy Here

5y↑1

Who wouldn't want to dream of having a white Christmas?! That's one terrific song, I tell you what!

jimmygt4

11y↑5

doesnt get better than this, should be an all ella station on satellite, but then again, i would miss the hissing and crackling of my dads albums.......