Silver Bells
Ella Fitzgerald & Bing Crosby Lyrics

Silver bells, silver bells
The song opens by describing the sound of the silver bells ringing. These bells are often used as a symbol of Christmas and are used in this song to create a festive atmosphere.

It's Christmas time in the city
The lyrics give the listener a sense of the season by stating that Christmas has arrived in the city. It's a time when people come together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit.

Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling) hear them ring (ting-a-ling)
The sound of the bells ringing is described even further. The use of onomatopoeia adds to the festive atmosphere and creates an immersive experience for the listener.

Soon it will be Christmas day
The lyrics remind the listener that the big day is almost here. The anticipation for this special day is felt throughout the song and this line helps to build up excitement.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
The song sets the scene for Christmas by describing the busy city sidewalks. The streets are packed with people shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Dressed in holiday style
The city is decked out in Christmas decorations and festive cheer. The use of the phrase 'holiday style' means that the decorations aren't just limited to Christmas, but could be used to celebrate any holiday.

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
This line captures the essence of Christmas by describing the atmosphere created by the holiday. It's a time of joy and good cheer, where people come together to celebrate.

Children laughing, people passing
The busy sidewalks are full of people, including children who are out having fun. The lyrics capture the sense of excitement and wonder that children feel during this time of year.

Meeting smile after smile
The festive spirit brings people together, and this line describes the happy encounters and interactions between strangers in the city streets.

And on every street corner you hear
The sound of the silver bells, which are being rung by street vendors and musicians on every corner, adds to the festive atmosphere of the song and captures the magical feeling of Christmas.

Strings of street lights, even stoplights
The decorations extend beyond just storefronts and sidewalks, with the streets themselves being adorned with brightly lit string lights and stoplights decorated with red and green colors.

Blink of bright red and green
The colors of Christmas are vividly described here, with bright flashes of red and green lights used throughout the city to create a festive atmosphere.

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
This line describes the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, as people rush home with their purchases to get ready for the holiday.

Hear the snow crush, see the kids rush
This line highlights the excitement of the season, with the sound of snow being crushed underfoot and children running around in anticipation of the big day.

This is Santa's big day
The lyrics remind the listener that Christmas is a special day for everyone, but especially for Santa Claus. It's a day when he delivers gifts to children all over the world.

And above all this bustle you hear
Despite the frenetic pace of the city during the holiday season, the sound of the silver bells can still be heard above the noise and chaos. It's a constant reminder of the magic of Christmas.

Silver bells (the corner Santa Claus)
The lyrics mention the corner Santa Claus ringing his own silver bells, highlighting the iconic role that he plays during the holiday season.

Silver bells (is busy now because)
This line adds to the idea that Santa Claus is busy delivering gifts to children all over the world. It's a reminder of the hard work that goes into creating a magical Christmas for everyone.

Ring-a-ling, it fills the winter air
The ringing of the silver bells fills the winter air, adding to the magic of Christmas and creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Hear them ring, you hear it everywhere
The sound of the silver bells is ubiquitous during the holiday season, with their ringing heard everywhere you go. It's a constant reminder that Christmas is just around the corner.

Very soon it will be Christmas day
The lyrics remind the listener once again that Christmas day is almost here. The anticipation has been building throughout the song, and this line builds up to the big finale.