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.
This Time of Year
Brook Benton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little girls and little boys,
Dream of worlds full of toys,
This time of the year,
When Christmas is near.
Evergreens are snowy white,
This time of the year,
When Christmas is near.
And somewhere near a steeple,
People kneel and pray,
And choirs sing,
Carols of Christmas day.
Santa Claus is on his way,
Loads of joy, on his sleigh,
This time of the year,
When Christmas is near.
Hear the sleigh bells,
Hear the sleigh bells,
Hear the sleigh bells, ring.
Brook Benton's song, "This Time of the Year" is a classic reminder of the excitement and joyful anticipation that comes with the holiday season, particularly Christmas. The lyrics describe the winter wonderland that surrounds us during this time of the year as little boys and girls dream of worlds full of toys, and we find ourselves surrounded by snowy evergreens. The sleigh bells ring through the night, bringing magic and joy to people all around the world. Even those who aren't Christian, who may not celebrate Christmas or participate in its religious mythology, can appreciate the magnificence of the season, as people gather together to sing carols and embrace the spirit of generosity.
Benton's song reminds us of the magic and wonder of Christmas, which despite often being commercialized, still has the power to bring people together and spread joy. The song also reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, which is about giving and showing appreciation for loved ones, rather than the commercialized excess that we have come to associate with the holiday. The song concludes with a celebration of the arrival of Santa Claus, who delivers joy and happiness to people worldwide on his sleigh, spreading generosity of the season with all.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas always comes this time of the year.
It is a known fact that Christmas occurs during this specific time yearly.
Little girls and little boys,
Refers to children of both genders.
Dream of worlds full of toys,
Children have great imaginations and wish for various toys during Christmas time.
This time of the year,
Relates to the annual occurrence of Christmas and the excitement that comes with it.
When Christmas is near.
Indicates that Christmas is coming soon.
Evergreens are snowy white,
Describes the beauty and aesthetics of snow settled on evergreens.
Sleigh bells ring through the night,
Suggests that sleigh bells can be heard throughout the night during Christmas time.
And somewhere near a steeple,
Points to a church building and its location.
People kneel and pray,
Assumes that individuals attending the church kneel to pray.
And choirs sing,
Members of the choir present at the church are singing.
Carols of Christmas day.
Refers to songs commonly sung during Christmas time.
Santa Claus is on his way,
Santa Claus is traveling towards people's homes to deliver gifts.
Loads of joy, on his sleigh,
Santa's sleigh is equipped with lots of toys and brings happiness to those receiving them.
This time of the year,
Reiterates the annual occurrence of Christmas.
When Christmas is near.
Suggests the impending arrival of Christmas.
Hear the sleigh bells,
A call to listen to the sounds made by sleigh bells.
Hear the sleigh bells,
A repetition of the call to listen to the sounds made by sleigh bells.
Hear the sleigh bells, ring.
The specific sound to be heard and enjoyed during Christmas time are the ringing sleigh bells.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BROOK BENTON, CLYDE LOVERN OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fasx56
Brook Benton sure has a wonderful voice, perfect match for this song, he reminds me of Nat King Cole's voice in some of his Christmas songs, top quality for sure.
Emperor Starscream
Can't tell the difference between him and Cole on this one really
l Mclendon
I love this song it always put me in the Christmas spirit.at Christmas time I sang it for my little girl, my little girl is 45 and I still sang it for her, she love the memorise.
Edward Ibeh
What a great voice! I used to confuse Brook Benton with Nat King Cole for years! They sound so alike. For about two decades, I thought it was Nat singing this song and was so shocked when I found out otherwise. This is one of my favorites!
AJ. McGowan
Brook sang this song with so much tenderness, passion and emotion. It has always been and will always be one of my favorite Christmas song. This song was truly underrated
Bryan Young
One of the best Christmas songs of all time. His voice is very recognizable it brings back a lot of fond memories. Thanks for sharing!!!
Laura Diaz
Love this song ! It takes me back in time when I was a little girl. Merry Christmas all.
Laura Diaz
Love this song - my Christmas favorite! I grew up listening to Brook Benton. This song warms my heart.
Protoville
What an amazing range! From the high, "Somewhere there's a steeple," to the low final phrase, "When Christmas is here." And he does it with such ease.
Dr. Denyce Daniels
This song is one of my favorite Christmas memories.