Winter
Jeanette Biedermann Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Snow can wait, I forgot my mittens
Wipe my nose, get my new boots on
I get a little warm in my heart when I think of winter
I put my hand in my father's glove
I run off where the drifts get deeper
Sleepin' Beauty trips me with a frown
I hear a voice, "You must learn to stand up
For yourself 'cause I can't always be around"

He says, "When you gonna make up your mind?
When you gonna love you as much as I do?
When you gonna make up your mind?
'Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
Tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change, my dear"

Boys get discovered as winter melts
Flowers competing for the sun
Years go by and I'm here, still waiting
Withering where some snowman was
Mirror, mirror, where's the crystal palace?
But I only can see myself
Skating around the truth who I am
But I know, dad, the ice is getting thin

When you gonna make up your mind?
When you gonna love you as much as I do?
When you gonna make up your mind?
'Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change, my dear

Hair is grey and the fires are burning
So many dreams on the shelf
You say I wanted you to be proud of me
I always wanted that myself

When you gonna make up your mind?
When you gonna love you as much as I do?
When you gonna make up your mind?
'Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses have gone ahead
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change, my dear

Never change




All the white horses
Never change

Overall Meaning

The song "Winter" by Jeanette Biedermann paints a picture of the changing seasons and the passage of time. It begins with the singer preparing for winter, feeling a warmth in her heart as she thinks of the season. She then reflects on her childhood, remembering going outside to play in the snow and wearing her father's gloves. However, she's interrupted by someone telling her to stand up for herself, as they won't always be around to protect her.


The chorus continues with the theme of self-love and acceptance, with the singer asking herself when she'll learn to love herself as much as her father does. She acknowledges that things change quickly, and alludes to the idea that time waits for no one, even the "white horses" which are symbolic of purity and innocence, are still in bed, they will eventually have to rise and face the changes.


As the song progresses, the singer reflects on her life, the passing of time, and the realization that she's still waiting for some things to happen. She mentions the "crystal palace," which represents the unattainable, and the idea that we often only see ourselves in the mirror, despite our desire to see more. She eventually comes to terms with the fact that she has always wanted to be proud of herself, and accepts that things will inevitably change.


Overall, "Winter" is a poignant song about growing up, self-acceptance, and the inevitability of change. It's a reminder that we must love and cherish ourselves and others, no matter what the future may hold.


Line by Line Meaning

Snow can wait, I forgot my mittens
Winter is here, but the singer is not yet prepared for it


Wipe my nose, get my new boots on
The singer is getting ready to brave the winter weather


I get a little warm in my heart when I think of winter
Despite the cold, the singer associates winter with warmth and fond memories


I put my hand in my father's glove
The artist is reminded of their father and feels comfort from the memory


I run off where the drifts get deeper
The artist is adventurous and enjoys playing in the snow


Sleepin' Beauty trips me with a frown
Someone disapproves of the singer's behavior


I hear a voice, "You must learn to stand up For yourself 'cause I can't always be around"
The singer's father is offering advice and encouraging independence


He says, "When you gonna make up your mind? When you gonna love you as much as I do? When you gonna make up your mind? 'Cause things are gonna change so fast All the white horses are still in bed Tell you that I'll always want you near You say that things change, my dear"
The artist's father is asking when the artist will have confidence and self-love, warning that things will change quickly and that he will always love them but acknowledges that change is part of life


Boys get discovered as winter melts Flowers competing for the sun
Spring represents a time of change and growth, with new discoveries and opportunities for success


Years go by and I'm here, still waiting Withering where some snowman was
The artist feels stuck and stagnant, waiting for something to happen and feeling like they are slowly losing their spark


Mirror, mirror, where's the crystal palace? But I only can see myself Skating around the truth who I am But I know, dad, the ice is getting thin
The singer is questioning their self-identity and struggling to see past their own reflection, but they are aware that they are on thin ice and need to make a change


Hair is grey and the fires are burning So many dreams on the shelf You say I wanted you to be proud of me I always wanted that myself
The artist reflects on the passage of time and how they have let their dreams fall to the wayside. They realize that they've been seeking approval from their father, but really they just want to be proud of themselves


Never change All the white horses Never change
Despite the inevitability of change, there are some things that will always remain the same




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Tori Amos

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions