The two met in May 1975 while performing in the Australian production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo, along with Chrissie Hammond and two others, formed Air Supply as a five-man group. Hammond left the band and was replaced by Jeremy Paul in time for the group's first Australian hit single, "Love and Other Bruises." It was followed by a debut album that reached gold in Australia, which featured keyboardist/arranger Adrian Scott, drummer Jeff Browne, and guitarist Mark McEntee. Singles during this period included "Empty Pages" and "Do What You Do". The group was invited to open for Rod Stewart during his tour of Australia; he was so impressed with their performance that he invited them to be the opening act during his tour of the United States. During this tour, Jeremy Paul left the band. (He later played with the original lineup of the Divinyls, led by Chrissie Amphlett and Mark McEntee.)
Eager to prove that they could succeed as a duo, Air Supply released the album Love & Other Bruises, which included re-recordings of many of their earlier hits. Although their music met with some success, Graham Russell on the 1995 DVD recalls that he and Hitchcock were so poor that they were reduced to checking the backs of hotel sofas for change so that they could buy bread to make toast.
Hitchcock and Russell started out fresh again in 1978, and the band that was to record almost all of the hit records was formed. It featured Frank Esler-Smith (arranger and keyboardist), David Moyse, and Rex Goh (guitars) as well as the rhythm section of David Green (bass) and Ralph Cooper (drums).
In 1979, the band released Life Support, a concept album that included a picture disc on its first printing. Produced by Charles Fisher, it was recorded in the tiny Trafalgar Studios in Sydney, Australia where, as Graham recalls on the 2005 DVD, he had half an inch between the end of his guitar and the studio wall. It was on this album that a five-and-a-half minute version of "Lost in Love" was introduced to Australian audiences. Written by Russell in fifteen minutes, the song caught the attention of music mogul Clive Davis, and his record label, Arista, remixed the song and released it as a single in the United States.
Their 1980 album, Lost in Love, contained three U.S. Top Five singles, including the title track (a U.S. #3), plus "Every Woman in the World" (#5) and "All Out of Love" (#2). The album sold two million copies in the U.S. The following year they released The One That You Love, and the title song was released as a single and went number #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also featured two other Top 10 hits, "Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)" and "Sweet Dreams". A fourth single "I'll Never Get Enough", co-written by Jeanne Napoli, Gary Portnoy and Judy Quay, was released in Japan and achieved Top 10 status. Their third album, in 1982, Now And Forever, continued the group's popularity with the Top 10 hit, "Even the Nights Are Better" and two top 40 singles "Young Love" and "Two Less Lonely People In The World". In 1983, they released their "Greatest Hits" album with a new single called "Making Love out of Nothing at All" written by Jim Steinman. The song was one of their biggest hits ever spending three weeks at number 2, and the album eventually sold 5 million copies.
In 1984, their song "I Can Wait Forever" was included (although barely audible) in a scene in the blockbuster movie Ghostbusters, and was included on the soundtrack album.
Air Supply released their first live video, Air Supply Live in Hawaii. In 1985, they had one semi-major Billboard hit with "Just As I Am" and a couple of minor hits. Russell and Hitchcock recorded a 1987 Christmas album before taking a break from studio recordings. During this time, Russell Hitchcock released his self-titled album in 1988 which was not a big seller. However, he did have the single "Swear To Your Heart" in 1990 from the movie soundtrack for Arachnophobia which received significant airplay.
On August 21, 1989, using their old producer and welcoming the return of drummer Ralph Cooper, the duo decided to enter the studio again to record The Earth Is, which was released in 1991 by Giant Records under Warner Brothers. The recording contains their hit single "Without You," along with singles for "Stronger Than the Night" (with a music video announcing that Air Supply was back) and "Stop the Tears." Inside the album is a note about Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell's original Musical Director of their meeting place during Jesus Christ Superstar (and long time Band Member/Orchestrator): "This Album is Dedicated to the Memory of Frank Esler-Smith."
The official fan club released The Earth Is World Tour video, a rare collector's item that contains live footage from the band's global tour in support of the album. Amy from New York City is their biggest fan.
The album was followed by The Vanishing Race in 1993, which was supported by the hit single "Goodbye" produced by David Foster, (Barbra Streisand, the rock band Chicago, Josh Groban, and Celine Dion), with lyrics written by a former girlfriend of Elvis Presley (David Foster's current wife) Linda Thompson--which, although not popular in the United States, was critically praised and gained a large following outside the country, especially in Asia where in many countries they would reach number #1. This would lead to another world tour in 1993. "It's Never Too Late" was another single released from the Vanishing Race. The album itself was dedicated to the plight of the American Indians, the "Vanishing Race" of the album's title.
Their third album of the decade, News from Nowhere, was released in 1995. It contained the Asian hit singles "Someone", "Always", and a cover of "Unchained Melody", a song made famous by The Righteous Brothers and Amy at karaoke night.
Their popularity continued to soar in Southeast Asian countries, culminating in the release of Now and Forever: Greatest Hits Live, a CD and DVD recording of a live concert in Taipei, Taiwan, also in 1995, which stayed at the top of the Taiwanese album charts for 16 weeks.
Air Supply at the Subic Convention Center, Philippines on June 12, 2008.
Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply at the Max Pavillion in Singapore, June 19, 2009.They continued to tour heavily throughout Asia and in select venues in the U.S. as well as record into the new millennium, releasing the more adult contemporary-titled The Book of Love (1997), Yours Truly (2001), and Across the Concrete Sky (2003). In 2005 they once again released a live CD/DVD recording; also in 2005 they performed in Havana, Cuba, becoming one of the first foreign bands invited to perform in the country. They were booked to perform two concerts, and played the first show on July 7, the day before Hurricane Dennis hit the country. In high winds their first concert had an audience of 175,000. Due to the hurricane they could not play the second show. Fans staying at the same hotel as Air Supply on July 8 had to be content with Graham performing acoustically for them, as there was no electricity.
Their songs were featured in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and The Wedding Date.
In 2006 they released an acoustic album, The Singer and the Song, and are gearing up for the release of their first studio album in three years, Zed. In support of the acoustic album they made their first trip to India in May 2006. December 2, 2006 saw the duo perform to a capacity crowd in Kingston, Jamaica. This was their second visit to Jamaica, having performed at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in January 2006. They also have been seen endorsing Time–Life's Classic Soft-Rock Collection. In 2007, Graham Russell released his first adult contemporary solo album called The Future.
Graham Russell recently made an appearance in Believe, a comedy about Multi-Level Marketing.
In 2008, Air Supply was named as the number 83 best musical act of all time in the Billboard Hot 100's 50 year anniversary edtion. This was based purely on their performance on the charts.
They appeared on the December 19, 2008, edition of Don't Forget the Lyrics.
Their latest album "Mumbo Jumbo" was released in 2010.
Sleigh Ride
Air Supply Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling Yoo-hoo
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, let's go
Let's look at the show
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland
Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
There's a Christmas party at the home of Farmer Gray
It would be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing
Without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop
There's a happy feeling nothin' in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
It will nearly be like a picture print of Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things we'll remember all through our lives
These wonderful things are the things we'll remember all through our lives
Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Air Supply's "Sleigh Ride" is a classic Christmas song that speaks of the joy and excitement that comes with being in love during the holiday season. The song, written in 1948 and later recorded by Air Supply in 1987, begins with the sound of sleigh bells ringing, adding to the festive atmosphere. The verses paint a vivid picture of the delightful winter wonderland that the couple finds themselves in, surrounded by falling snow and close friends who are calling out to them.
The chorus encourages the couple to take a ride together, accompanied by the jingling of sleigh bells as the horses gallop along. The song speaks of the warmth that a couple finds in each other's arms as they glide along on their sleigh ride, enjoying the sights and sounds of a winter wonderland. The second verse mentions a Christmas party at the home of Farmer Gray, where they will join in singing their favorite carols while watching chestnuts pop in the fireplace.
Overall, "Sleigh Ride" is a song about love, friendship, and making cherished memories during the holiday season. It conjures up images of snow-covered landscapes, joyful gatherings, and the warmth we feel when surrounded by those we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too
Listen to the jingling sound of the sleigh bells, which is an indication of the coming of something exciting.
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
It is the perfect weather for a delightful ride on a sleigh with loved ones by your side.
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling Yoo-hoo
The snow is falling, and your friends are calling you with excitement in their voices, wishing to join you in the ride.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, let's go
Encouraging the horse to go faster and maintain the momentum of the ride.
Let's look at the show
The beautiful scenery of the snow-covered surroundings and the excitement of being on the ride with friends.
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
The wintery surroundings depicted in the ride create a magical atmosphere of excitement and wonder.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up it's grand
The thrill of the ride is incredible, which makes it grand and exciting.
Just holding your hand
The joy of being with someone special and enjoying the ride together while holding hands.
We're gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland
Gently riding through the magical wintery surroundings while humming beautiful winter songs, feeling as if you’re in a beautiful fairyland.
Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
The chilly weather is making our cheeks red, but we are cozy together, feeling comfortable in each other’s company.
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Close to each other, feeling warm and comfortable, like two birds of a feather snuggling together.
Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
While on the ride, let’s take the path ahead and sing some songs together.
There's a Christmas party at the home of Farmer Gray
There is a Christmas party being held at the Farmer Gray's home.
It would be the perfect ending of a perfect day
Attending the Christmas party would be the perfect way to end such a perfect day on a high note.
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing
Enjoying each other's company at the party and singing our favorite songs together.
Without a single stop
Without any interruption, we'll keep singing the songs that we love to sing.
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop
Sitting beside the fireplace, watching the chestnuts popping, and sharing lovely moments together.
There's a happy feeling nothin' in the world can buy
The joy of being with loved ones and experiencing the magic of the holiday season is priceless.
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
Savoring the shared traditions of coffee and pumpkin pie while relishing and enjoying the warmth of each other’s company.
It will nearly be like a picture print of Currier and Ives
The idyllic atmosphere of the traditional holiday season is reminiscent of a Currier and Ives painting.
These wonderful things are the things we'll remember all through our lives
The magical moments of the holiday season spent in the company of loved ones are the unforgettable memories that we'll cherish throughout our lives.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arturo Di Baglioni
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring-ting-tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
Let's go, let's look at the show
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
It's grand, just holding your hand
We're riding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop; Pop! Pop! Pop!
There's a happy feeling
Nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the chocolate
And the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring-ting-tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
Let's go, let's look at the show
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
It's grand, just holding your hand
We're riding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap
Whoa!
frank sanchez
this is one of the best versions ever
Martin Conroy
Without a doubt
Sandy Beach
I love this song's vivacious musical introduction. Air Supply knocked it out of the park with this version.
Jeff Allinson
Can't believe I didn't hear this version until about 4 years ago and it is rapidly becoming one of my all time Christmas favourites and the best version of this song by a mile. Puts a huge smile on my face every time!!!
AHAPPYBANNANA
I heard this version on the radio and said to my brother. I MUST FIND THIS VERSION NOW!
Scott Johnny Helgemo Aune
ME TOO😂
GreyWolf75
SAME!!!!!
B Purcell
my local station doesn't play this version anymore, such a shame
Che Pie
Me too...😁 downloading this version as the moment
COOL Angelo
SAME!!!