Val Doonican (born Michael Valentine Doonican, 3 February 1927, in Waterfor… Read Full Bio ↴Val Doonican (born Michael Valentine Doonican, 3 February 1927, in Waterford, Ireland; died 1 July 2015) was an Irish singer of traditional pop and swing and was well-known for his novelty stylised songs. A notably relaxed crooner, Doonican had five successive Top 10 albums in the UK Albums Chart in the 'swinging sixties'. From 1965 to 1986 he was a regular fixture on BBC Television with The Val Doonican Show, which featured his own singing performances and a variety of guest artists.

Doonican started performing in his home town and featured in the first ever television broadcast from Waterford. He then joined a band which toured Ireland playing the drums. In 1951 he moved to England to join another group, The Four Ramblers who toured and performed on BBC Radio shows broadcast from factories.

He eventually went solo and had a radio show as well as performing concerts and cabaret. In 1963 he was booked to appear on Sunday Night at the London Palladium. As a result of this performance, he was offered his own show on BBC television, lasting for over twenty years and moving to Saturday as its popularity grew. It featured his relaxed crooner style performance sitting in a rocking chair, as well as a number of comic Irish songs, notably "Paddy McGinty's Goat", "Delaney's Donkey", and "Rafferty's Motor Car", on which he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar. He often wore a cardigan which became a trade mark, and was sometimes compared to American singer Perry Como though Doonican has claimed his main influence was Bing Crosby. As a variety show, there were a number of other acts featured and performers such as Dave Allen had early exposure on the show.

The Palladium performance also kick-started his recording career. Between 1964 and 1973 he was rarely out of the UK Singles Chart, his greatest successes including the singles "Walk Tall", "The Special Years", "What Would I Be", "If The Whole World Stopped Loving", and "Morning"; and the albums 13 Lucky Shades of Val Doonican, and Val Doonican Rocks, But Gently. He also sang the theme song to the film, Ring of Bright Water.

He stopped performing in 2009 and spent a lot of his free time in Spain (where he had a second home).

Doonican's daughter wrote two books entitled Wired to the Moon and Fear of Custard under the name Sarah Kavanagh. Both stories are related to the performance entertainment world.

Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow
Val Doonican Lyrics

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Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbying

But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Overall Meaning

Val Doonican's song "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a classic holiday tune that has become a staple during the winter season. The lyrics describe the cozy and intimate atmosphere of a snowy winter evening spent indoors. The singer is appreciative of the warmth and comfort provided by the fire, which contrasts with the harsh and chilly weather outside. Being snowed in with a loved one is seen as an opportunity to nurture their relationship, as the phrase "since we've no place to go" suggests that they are isolated from the outside world and have each other's undivided attention.

The second verse asserts the singer's determination to enjoy the moment and embrace the seasonal mood. The line "it doesn't show signs of stopping" acknowledges the persistence of the snowstorm, but the singer is not deterred by it. The corn for popping symbolizes the cheerful spirit of the winter holidays, as well as the small pleasures that can be enjoyed even in adverse conditions. The lights being turned down low suggests a desire for intimacy and a subdued ambiance, which is accentuated by the refrain "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!".

The final verse expresses a bittersweet tone, as the fire is slowly dying and the lovers are bidding each other farewell. However, the singer is consoled by the enduring love of their partner, which provides them with emotional warmth and comfort. The phrase "All the way home I'll be warm" highlights the importance of human connection and companionship, which can transcend physical discomfort and adversity. Similarly, the resolution to "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" conveys an acceptance of the natural cycles of life and a willingness to embrace the present moment.

Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It SnowVal Doonican Lyrics

Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow
Val Doonican Lyrics