Jingle Bells
Manilow Barry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are ringing in the night
The children string there lights upon the tree
The bells of christmas
They sing to me tonight
Bring back thoughts of you and me
Central Park
And then after dark
Filling the fires burning glow
The bells of christmas
They ring of what could be
For the bells of christmas
They ring for you and me
Sunday walks watching ships in the bay
Midnight talks we voul
We never let love slip away
The bells of christmas
They ring of what could be
For the bells of christmas
The bells of christmas
The bells of christmas
They ring for you and me
In Barry Manilow's song "Jingle Bells", the lyrics describe Christmas time and how the bells of Christmas bring back memories of romance and love. The first few lines set the scene for the listener: the bells are ringing in the night, the children are decorating the tree with lights and the singer is feeling nostalgic.
The second half of the first verse begins to describe specific memories that the singer is recalling. The scene moves to Central Park, where the singer and their loved one were sliding around in the snow during the day and then enjoying the warmth of a fire at night. The second verse goes on to describe more memories that the singer is yearning for at Christmas time: Sunday walks watching ships in the bay, and late-night conversations where they promised to never let love slip away.
The chorus of the song highlights the message that the bells of Christmas inspire the singer to imagine what could be, and to remember the love that they shared with their partner. The bells of Christmas are a symbol of hope and a reminder of happy memories.
Overall, "Jingle Bells" is a romantic and nostalgic Christmas song that speaks to the power of love and hope during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
The bells of christmas
The joyous, festive sounds of Christmas.
Are ringing in the night
The bells are ringing late into the night, signaling the arrival of Christmas.
The children string there lights upon the tree
Children use colorful lights to adorn the Christmas tree with bright, cheerful displays.
They sing to me tonight
The sound of bells is music to the ears of the singer, bringing back happy memories of past holidays.
Bring back thoughts of you and me
Christmas bells prompt the singer to recall fond memories spent with loved ones during the holiday season.
Central Park
A famous park in New York City where activities, such as ice skating, are enjoyed during the winter holidays.
Sliding round in the snow
Recreational activities such as sledding and ice-skating are enjoyed during the snowy holiday season.
And then after dark
People continue to enjoy the festivities of the day even after the sun has set, creating a memorable holiday atmosphere.
Filling the fires burning glow
A cozy fire provides warmth and comfort on cold winter nights while highlighting the festive vibe of the season.
They ring of what could be
The sound of the bells ignites hope and inspires possibilities of wonderful experiences to come in the future.
For the bells of christmas
The bells are a symbol of the beloved holiday, Christmas.
Sunday walks watching ships in the bay
Enjoying leisurely strolls on Sunday while watching the ships on the bay is a holiday activity that creates cherished memories.
Midnight talks we voul
Cherished conversations about life and love that take place late into the night during the holiday season.
We never let love slip away
The holidays are a time for feelings of love and warmth, and the singer cherishes such moments with their loved ones.
The bells of christmas
The sound of the bells ring out with joy and bliss throughout the holiday season.
The bells of christmas
Again, referencing the happiness and cheer brought by the Christmas bells.
The bells of christmas
Once more, emphasizing the importance of the jolly Christmas bells throughout the holiday season.
They ring for you and me
The bells could be heard by anyone, and are meant to spread the magic and joy of the holiday season to everyone who hears them.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: J. PIERPONT, S. WHITMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind