He has been active in the 00s and since, touring both as a single artist and as a member of the rotating supergroup 'Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band'. Before fronting the band titled in his name, Squire was the frontman of the power pop group Piper. Said band had some underground fame in the 70s before Squire left for bigger things.
Squier started off his solo career with May 1980's 'The Tale of the Tape'. Although a commercial breakthrough eluded him, the release spent three months on Billboard's album chart and gained a large fan response. Working with songwriter impresario Desmond Child and Kiss co-guitarist Bruce Kulick, his album also brought him praising critical reviews, noting his talent for meeting catchy pop hooks with aggressive guitars and vocals.
His 1981 follow-up, 'Don't Say No', shot his career into the stratosphere. It hit the Top Five on the Billboard album chart and remained on the chart for over two years (a total of 111 weeks). Getting RIAA certified as triple-platinum, singles such as "Lonely Is The Night" and "The Stroke" became staples of arena rock radio. His music from this album has popped up in variety of places such as in the comedy film 'Blades of Glory' and in the popular Guitar Hero video game series.
Squier's third album, 'Emotions in Motion', also picked up both critical praise, with Allmusic calling it a "slice of AOR heaven", and commercial acclaim. The album itself peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart while singles such as "Everybody Wants You" and "Learn How To Live" achieved top 40 rock stardom. Squier also achieved notability both for his album cover, devised by famous artist Andy Warhol, and for his popular music videos, played often on MTV.
Massively successful touring with artists such as Queen had Squier labeled as one of the best hard rock artists of the decade. Still, 'what goes up, must come down', as the saying goes, and his next album would spell his downfall. 1984's 'Signs of Life' came out with initial good press, viewed as perhaps lacking the rock crunch of his previous affairs but still involving some catchy tunes. Single "Rock Me Tonite", released in June 1984 as the lead single, became his highest charting U.S. song, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting the Top 10 on the Cash Box singles chart. It also returned him to #1 on the Top Rock Tracks chart in August of 1984.
Nevertheless, the music video for the song was the beginning of the end for this part of Squier's career. Popularly regarded as one of the worst ever music videos ever made, if not the worst, it shows Squier putting on a pink tank top and making effeminate dance moves around a bed with pastel-colored satin sheets while badly miming to the song, rolling around on the floor in several parts. Many viewers who saw it thought that it depicted the singer on drugs or pretending to be flamboyantly gay. It was directed by Kenny Ortega, who was the third director to be considered for the job.
After an acrimonious break from his label and also making other changes, Squier re-grouped and released 'Enough Is Enough' on September 27, 1986. Signed to Capitol Records, he achieved some success, with the album having peaked at #61 on the Billboard album chart, but failed to meet expectations. Some critics charged that the stress that he had been put under took its toll on his songwriting. Future releases over the next few years failed to change things as his popularity slid downwards, and he ultimately quit the music industry for several years in the 90s.
As stated before, he has been active in the 00s and since, touring both as a single artist and as a member of the rotating supergroup 'Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band'. More recently, a few live albums have come out featuring his music. He also has had several low-key tours.
Christmas Is the Time to Say "I Love You"
Billy Squier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Share the joys of laughter and good cheer
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
And a feeling that will last all through the year
On the corner, carolers are singing
There's a touch of magic in the air
From grownup to minor no one could be finer
Christmas Eve and all the world is watching
Santa guides his reindeer through the dark
But from rooftop to chimney, from Harlem to Bimini
They will find a way into your heart
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
Share the joys of laughter and good cheer
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
And a feeling that will last all through the year
Just outside the window, snow is falling
But here beside the fire we share the glow
Of moonlight and brandy, sweet talk and candy
Sentiments that everyone should know
Memories of the year that lays behind us
Wishes for the year that's yet to come
And it stands to reason that good friends in season
Make you feel that life has just begun
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
Share the joys of laughter and good cheer
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
And a feeling that will last all through the year
So when spirits grow lighter
And hopes are shining brighter
Then you know that Christmas time is here
Billy Squier's "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You" is a classic Christmas song that celebrates the holiday season and emphasizes the importance of spreading love and joy. In the song, Squier repeatedly emphasizes that "Christmas is the time to say 'I love you'" and encourages people to share the joys of laughter and good cheer during this festive season. The singer notes the carolers singing on the corner and the magical feeling that permeates the air during this time of year.
The song also recognizes the difficulties that people may be facing in their lives, but suggests that everyone can put their troubles aside and come together in a spirit of love and compassion during the holidays. The chorus repeats the refrain that "Christmas is the time to say 'I love you,'" describing it as a feeling that will last all through the year.
Squier paints a cozy picture of people spending the night inside, by a fireplace, sharing drinks, candy, and sweet talk. He acknowledges the memories of the past year and the hopes for the upcoming one, all while emphasizing the importance of friends and loved ones during this time of year.
In summary, "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You" is a cheerful reminder that this season represents a time to come together, express love, forget negative feelings, and enjoy the joys of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas is the time to say "I love you"
This holiday is a special opportunity to express your love for those who are dear to you.
Share the joys of laughter and good cheer
Celebrate the season by spreading happiness and a positive outlook.
And a feeling that will last all through the year
The love and joy we experience during Christmas should not just be a fleeting moment, but a part of our lives throughout the year.
On the corner carolers are singing
The sounds of Christmas carolers add a special magic and warmth to the season.
There's a touch of magic in the air
The atmosphere of the holiday season feels magical and special for everyone.
From grownup to minor no one could be finer
Everyone, no matter their age, is at their best during the joys of Christmas time.
Times are hard but no one seems to care
Despite whatever struggles or hardships we may be facing, Christmas reminds us to put those troubles aside and celebrate life together.
Christmas Eve and all the world is watching
The whole world seems to be participating in the festive mood, particularly on Christmas Eve.
Santa guides his reindeer through the dark
The iconic figure of Santa Claus represents the joy, magic, and generosity of the season.
From rooftop to chimney, from Harlem to Bimini
Santa does not discriminate on who he visits, bringing happiness and cheer to everyone, no matter their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
They will find a way into your heart
The joy and magic of the season can affect us all, even if we may not traditionally celebrate Christmas.
Just outside the window snow is falling
The snowfall, iconic to many parts of the world during Christmas, helps to add to the festive mood.
But here beside the fire we share the glow
Gathering indoors by a fire with loved ones creates a sense of warmth and closeness.
Of moonlight and brandy, sweet talk and candy
The romantic components of the season, such as holding hands under the moonlight or indulging in sweet treats, add to the special mood.
Sentiments that everyone should know
The emotions and feelings brought about by Christmas should not be kept to ourselves, but rather should be shared with those around us.
Memories of the year that lays behind us
Christmas is a time to reflect on the year gone by, remembering the good times and perhaps learning from the bad.
Wishes for the year that's yet to come
As well as reminiscing on the past, Christmas is also a time to look forward to the future and set new goals and aspirations for ourselves.
And it stands to reason that good friends in season
Festivities are always more enjoyable when shared with close companions and friendships can be further strengthened by coming together to celebrate.
Make you feel that life has just begun
The spirit of Christmas can bring fresh perspective to our lives, inspiring us to live more fully and with greater appreciation of every moment.
So when spirits grow lighter
As the season proceeds, our attitudes, moods, and overall spirits tend to brighten or become lifted from our everyday routines.
And hopes are shinin' brighter
Amid the joy of the holiday season, our outlook on the future tends to become more positive, with greater possibilities and opportunities for the time ahead.
Then you know that Christmas time is here
The traditional signs of the season and the buoyancy of our minds confirm that it's truly the time of the year for happiness, gratitude, and love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: William Squier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind