Winter Song
Ingrid Michaelson and Sarah Bareilles Lyrics

Bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum Bum bum bum bum bum bum Bum bum bum bum bum bum
The opening soundscape creates a wintry backdrop for the lyrics.

This is my winter song to you.
The singer is creating a special song for someone during the winter season.

The storm is coming soon, It rolls in from the sea
A winter storm is rapidly approaching from the ocean, bringing with it snow or rough weather.

My voice; a beacon in the night. My words will be your light, To carry you to me.
The singer promises to be a guide for their loved one in the darkness of winter, using their words and voice like a light to bring the other person to them.

Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love
The repetition of this line suggests a concern about whether love still exists or is present in the relationship being portrayed in the song.

They say that things just cannot grow Beneath the winter snow, Or so I have been told.
There is a common belief that life cannot thrive in winter, and the singer has heard this belief many times.

They say were buried far, Just like a distant star I simply cannot hold.
The singer cannot physically hold the other person, as they are far away, though they may still shine like a distant star.

This is my winter song. December never felt so wrong, 'Cause you're not where you belong; Inside my arms.
The artist longs for their loved one to be with them, and their absence makes winter feel particularly lonely and difficult for them.

I still believe in summer days. The seasons always change And life will find a way.
The artist has hope that life will continue, even in the midst of a cold and snowy winter, and the seasons will eventually shift towards brighter days.

I'll be your harvester of light And send it out tonight So we can start again.
The singer will be a source of light and positivity for the other person, helping them to begin anew together.

Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive?
Once again, the repetition of this line hints at a concern that love may not be present or strong enough in the relationship.

This is my winter song. December never felt so wrong, 'Cause you're not where you belong; Inside my arms.
The refrain reiterates the longing the singer has for their loved one's presence in a cold and lonely winter.

This is my winter song to you. The storm is coming soon It rolls in from the sea.
The song ends on a note of urgency, as the storm is continuing to approach, and the singer is running out of time to express their feelings before it arrives.

My love a beacon in the night. My words will be your light To carry you to me.
Once again, the singer is offering the other person comfort, support, and guidance through their words and love.

Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive?
The final repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of love in the relationship and the uncertainty surrounding whether it is truly present or strong enough to weather the winter storms.