Lee was a musical prodigy and by the time she was two she would hear songs on the radio once and be able to whistle the complete tune. She was five years old when she started to gain wider attention when she won a local singing contest sponsored by the elementary schools. At age 11, she was offered a recording contract with Decca Records and released the song “Dynamite,” leading to her lifelong nickname, “Little Miss Dynamite.”
Lee was popular in the UK very early in her career, and her 1961 rockabilly release “Let’s Jump the Broomstick” did not chart in the US, but went to #12 in the UK. Her biggest hits during this time include a rockabilly version of the country classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” “Sweet Nothin’s,” “I Want to Be Wanted,” “All Alone Am I,” and “Fool #1.”
In 1960, she recorded her signature song, “I’m Sorry,” which hit number one on the Billboard pop chart and was her first gold single. Her last top-10 single on the pop charts was 1963’s “Losing You,” while she continued to have other chart songs such as her 1966 song “Coming On Strong” and “Is It True?” in 1964.
During the early 1970s, Lee re-established herself as a country music artist, and earned a string of Top 10 hits on the country charts. Her biggest selling track of her career is, oddly enough, a Christmas song: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” It was released in 1958, but it sold only 5,000 copies. However, it eventually sold over five million copies and remains a perennial radio favorite each December. In December 2023, Lee became the oldest artist to ever top the Hot 100, when "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" topped the chart 65 years after its release.
Over the ensuing years, Lee has continued to record and perform all around the world, previously cutting records in four different languages. She is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. In 1992, she recorded a duet with Willy DeVille; Chuck Berry also wrote a song about her. Lee has been married to Ronnie Shacklett since 1963, and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. She is the second recipient of the Jo Meador-Walker Lifetime Achievement award.
Throughout her career, Brenda Lee has released 41 studio albums, 12 compilation albums, and over 100 singles. She has had numerous top twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Country, and AC charts in the US, UK, and Canada.
Winter Wonderland
Brenda Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
In the meadow we can build a snowman
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No, man but you can do the job
While you're in town"
Later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire
We'll face unafraid the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow we can build a snowman
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No, man but you can do the job
When you're in town"
Later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire
We'll face unafraid the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
The lyrics to Brenda Lee's "Winter Wonderland" describe the joy and beauty of being outside in a winter wonderland. The first verse highlights the beauty of the snow-covered lane and the happiness felt by those walking in it. The second verse describes a new bird (a metaphor for a new love interest) that is singing a love song as the couple strolls along. In the third verse, the couple builds a snowman and pretends that it is a pastor who asks if they are married. They respond with a playful "No, man" and continue to enjoy their time together. In the final verse, they dream by the fire and face their plans unafraid, all while still enjoying the magic of the winter wonderland.
Overall, the lyrics of "Winter Wonderland" evoke a sense of joy, playfulness, and romance. The snowy landscape serves as the backdrop for the couple's burgeoning love, and the magic of the season is palpable as they walk and dream together.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
The sound of sleigh bells ringing can be heard. Are you paying attention and listening to the beauty of the winter wonderland?
In the lane, snow is glistening
The snow in the street is shining and sparkling, giving a glowing effect to the scenery.
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
The winter wonderland is a breathtaking view, and we are pleased to enjoy it on this winter night.
Walking in a winter wonderland
We are taking a walk in the magnificent winter paradise surrounding us.
Gone away is the bluebird
The bluebird that usually sings during spring has left, unable to survive in the harsh winter conditions.
Here to stay is a new bird
A new bird has arrived in the winter season with a different sound, representing the change of season.
He sings a love song as we go along
As we stroll through the winter wonderland, the new bird sings a love song, making us feel loved and cherished.
In the meadow we can build a snowman
We can create and build a snowman in the open field covered in snow.
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
We'll play make-believe and imagine that the snowman is Parson Brown, a fictional character from a children's song.
He'll say, "Are you married?"
In our imagination, Papa Brown asks if we are married.
We'll say, "No, man but you can do the job
We'll pretend to answer Parson Brown, saying we are single, but he can marry us, his imaginary power allowing him to perform the ceremony.
While you're in town"
We'll pretend to instruct Parson Brown to perform the ceremony while he is still in town, still in our imaginary game.
Later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire
As we warm up by the fire, we plan, plot, and dream of our future endeavors and experiences in life.
We'll face unafraid the plans that we've made
We will not be scared to face whatever challenges might come our way as a result of the plans we've made.
Walking in a winter wonderland
We end as we started, still walking and enjoying magnificent winter scenery.
Walking in a winter wonderland
And again, we remind ourselves that we are walking in a winter paradise.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard B. Smith, Felix Bernard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind