When Naomi Judd found herself pregnant, she quickly got married but not to the father of her first child, daughter Christina Ciminella. Christina, born May 30, 1964, became known as Wynonna Judd when the mother-daughter duo stormed the country charts in the 1980s.
After Naomi Judd divorced, she moved from Hollywood, back to Morrill, Ky., with Wynonna and another daughter Ashley. There, she worked as a nurse in a local infirmary. Outside working and school hours, she and the children would sing anything from bluegrass to showbiz standards for their own amusement. However, when Wynonna nurtured aspirations to be a professional entertainer, her mother lent her encouragement, to the extent of moving the family to Nashville in 1979. Naomi's contralto subtly underlined Wynonna's tuneful drawl.
In addition to many performances on Ralph Emery's morning television show, Naomi elicited an audition for RCA Records while tending a hospitalized relation of label producer Brent Maher. With a past that read like a Judith Krantz novel, the Judds -- so the executives considered -- would have more than an even chance in the country market. An exploratory mini-album, which contained proved the executives correct. The single "Had a Dream (From the Heart)" peaked at No. 17 in 1984. Later that year, the Judds scored their first of 14 No. 1 hits with "Mama He's Crazy."
Self-composed songs included Naomi's 1989 composition "Change of Heart," dedicated to her future second husband (and former Elvis Presley backing vocalist) Larry Strickland. Meanwhile, Maher co-wrote hits such as 1985's Grammy-winning "Why Not Me," "Turn It Loose," "Girls Night Out," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Ol' Days)" and "Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain."
Most Judds records exhibited an acoustic bias and a penchant for star guests that included the Jordanaires on "Don't Be Cruel," Emmylou Harris on "The Sweetest Gift," Mark Knopfler on his "Water of Love" and Bonnie Raitt playing slide guitar on the album Love Can Build a Bridge. In 1988, the pair became the first female country act to found their own booking agency (Pro-Tours), but a chronic hepatitis infection forced Naomi to retire from the concert stage two years later.
The Judds toured America in a series of farewell concerts before Wynonna began her solo career. Wynonna got off to a strong start, as her first two singles both went to #1. Her 1994 single "Girls With Guitars" featured Naomi (as well as Lyle Lovett) on backup vocals.
In 1998, The Judds appeared in a commercial for the retail chain Kmart, singing Wynonna's single "Woman To Woman".
In 1999, Wynonna reunited with her mother for a New Year's Eve concert in Phoenix. The following year, the duo recorded four new tracks for a bonus disc issued with Wynonna's album New Day Dawning, and undertook a multi-city tour. The results were issued as the album Reunion Live. A 2004 single, "Flies On The Butter (You Can't Go Home Again)" was recorded with Naomi; however, the single was credited as "Wynonna with Naomi Judd" instead of "The Judds".
Silver Bells
The Judds Lyrics
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It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
Whatever happens whatever may be
Here is what Christmas time means to me
Silver bells silver bells it's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it will be Christmas Day
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing people passing meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells silver bells
Silver bells silver bells
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
The song "Silver Bells" by The Judds is a beautiful Christmas classic that captures the magic and warmth of the holiday season. The lyrics start by acknowledging the emotional power of Christmas and the range of experiences it can bring - from festive parties to more reflective, spiritual moments. Despite these differences, the singer identifies a common thread - a sense of warmth and joy that comes with the holiday, regardless of what form it takes.
The chorus then introduces the iconic "silver bells," which the singer hears ringing throughout the city streets. The festive tone of the bells mirrors the lively and joyous atmosphere of Christmastime in the city, where everyone seems to be dressed up and in a celebratory mood. The imagery of children laughing and people passing with smiles perfectly encapsulates the festive cheer that fills the air.
Overall, "Silver Bells" is a song that captures the essence of Christmas - a time for love, joy, and togetherness, no matter what form it takes.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas makes you feel emotional
The holiday season brings out strong emotions and feelings in people.
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
There are two ways people celebrate Christmas: festively (with parties) or spiritually (with religious contemplation).
Whatever happens whatever may be
No matter what other challenges or events are happening in life, Christmas remains a constant and important time of the year.
Here is what Christmas time means to me
The following lyrics describe the singer's personal perspective on what makes Christmas special.
Silver bells silver bells it's Christmas time in the city
The sound of silver bells ringing is a common and memorable part of the holiday season, especially in urban areas.
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it will be Christmas Day
The sound of the bells serves as an auditory reminder that Christmas is approaching.
City sidewalks busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style
The streets are filled with pedestrians and decorated for the season, creating a festive atmosphere.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
There is a palpable sense of happiness and joy that permeates the atmosphere during the holiday season.
Children laughing people passing meeting smile after smile
The holiday spirit brings people together and causes them to interact in a positive, joyful way.
And on every street corner you hear
The ringing of silver bells is a ubiquitous and constant part of the soundscape during the Christmas season.
Silver bells silver bells
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the prevalence and importance of the bells in the singer's experience of Christmas.
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it will be Christmas Day
The lyric serves as a reminder that Christmas is quickly approaching and that the holiday will soon arrive.
Soon it will be Christmas Day
The final lyric acts as an affirmation that the holiday is imminent and will soon be celebrated.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind