Signed to DreamWorks Records Nashville in 1998, Keith released his breakthrough single "How Do You Like Me Now?!" in late 1999. This song, the title track to his 1999 album of the same name, was the #1 country song of 2000, and one of several chart-toppers during his tenure on DreamWorks Nashville. His next three albums, Pull My Chain, Unleashed, and Shock'n Y'all, produced three more #1's each, and all of the albums were certified 4× Platinum. A second Greatest Hits package followed in 2004, and after that, he released Honkytonk University.
When DreamWorks closed in 2005, Keith founded the label Show Dog Nashville, which merged with Universal South Records to become Show Dog-Universal Music in December 2009. He has released ten studio albums through Show Dog/Show Dog-Universal: 2006's White Trash with Money, 2007's Big Dog Daddy, 2008's That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, 2009's American Ride, 2010's Bullets in the Gun, 2011's Clancy's Tavern, 2012's Hope on the Rocks, 2013's Drinks After Work, 2015's 35 MPH Town, 2017's The Bus Songs, and 2021's Peso in My Pocket, as well as the compilation 35 Biggest Hits in 2008. Keith also made his acting debut in 2006, starring in the film Broken Bridges, and co-starred with comedian Rodney Carrington in the 2008 film Beer for My Horses, inspired by his song of the same name. On February 5th, 2024, Toby passed away from a 3 year battle with Stomach Cancer.
Silver Bells
Toby Keith Lyrics
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It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
Whatever happens or what may be
Here is what Christmas time means to me
City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear:
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
City street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home
With their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all this bustle you'll hear:
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
The song "Silver Bells" by Toby Keith is a Christmas classic that describes the essence of Christmas in the city. The lyrics of the song explain how Christmas can trigger a range of emotions and how it may bring either parties or thoughts devotional. Regardless of the format of celebration, Toby Keith's explanation of Christmas time is a feeling of togetherness that envelops the air. The song describes the vibrancy and hustle-and-bustle of cities at Christmas time, with busy sidewalks and streets filled with people and the flickering of Christmas lights. The festive vibe is strengthened as children laugh and people pass by, exchanging smile after smile. The chorus of the song portrays the vivid picture of the holidays in the city, with the ringing of silver bells reminding citizens that Christmas day is coming soon.
The song evokes a warm and inviting feeling, and it excellently captures the essence of Christmas. The mood of Christmas is set not by the commercial shopping or fancy parties but by the people's spirit, which comes alive during the festive season. The song "Silver Bells" portrays the aura of the cities at Christmas time, where the festive season can be an equalizer, and people’s hearts come together.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas makes you feel emotional
The holiday of Christmas has the ability to evoke strong emotions within individuals.
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
The celebration of Christmas can lead to festive gatherings or deep reflections of one's faith.
Whatever happens or what may be
No matter what experiences or circumstances may arise during the holiday season,
Here is what Christmas time means to me
This is what the Christmas season represents in the eyes of the artist.
City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
The streets are filled with a lively energy due to the volume of people walking about.
Dressed in holiday style
The streets are adorned with festive decorations.
In the air there's
The atmosphere is rich with
A feeling of Christmas
An intangible sense that Christmas is near.
Children laughing, people passing
Happy kids and adults moving about.
Meeting smile after smile
Attaching various expressions of joy with each person encountered.
And on every street corner you'll hear:
Music and sounds of the holiday season echo throughout the city.
Silver bells, silver bells
The familiar jingling of holiday bells bring excitement to the streets.
It's Christmas time in the city
The current moment is the Christmas season for those within the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Experience the joy of the bells ringing in your ears.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The day of Christmas is approaching rapidly.
City street lights
The lights positioned on the streets.
Even stop lights
Even the lights intended for cars to stop or go.
Blink a bright red and green
Are flashing brightly with the colors of the holiday.
As the shoppers rush home
The busy shoppers rush home with their purchases.
With their treasures
The valuable items that were obtained during their shopping escapade.
Hear the snow crunch
The sound of snow falling and being compacted under foot.
See the kids bunch
Observe the children grouped together in playful settings.
This is Santa's big scene
This is the festive environment that Santa Claus traditionally thrives in.
And above all this bustle you'll hear:
Despite all the commotion happening around you,
Silver bells, silver bells
The heartwarming sound of holiday bells can still be heard ringing.
It's Christmas time in the city
Reminding everyone once again that it is the season of Christmas.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The echoing bells remain audible and joyous to hear.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The time has almost come for the arrival of Christmas.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind