Tex Beneke was born in Texas. He joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1938 … Read Full Bio ↴Tex Beneke was born in Texas. He joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1938 as a tenor saxophonist. He quickly became a star with the orchestra with his easy going manner, casual sounding voice and mellifluous saxophone playing. One night while riding to a gig with Glenn Miller in a car, they discussed tunes and Tex suggested a song he knew called "Ida". He sang it to Miller and Miller is reported to have said, "you know, Tex, we should write an arrangement for you to do that tune." They did and he did. It became a hit in 1939 and after that he became a featured singer with the band recording big hits like "I Got a Gal in Kalamazoo", "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree", "Chatanooga Choo Choo" and "I Never Knew". He later took over the band after Miller's death during the war. He led it from 1946 to 1948 and changed the name to the Tex Beneke Orchestra. He passed away in May of 2000. The band continues under his name and is led by Jim Snodgrass.

Sleigh Ride
Tex Beneke Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing, ring-ting tingle-ing, too,
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go,
Let's look at the show.

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand
Just holding your hand.
We're gliding along with a song of a wintery fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we,
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be.

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Overall Meaning

The song Sleigh Ride by Tex Beneke, composed in 1948, is an enduring holiday classic that evokes wintertime happiness and joy. The lyrics describe a magical sleigh ride shared by the singer and their loved one, amidst the beauty of falling snow and the merriment of friends calling out. The ringing of sleigh bells adds an enchanting soundtrack to this picturesque scene, as the couple glide along hand in hand, absorbing the warmth of each other's company. The lyrics conjure an idyllic image of a winter wonderland, full of carefree abandon and romantic bliss.

The song's repeated use of the phrase "giddy yap" is one of its most recognizable features, likely referencing the traditional command used to get a horse-drawn sleigh moving. The delightful metaphor of being "snuggled up together like two birds of a feather" also highlights the intimacy and closeness that the couple shares. By referencing the idea of singing a chorus or two, the song invites listeners to join in the fun and revelry of the holiday season alongside their loved ones.

Line by Line Meaning

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing, ring-ting tingle-ing, too,
Listen to the sound of the sleigh bells ringing and jingling along, making a tuneful noise as we ride.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Let's go on a sleigh ride together, as the weather is perfect for it right now.

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo"
As we ride, we can see the snowflakes falling and our friends are calling out a friendly greeting to us.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let's go,
Let's keep moving forward with enthusiasm and excitement, urging on the horses to keep up the pace.

Let's look at the show.
Let's enjoy the winter wonderland scenery surrounding us on this ride.

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
As we ride, we're experiencing the magic and beauty of a snow-covered landscape.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it's grand
We're full of joy and excitement, as we continue our sleigh ride in the snow.

Just holding your hand.
I feel comfort and warmth from holding your hand while we ride in the sleigh.

We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land.
As we ride, we feel like we're part of a magical world, gliding along to the enchanting sounds of winter.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we,
Our faces are rosy from the cold air, but we feel warm and cozy being snuggled up to each other.

We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be.
We're cuddled up close like two birds that belong together, enjoying the moment in each other's company.

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Let's continue on this path ahead of us and sing some songs together to make this journey even more enjoyable.

Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Let's keep going on this great sleigh ride together, enjoying the perfect weather and each other's company.

Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

John Hines

5y↑4

We are playing this arrangement in the Denver Jazz Orchestra this year as part of our holiday show. One of our guys used to play in Tex’s band. Said he wasn’t the nicest band leader...hmmm. But it’s a great arrangement!

Al Stewart

YES YES YES!!!!
First heard this version. On a KMart Christmas Music posting here on YouTube a year ago, and have been searching ever since. By far my favorite version of Seligh Ride

Thank-you SoundHound app and thank you for posting this Holiday gold. It'll forever be a part of my Christmas music rotation!

tbirddmnd

11y↑1

Have always loved this version! From the Columbia LP/Sony CD "Christmas Serenade in the Glenn Miller Style". It's not really the Tex Beneke Orchestra, but rather some original members of the Glenn Miller Orchestra including Tex, Ray Eberle, and Paula Kelly with the Modernaires. This recording is from 1965 and by then the Glenn Miller Estate cut ties with Tex Beneke.