38 Special is an American rock band. Formed by vocalist Donnie Van Zant in … Read Full Bio ↴38 Special is an American rock band. Formed by vocalist Donnie Van Zant in 1975 in Jacksonville, Florida, the band initially had a straight-ahead Southern rock sound, much like Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band of his older brother Ronnie. By the early 1980s, the band began incorporating elements of blues rock, pop rock, and arena rock into their sound, kicking off a string of successful albums and singles.

Among 38 Special's best-known songs are "Caught Up in You" (1982) and "If I'd Been the One" (1983), both of which hit #1 on Billboard magazine's album rock chart, as well as "Second Chance" (1989), a #1 hit on Billboard's adult contemporary chart. According to Songfacts, it was the biggest Adult Contemporary hit of 1989. Other popular singles include "Hold On Loosely" (1981), "Fantasy Girl" (1981), "Back Where You Belong" (1984), and "Somebody Like You" (1986). These and other tracks are often played on classic rock radio stations.

After achieving three platinum albums and one gold album in the 80s, their popularity waned over the 90s-- although their 1997 single "Fade to Blue" hit #37 on the mainstream rock chart. More recently, the group's music came back into prominence after being featured in the 2001 cult classic comedy film 'Super Troopers', with songs such as "Trooper With An Attitude". They continue to tour to audiences in the American south and beyond.

The current lineup is comprised of vocalist Donnie Van Zant, guitarists Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, bassist Larry Junstrom, keyboardist Bobby Capps, and drummer Gary Moffatt. Recently, both Donnie Van Zant and little brother Johnnie (the current frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd) have joined forces as Van Zant and have released an album with another in the works.

Jingle Bell Rock
.38 Special Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jingle bell, jingle bell
Jingle bell rock
Jingle bell swing
And jingle bells ring
Snowin' and blowin'
Up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell
Jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in
Jingle bell time
Dancin' and prancin'
In jingle bell square
In the frosty air

What a bright time
It's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell, time
Is a swell time
To go glidin' in a
one horse sleigh

Giddy-up, jingle horse
Pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and mingle

In a jinglin' beat
That's the jingle bell rock

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to .38 Special's "Jingle Bell Rock" paint an inviting picture of a winter wonderland with phrases such as "Snowin' and blowin'/ Up bushels of fun" and "In the frosty air." The song then shifts its focus to the excitement and joy of the holiday season with "Jingle bells chime in/ Jingle bell time" and "In jingle bell square/ Dancin' and prancin'." The phrase "Jingle bell rock" is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the importance of the jingle bell sound and how it gets everyone into the festive spirit.

The chorus is a call to action, encouraging people to get on their feet and dance to the beat of the jingle bells. It invites listeners to embrace the festivities and have fun during the most wonderful time of the year. The lyrics convey that the holiday season is a time to let loose and enjoy oneself, and the jingle bell rock is the perfect way to do just that.

Line by Line Meaning

Jingle bell, jingle bell
The silver bells are ringing loud and clear

Jingle bell rock
It is the joyful sound of the holiday season

Jingle bell swing
The jingling bells sway to and fro

And jingle bells ring
The sound of the festive season can be heard all around

Snowin' and blowin'
The snow is falling and the wind is howling

Up bushels of fun
The fun of the holiday season is in full swing

Now the jingle hop has begun
It's time to start dancing and enjoying the festivities

Jingle bells chime in
The sound of more bells join in the celebration

Jingle bell time
It's time to celebrate and have fun

Dancin' and prancin'
Everyone is moving and enjoying the festive season

In jingle bell square
The square is filled with the sound of jingling bells