Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own radio show, The Wayfaring Stranger, which popularized traditional folk songs. In 1942, he appeared in Irving Berlin's This Is the Army and became a major star of CBS Radio. In the 1960s, he successfully crossed over into country music, recording hits such as "A Little Bitty Tear" and "Funny Way of Laughin'". Ives was also a popular film actor through the late 1940s and '50s. His film roles included parts in So Dear to My Heart (1948) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), as well as the role of Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Ives is often associated with the Christmas season. He did voice-over work as Sam the Snowman, narrator of the classic 1964 Christmas television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Ives also worked on the special's soundtrack, including the songs "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", both of which continue to chart annually on the Billboard holiday charts into the 2020s.
White Christmas
Burl Ives Lyrics
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Just like the ones I used to know
Where those tree-tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleighbells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
May your days may your days may your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
The opening lines to Burl Ives's iconic song, "White Christmas," evoke the image of a picture-perfect holiday season. The singer is dreaming of a white Christmas, harkening back to the nostalgic memories of their childhood. The pristine snow-covered trees and the sounds of sleigh bells ringing in the distance make this holiday period particularly special. The refrain is repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's desire to experience a traditional festive season as they did when they were younger.
The second verse is slightly different from the first, and the singer is now writing Christmas cards, sending wishes of merriment and asking that every recipient has a white Christmas. They express that they wish to bring a sense of comfort and warmth to their loved ones, despite physical distance or circumstances that may keep them apart during the season.
As the song concludes, the singer repeats the phrase from the first verse, "May your days may your days may your days be merry and bright." This line serves as a reminder that, despite the cold and dark winter months, the holiday season should bring joy and happiness to everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I long for a holiday season with snow and a festive atmosphere.
Just like the ones I used to know
I remember the Christmases that were celebrated with joy and happiness due to the snow season.
Where those tree-tops glisten
The snow on the tops of trees presents a beautiful sparkle and is truly a sight to behold.
And children listen
The children wait patiently to hear the sound of bells on a sleigh and excitedly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus.
To hear sleighbells in the snow
The delicate sound of bells ringing in the snow is a Christmas tradition that brings magic to the season.
With every Christmas card I write
As I write Christmas cards to friends and family, I think about the beauty of a white Christmas.
"May your days be merry and bright
I hope that everyone's holiday season is filled with happiness and joy.
And may all your Christmases be white
I hope that everyone gets to experience the magic of a white Christmas, just like the ones I remember from my past.
May your days may your days may your days be merry and bright
Once again, I hope that the holiday season is full of happiness and positivity for everyone.
And may all your Christmases be white
Yet again, I hope that everyone gets to experience the magic of a white Christmas and that it brings them happiness.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind