Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Silver Bells
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soon it will be Christmas day
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
Strings of 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 hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
Soon it will be Christmas day
In Tony Bennett's song Silver Bells, the lyrics capture the essence of Christmas in the city. The jingling silver bells signify the nearing of Christmas day, and as we walk through the city streets, everything is dressed in holiday style. The air is filled with a feeling of excitement and anticipation as people rush to complete their holiday shopping. The sound of children laughing and people passing, meeting smile after smile as they exchange greetings and well-wishes is ubiquitous. On every street corner, the chime of silver bells can be heard as a joyful indicator of the season's festivities.
The second verse of the song depicts the city's winter wonderland as the streets are adorned with strings of street lights and stoplights that blink red and green. The hustle and bustle of the season is at its peak as shoppers rush home with their treasures. The snow crunching underfoot, and merry groups of children create Santa's big scene. Amidst all the chaos, the chime of silver bells can still be heard above the noise, sweetly reminding us that Christmas day is approaching.
Overall, the song Silver Bells is a cheerful ode to the Christmas season, conjuring up memories of snowy streets, cups of hot cocoa, and the warm company of loved ones. The lyrics remind us that the chime of silver bells is an auditory representation of the joy and magic of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver bells, silver bells
The song starts with the sound of silver bells, bells that have silver color, and are probably used for celebrations.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The song tells us that Christmas day is around the corner, and the bells are ringing to create a festive atmosphere.
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
The song describes the busy streets of the city, where people are walking on the sidewalk, and traffic is moving along.
Dressed in holiday style
The song says that the streets are decorated with holiday decorations, such as Christmas lights and ornaments.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
The song creates an atmosphere of Christmas, where the air is filled with the anticipation of the holiday season.
Children laughing, people passing
The song describes the scene of children laughing as they enjoy the holiday season, while the people around them pass by, probably also enjoying the festive season.
Meeting smile after smile
The song says that people are smiling as they meet one another on the street, probably happy to see each other during the holiday season.
And on every street corner you hear
The song tells us that on every street corner, the sound of silver bells is ringing in the festive season, creating an atmosphere of joy and cheer.
Silver bells, silver bells
The song repeats the start of the tune to reinforce the sound of the silver bells ringing in the air.
It's Christmas time in the city
The song reminds us that it is the holiday season, and people are celebrating in the city, creating a feeling of joy and happiness.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The song repeats the sound of the silver bells once again, asking us to listen carefully to the festive sounds in the air.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The song reminds us again that Christmas day is around the corner, and we should enjoy the festive season while we can.
Strings of street lights, even stop lights
The song describes the street lights and stop lights on the streets, all decorated with festive lights and decorations.
Blink a bright red and green
The song says that the lights are blinking brightly in red and green, the traditional colors of the holiday season.
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
The song describes the shoppers who have finished their Christmas shopping, as they hurry home to celebrate and distribute the gifts they bought.
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch
The song creates a visual and auditory image of the snow crunching under the feet of the people walking on the streets, and the kids bunching together to play in the snow.
This is Santa's big scene
The song refers to the scene of the holiday season as Santa's scene, a scene where he brings joy and happiness to people all around the world.
And above all this bustle you hear
The song tells us that even in the midst of all the holiday bustle, we can still hear the sound of the silver bells ringing in the air with a joyful sound.
Silver bells, silver bells
The song repeats the sound of the silver bells again, ending the tune on a joyful note.
It's Christmas time in the city
The song reminds us once again that it is the holiday season, creating a feeling of warmth, happiness, and joy.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The song repeats the ringing sound of the silver bells once again, ending the tune on a joyful and festive note.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The song reminds us again that Christmas day is around the corner, and it will be here soon, so let's enjoy the holiday season while we can.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ilona frissina
Listening to Tony Bennett sing his 🎄 Christmas songs makes the holiday so warm and special. Love it when family and friends gather around.
Zelda Sarah
Tony Bennett is and will always continue to be one of the greatest singers of all time. His voice combined with the jazz-ed style of the songs that he sings forms a perfect blend which is impossible to resist. Simply wonderful!
Brooklynn Laurick
I've never heard this version of Silver Bells before. I had a dream that I was listening to a swing jazz cover of Silver Bells and immediately looked for one when I woke up. It sounded exactly like this one does. The way he separates each line with a pause, the string bass playing on every beat. Dreams do come true.
Brooklynn Laurick
@Reece Lukacs thanks!
Reece Lukacs
This is such a cool story!!
Tona Rojo
Merry Christmas everyone! Such a Christmas classic! Such a classic voice!
Nick Riggio
Tony sings on Facebook at: Friends of Tony Bennett
Pygo
Wow he has a great voice never gets old <3
Reece Lukacs
This entire album is so perfect. THIS is christmas to me.
Musikunterricht
where do i get the piano sheet of that awesome performance?? love the way he plays....