branched out into music, but that is the opposite of how they began. After first being brought to life in Bagdasarian's 1950s novelty recordings under the name David Seville and the Chipmunks, the characters were an unprecedented success, and the singing Chipmunks and their manager were given life in several animated cartoon series and motion pictures.
The voices of the group were all performed by Bagdasarian, who sped up the playback to create the higher pitched, squeaky voices. This process was not entirely new; Bagdasarian had also used it for a previous novelty song project, "The Witch Doctor", but it was so unusual and well executed it earned the "trio" two Grammy Awards for engineering. Although the characters were fictional, they did release a long line of "real" albums and singles, with "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" becoming a number-one hit single in the United States. After his death in 1972, the voices of the Chipmunks were subsequently recorded by his son, Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., and his wife, Janice Karman, in all subsequent incarnations to date.
Silver Bells
Alvin and The Chipmunks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling
Of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street 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 streetlights, even stoplights
Blink of 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 scene
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
The song "Silver Bells" by Alvin and The Chipmunks captures the spirit of Christmas time in the bustling city. The lyrics describe the scenes of people rushing to and fro through city sidewalks decorated with holiday adornments, and the joy there is at every corner. The atmosphere is filled with an unmistakable feeling of Christmas with children laughing and people smiling. The sound of laughter is complemented by the chimes of silver bells ringing out in the cold winter air.
The song goes on to paint a picture of the city adorned with strings of streetlights and stoplights blinking in red and green, as Christmas shoppers hurry home with their treasures. The crunch of snow and the sight of kids grouped together waiting for Santa Claus builds up a sense of excitement and anticipation of the Christmas day ahead. All throughout the city's bustle, above the noise and commotion, the silver bells chime and ring out in celebration of the upcoming festive season.
Overall, "Silver Bells" is a perfect representation of the lively and vibrant atmosphere of Christmas time in the city. It evokes a sense of unity and joy amongst strangers, who are all sharing in the atmosphere of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
The city streets are filled with people walking around.
Dressed in holiday style
The decorations and lights are out for the holiday season.
In the air there's a feeling
You can sense the festive spirit and excitement in the air.
Of Christmas
This alludes to the holiday season that is being celebrated.
Children laughing, people passing
People are enjoying themselves and passing by others who are also merry.
Meeting smile after smile
People are happy and being friendly with one another.
And on every street corner you'll hear
Everywhere you go, you can hear the sound of...
Silver bells, silver bells
The sound of jingling bells that are silver in color.
It's Christmas time in the city
It is the holiday season in the city.
Ring-a-ling hear them ring
The bells are ringing and making a pleasant sound.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The holiday is quickly approaching.
Strings of streetlights, even stoplights
The city lights are strung up and include stoplights along with streetlights.
Blink of bright red and green
The lights are brightly flashing colors of red and green.
As the shoppers rush home
People who are shopping are hurrying to get home.
With their treasures
The things that they have bought as gifts or for themselves.
Hear the snow crunch
The sound of snow being stepped on.
See the kids bunch
There are a lot of kids around.
This is Santa's big scene
This is a place where Santa Claus is popular and can often be found during the holiday season.
And above all the bustle you'll hear
Despite all the noise and activity, you can still hear the sound of...
Silver bells, silver bells
The sound of jingling bells that are silver in color.
It's Christmas time in the city
It is the holiday season in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The bells are ringing and making a pleasant sound.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The holiday is quickly approaching.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
HorribleMC
My childhood in a nutshell: Driving home in the middle of December, this playing in the car after shopping for Christmas Decor. You almost fall asleep but make it through this song one last time before falling into a deep slumber. Today was a good day.
Denae Robin
Same.