In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
Winter Wonderland
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
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Writers Felix Bernard, Dick Smith
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight Walkin' in a winter wonderland Gone away is the bluebird Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song as we go along Walkin' in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say are you married We'll so no man, But you can do the job when you're in town Later on we'll conspire As we dream by the fire To face unafraid The plans that we made Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Johnny Tillotson's song "Winter Wonderland," originally written by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith, is a classic Christmas tune that paints an idyllic scene of winter wonderland with a cheerful and festive tone. The song is structured around a couple enjoying a winter night together by strolling in a snowy lane. The couple is delighted by the winter scene and the new bird that sings a sweet love song for them. The song suggests that the couple retreats to an intimate spot by the fireplace where they talk about their plans during this romantic winter night.
The song is all about finding happiness and love in the simple and natural things in life. The gentle, soothing sounds of sleigh bells in the background give the song a rhythm that feels like a heartfelt walk in the snow. The lyricist describes a winter wonderland that makes everything right, where nothing can go wrong. There is a sense of innocence, enjoyment, and carefree happiness in the way the couple embraces the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
The sound of sleigh bells fills the air, are you paying attention?
In the lane, snow is glistening
The snow in the street is reflecting the light, creating a beautiful sight.
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
The scene around us is so beautiful, it's making us happy in this moment.
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
We are walking around in this beautiful winter environment, enjoying the experience.
Gone away is the bluebird
The bluebird, which represents happiness, has left us because of the season.
Here to stay is a new bird
A new bird has come, representing love and staying with us through the winter season.
He sings a love song as we go along
As we continue walking, the bird sings a love song to us.
In the meadow we can build a snowman
We can make a snowman in the open field covered in snow.
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
We can imagine the snowman as a religious figure, like a pastor named Parson Brown.
He'll say are you married
We pretend that the snowman asks us if we're married.
We'll say no man,
We respond to the snowman that we are not married.
But you can do the job when you're in town
We tell the snowman that he can marry us when he comes back to town.
Later on we'll conspire
We will plan something together secretly.
As we dream by the fire
As we sit by the fire and imagine our futures.
To face unafraid
To confront the future without fear.
The plans that we made
The plans we made together in this beautiful winter wonderland.
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
We continue to walk and enjoy the beauty of the winter wonderland.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard B. Smith, Felix Bernard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind