He became widely known for his version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" (1982), as well as his own compositions "Durham Town (The Leavin')" (1969) and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore" (1970), his 1970 hit "New World in the Morning" and his 1975 hit "The Last Farewell" (his only single to hit the US Billboard Hot 100, making it to the Top 20).
Whittakers first chart success came in 1969 when "Durham Town (The Leavin')" was his first UK Top 20 hit. In 1970 came two follow-up hits, "I Don't Believe In If Anymore" (Top 10) and "New World In The Morning" (Top 20), and 1971 brought two smaller hit singles "Why" and "Mamy Blue".
Whittaker was absent from the UK singles chart until 1975, when "The Last Farewell" went Top 3, after which it was another eleven years until "Skye Boat Song" returned him to the Top 10 of the singles chart.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Whittaker had success in Germany, with German language songs produced by Nick Munro (unable to speak German at that time, Whittaker sang the songs phonetically). In time he became more fluent in German and sang and was interviewed in German on Danish television in November 2008. Whittaker retired from touring in 2013.
Country Christmas
Roger Whittaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And dusting on a hill.
Skaters on the river,
Gentle dancers in the chill.
The children's laughter ringing,
As they overturn there sleighs,
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
Of a friendly fire inside.
And so it's after bedtime,
All the children's eyes are wide.
There might be cakes and short bread
On a shiny silver train,
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
Christmas in the country,
Like another time and place.
I see it in the little things,
In every smiling face.
It's crystal nights and far of lights
And children count the days.
Country Christmas and love will lead the way.
Dogs run after snowflakes,
In a never ending chase.
Soft lights trough the window,
Foster's dalycurtis lay's
And reunited loved ones
Who've been far to long away,
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
Christmas in the country,
Like another time and place.
I see it in the little things,
In every smiling face.
It's crystal nights and far of lights
And children count the days.
Country Christmas and love will lead the way.
Country Christmas and love will lead the way.
The lyrics of Roger Whittaker's song 'Country Christmas' depict the magical and peaceful ambiance of Christmas in a rural setting. The song begins by describing the snowfall, which is getting heavier and dusting on the hills. The surrounding atmosphere is serene, and skaters are gliding on the river while children are playing and laughing while sledding. The chimneys are smoking, holding the promise of a warm and friendly fire inside the house. All children are wide-eyed, even though it is way past their bedtime, and delicious cakes and shortbread are waiting for them.
The second paragraph of the song talks about the simple pleasures of a countryside Christmas. It is a special time when everyone is joyful and contented. Even the dogs are excitedly running after snowflakes in a never-ending pursuit, which is one of the many little moments that make this time exceptional. Soft lights glowing through the windows add to the charming backdrop. The song finishes with loved ones being reunited, counting the days since they have all been together, waiting for that special day of love and togetherness.
Overall, the lyrics in 'Country Christmas' perfectly captures the essence of a rural Christmas. The imagery and picturesque setting the song presents, work to create a tranquil Christmas scene of peace and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Snow is falling faster now
And dusting on a hill.
The snow is falling more heavily and settling on the hills.
Skaters on the river,
Gentle dancers in the chill.
People are ice-skating on the river and moving gently in the cold weather.
The children's laughter ringing,
As they overturn there sleighs,
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
The children are laughing as they tip over their sledges and eagerly wait for Christmas Day in the countryside.
The chimneys hold the promise
Of a friendly fire inside.
The chimneys indicate that there is a warm and welcoming fire inside the house.
And so it's after bedtime,
All the children's eyes are wide.
Although it's past the children's bedtime, they are still awake with excitement.
There might be cakes and short bread
On a shiny silver train,
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
There could be cakes and shortbread on a shiny silver train waiting for Christmas Day in the countryside.
Christmas in the country,
Like another time and place.
Christmas in the countryside feels like a different era altogether.
I see it in the little things,
In every smiling face.
The happiness and joy of Christmas is reflected in every small detail and person's smiling face.
It's crystal nights and far of lights
And children count the days.
The nights are clear and bright with distant Christmas lights shining, and the children are eagerly counting down the days until Christmas.
Country Christmas and love will lead the way.
Christmas in the countryside is characterized by love and goodwill towards all.
Dogs run after snowflakes,
In a never ending chase.
Dogs are excitedly chasing snowflakes in an endless game.
Soft lights trough the window,
Foster's dalycurtis lay's
And reunited loved ones
Who've been far to long away,
The gentle lights shining through the windows, traditional Christmas decorations and reunited loved ones who have not seen each other in a long time all make Christmas Day in the countryside special.
Waiting for a country Christmas day.
Everyone is eagerly anticipating Christmas Day in the countryside.
Christmas in the country,
Like another time and place.
Christmas in the countryside feels like a different era altogether.
I see it in the little things,
In every smiling face.
The happiness and joy of Christmas is reflected in every small detail and person's smiling face.
It's crystal nights and far of lights
And children count the days.
The nights are clear and bright with distant Christmas lights shining, and the children are eagerly counting down the days until Christmas.
Country Christmas and love will lead the way.
Christmas in the countryside is characterized by love and goodwill towards all.
Contributed by Brayden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-qt5eh9wb7g
My mother's favorite Christmas album, and it latched itself onto me! Love this album to this day, spin this vinyl all thru the holidays on my record player!!!
@SnazzyZubloids
It's not Christmas until I hear this playing throughout my parents' house.
@JouelleBrick
I'm spending Christmas away from home and this brought a bit of Christmas back to me :)
@keatsgipsy
Thank you for posting this video - it was a favorite album in our Christmas Home Merry Christmas
@The2Frank
👍
@micheleschwartz3571
Love Roger Wittaker
@laszlonemet4425
Christmas in the Country
Another Time andPlace
I see it in the little Things
In every smiling face
It's Cristal Nights and Fireoflights
And Children count the Days
Country Christmas, and Love will lead the Ways.