In 1978, five of his albums were on the best-selling charts simultaneously, a feat equaled only by Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Mathis. He has recorded a string of Billboard hit singles and multi-platinum albums that have resulted in his being named Radio & Records number one Adult Contemporary artist and winning three straight American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Several well-known entertainers have given Manilow their "stamp of approval," including Sinatra, who was quoted in the 1970s regarding Manilow, "He's next." In 1988, Bob Dylan stopped Manilow at a party, hugged him and said, "Don't stop what you're doing, man. We're all inspired by you."
As well as producing and arranging albums for other artists, such as Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, Manilow has written songs for musicals, films, and commercials. From February 2005 to December 30, 2009, he was the headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton, performing hundreds of shows before ending relationship with the hotel. From March 2010, he has headlined at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He has sold more than 80 million records worldwide
Silver Bells
Barry Manilow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
Whatever happens or what may be,
Here is what Christmas time means to me.
City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style.
In the air there's
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.
City street lights,
Even stop lights,
Blink a 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 this 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.
The lyrics to Barry Manilow's song "Silver Bells" captures the essence of Christmas through the eyes of someone experiencing it in a city environment. The opening lines suggest that Christmas is a time of heightened emotion, bringing individuals together in a flurry of activities like parties or devotional thoughts. However, despite the chaos, the singer knows that Christmas time is special because it creates a unique feeling that can't be found any other time of the year.
As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the city environment during Christmas time, highlighting the hustle and bustle of people rushing around to buy gifts or meet their loved ones. The imagery of the city sidewalk, dressed up in holiday style, along with snow and the sound of children laughing, creates a romantic and whimsical feel that is associated with the holiday. The repeated lines of "silver bells, silver bells, it's Christmas time in the city," draw listeners into the holiday spirit and evoke a sense of warmth and excitement that's felt during the season.
Overall, the lyrics of "Silver Bells" captures the energy, excitement, and joy of the holiday season through the eyes of someone embracing it in a city environment. The song highlights the experiences and emotions tied to Christmas time, making it a beloved classic that's enjoyed by listeners of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas makes you feel emotional
The holiday season can evoke intense emotions.
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
The holiday season can either be celebrated through social gatherings or personal introspection.
Whatever happens or what may be,
Regardless of what occurs during the holiday season,
Here is what Christmas time means to me.
The following lines will describe what Barry Manilow associates with Christmas time.
City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
The streets are crowded with people.
Dressed in holiday style.
The surroundings are decorated to signify the holiday season.
In the air there's
You can sense something in the atmosphere.
A feeling of Christmas.
A sense of joy and festive spirit that is unique to the holiday season.
Children laughing, people passing,
Kids are enjoying themselves, while adults go about their daily routines.
Meeting smile after smile,
Everyone seems to be cheerful and happy.
And on every street corner you'll hear:
The sound is omnipresent.
Silver bells, silver bells,
The sound of bells that tinkle like silver.
It's Christmas time in the city.
This signifies the holiday season, as it is happening in the urban environment.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
The sound of the bells can be heard.
Soon it will be Christmas day.
The holiday is fast approaching.
City street lights,
The lights that illuminate the city at night.
Even stop lights,
The traffic signals that tell drivers when to stop.
Blink a bright red and green,
The lights flash the colors of the holiday season.
As the shoppers rush home
People are in a hurry to get home.
With their treasures.
They have purchased items to give as gifts or to enjoy themselves.
Hear the snow crunch,
The sound of footsteps on freshly fallen snow.
See the kids bunch,
Children are gathering together.
This is Santa's big scene,
This is a typical representation of what people imagine when they think of Santa Claus and Christmas.
And above all this bustle you'll hear:
Even with all the hectic activity, there is still one constant sound.
Silver bells, silver bells,
The tinkling of bells echoing throughout the city.
It's Christmas time in the city.
The holiday season is happening in the urban environment.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
The sound of the bells is still audible.
Soon it will be Christmas day.
The holiday is fast approaching.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gregory Trapp
Silver Bells a cappella? I only have one word. Lovely!
Calvin Eastwood
Wow that choir sounds so amazing
Barry Manilow
Thank you for the love and support đź’–
Gevixel
I remember when i was like 4 i danced with my mom to this song sad he passes away
Barry Manilow
Thank you for the love and support đź’–