The Christmas Waltz
Barry Manilow Lyrics


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Frosted windowpanes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way
He's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and me

It's that time of year
When the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time




Wishes you and yours
The same thing too

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Waltz is a beautiful Christmas song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, which was first recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1954. Barry Manilow later recorded the song, and it has become one of the most popular songs to play during the holiday season. The opening lyrics of the song read “Frosted windowpanes, candles gleaming inside, painted candy canes on the tree.” These lyrics paint an evocative picture of the Christmas season. The frost on the windows provides a beautiful image, while the candles offer warmth and comfort to those inside. The image of the candy canes on the tree is a symbol of the festive season and represents the joy and happiness of Christmas.


The following lyrics read “Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things, things for you and me.” The mention of Santa Claus is a childlike image that invokes feelings of wonder and excitement, and the idea that he has filled his sleigh with gifts for everyone is a reminder of the generosity of the holiday season. The song then goes on to state that it's that time of year “when the world falls in love,” which captures the essence of the holiday season. The song wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and hopes that their dreams would come true during the New Year. The line, “And this song of mine in three-quarter time wishes you and yours the same thing, too,” highlights the use of the waltz tempo, which makes this song a classic Christmas waltz.


Line by Line Meaning

Frosted windowpanes
Decorative windowpanes with frost patterns on them that indicate the onset of winter.


Candles gleaming inside
Candles illuminating the room creating a warm, homely atmosphere.


Painted candy canes on the tree
The evergreen tree is decorated with traditional ornaments including the candy canes, creating an environment that is traditional and familiar.


Santa's on his way
The lovable Saint Nick is making his annual rounds bearing gifts for everyone.


He's filled his sleigh with things
Santa has come fully prepared bearing gifts to make the Christmas experience memorable.


Things for you and me
The fact that nobody is left out of the Christmas experience makes it a season to be enjoyed by all.


It's that time of year
A time of year when people readily share love and joy, spreading the Christmas cheer everywhere.


When the world falls in love
The season of love is contagious, and the world is in a state of euphoria engulfed by a romantic atmosphere.


Ev'ry song you hear seems to say
Every song on the radio bears a Christmas feeling of joy, warmth, comfort, and love.


Merry Christmas
Wishing one another a joyous and captivating Christmas celebratory moment.


May your New Year dreams come true
May the New Year bring dreams of prosperity, happiness, success, and fulfillment to reality.


And this song of mine
My song carries a message of hope, peace, and love.


In three-quarter time
The song is written in ¾ time which suits a waltzy feeling, a genre that is common during Christmas celebrations.


Wishes you and yours
I send these warm messages of love and best wishes to you and your family.


The same thing too
May you all have a merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore, Integrity Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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