When Benton was young he enjoyed gospel music and wrote songs and in 1948 he went to New York to pursue his music career.
He was a member of several gospel groups including "The Langfordairies", "The Jerusalem Stars", and "The Golden Gate Quartet".
After returning to his home state he joined a R&B singing group, "the Sandmen", and soon went back to New York to try for a big break. Eventually the record company decided to drop The Sandmen and push Brook as a solo artist.
Benton wrote songs for artists such as Nat King Cole, Clyde McPhatter, and Roy Hamilton. Soon he released his first minor hit A Million Miles From Nowhere, and later he joined the Mercury label, which would later bring him big success.
In 1952 he got his big break with It's Just a Matter of Time and Endlessly.
It's Just a Matter of Time made it to #3 on the U.S. Pop charts, while Endlessly made it to #12 . Both hits were written by Benton himself.
Benton had many #1 hits including Rainy Night in Georgia and Hotel Happiness. According to Songfacts, his version of the blues standard The Boll Weevil Song has the unique distinction of being the first #1 song on Billboard's Easy Listening chart.
Altogether, Benton had 38 hit singles through out his career. His last album was "Fools Rush In", released posthumously in 2005. He died on April 9, 1988.
I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas
Brook Benton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When snow will be falling, friends will be calling
You know it's time when, there'll be carolers singing Silent Night
I love when they sing, the feeling it brings
It's warm as a fire is bright
Soon there'll be toys for good girls and boys
And reindeer are heading our way
There's one thing I wanted to say
I wish every day could be like Christmas
And if I could have one wish come true
I wish every day could be, full of peace and harmony
I wish every day could be like Christmas, I do
I saw a child sit with old Mr. Clause,
Looked him in the eye and he asked old Santa what peace on earth was
Now the old man grew cautious, on how he would say
That it's the greatest gift what you could give, every day
I wish every day could be like Christmas
And if I could have one wish come true
I wish every day could be, full of peace and harmony
I wish every day could be like Christmas, I do
Now the mistle-toe and the house aglow
All the world seems at ease tonight
And all that I ask when these precious moments pass
Is why can't every day be so bright
I wish every day could be like Christmas
And if I could have one wish come true
I wish every day could be, full of peace and harmony
I wish every day could be like Christmas, I do
Honest I do, yes I do now
Very merry Christmas
Brook Benton's song "I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas" is an iconic Christmas-themed song that expresses the desire that every day could be as magical and peaceful as Christmas day. The first verse sets the Christmas scene with snow falling, friends calling, and carolers singing, all of which evoke a warm and cozy feeling. The chorus expresses the singer's wish that every day could be filled with peace, love, and harmony just like Christmas. In the second verse, the song switches its focus from the festive season to the concept of peace on earth. An innocent boy asks Santa Claus what peace on earth means and the old man grows cautious on how to answer. He eventually states that peace is the greatest gift one could give every day. The song concludes with the singer reminiscing on the beauty of the season and wondering why every day can't be as bright and peaceful.
The lyrics of "I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas" speaks to the desire for peace and harmony that transcends the festive season. The song highlights the joy and happiness experienced during Christmas, which is often short-lived, as everyday life sets in. Brook Benton's song encourages listeners to embrace the Christmas spirit of giving and to carry that spirit of love, generosity, and kindness throughout the year.
Line by Line Meaning
What time is it baby, is it that time again
As Christmas is approaching, the singer is excited and asks if it's time for the festivities to begin.
When snow will be falling, friends will be calling
Snow is a symbol of Christmas and the singer welcomes the phone calls from friends during the holiday season.
You know it's time when, there'll be carolers singing Silent Night
The arrival of Christmas is evident when carolers sing the popular Christmas song 'Silent Night'.
I love when they sing, the feeling it brings
The singer loves the joy and happiness that the carols bring and the sense of warmth that it creates.
It's warm as a fire is bright
The feeling brought about by the carols is compared to the warmth of a bright, burning fire.
Soon there'll be toys for good girls and boys
The excitement of Christmas grows for children as they hope to receive toys from Santa Claus for being good throughout the year.
And reindeer are heading our way
The traditional story of Santa Claus delivering presents on his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer is being alluded to.
Yes, and Santa will come down the chimney above
The singer is describing the classic image of Santa Claus coming down from the chimney to deliver presents to the children.
There's one thing I wanted to say
The singer has one wish he wants to express in this song.
I wish every day could be like Christmas
The singer's wish is for every day to be like Christmas, filled with joy, happiness, and love.
And if I could have one wish come true
The singer is expressing how important this wish is, implying that it would be the only wish he would ask for, if given the opportunity.
I wish every day could be, full of peace and harmony
The singer wants every day to be filled with calmness, nonviolence, and general togetherness.
Now the mistle-toe and the house aglow
The singer is describing the decorations of Christmas, including mistletoe and glowing lights that give the home a festive ambience.
All the world seems at ease tonight
The peaceful and calming feeling of Christmas is felt by all, so much so that it feels like the world is at peace.
And all that I ask when these precious moments pass
The singer is asking a rhetorical question about why the sense of joy and happiness of Christmas cannot last beyond the holiday season.
Is why can't every day be so bright
The singer expresses that he wishes every day could maintain the bright and cheery feeling of Christmas.
Honest I do, yes I do now
The singer emphasizes his sincerity in expressing his wish of having everyday life resemble that of Christmas.
Very merry Christmas
The song ends with the traditional message of wishing the listeners a very merry Christmas, a common phrase during the holiday season.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID J. P. ERWIN, JIM L. CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind