Winter Wonderland

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This article is about the song. For the 1999 interactive fiction game, see Winter Wonderland (game).

"Winter Wonderland" is a pop standard written in 1934 by Felix Bernard (composer) and Richard B. Smith (lyricist). It has been recorded many different times by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Eurythmics, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Karen Carpenter, Cyndi Lauper, Stryper and the Cocteau Twins.

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[edit] History

Smith, a native of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing Honesdale's Central Park covered in snow.

The original recording was by Richard Himber and his Hotel Carelton Orchestra on RCA Bluebird in 1934. At the end of a recording session with time to spare, it was suggested that this new tune be tried with an arrangement provided by the publisher. This excellent "studio" orchestra included many great New York studio musicians including the legendary Artie Shaw.

Due to its seasonal theme, "Winter Wonderland" is often regarded as a Christmas song on the Northern Hemisphere, although the holiday itself is never mentioned in the lyrics. There is a mention of "sleigh-bells" several times, implying that this song refers to the Christmas period. In the Swedish language lyrics, Vår vackra vita vintervärld, the word tomtar is mentioned.

[edit] Parson Brown

The following lyrics compose the musical bridge of the song:

"In the meadow we can build a snowman,
then pretend that he is Parson Brown.
He'll say 'Are You Married?' We'll say 'No man,
but you can do the job when you're in town!"

In the period when this song was written, parsons (now known as Protestant ministers) often traveled among small rural towns to perform wedding ceremonies for denominational followers who did not have a local minister of their own faith. Because some listeners are not familiar with these cultural facts, some performers omit Parson Brown altogether and just sing the lines about the Circus Clown instead.

[edit] Other recordings

[edit] Fan versions

The song has been parodied by Bob Rivers as "Walkin' 'Round in Women's Underwear", and by Stan Boreson as "Walkin' in My Winter Underwear". Both songs are frequently played on Dr. Demento's radio show.

During the 2006-2007 season, football team Manchester United fans sung a variation on the song.[citation needed]

"Mourinho are you listening?
You'd better keep the trophy glistening.
Coz we'll be back in May
To take it away
Walking in a Fergie wonderland!"

There is also another version by supporters of British boxer, Ricky Hatton.[citation needed]

[edit] Awards and achievements

In Nov 2007, ASCAP in the United States confirmed that Winter Wonderland has been the most played holiday song over the last 5 years, and that the Eurythmics' version of the song is the one most commonly played.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ ASCAP ANNOUNCES TOP 25 HOLIDAY SONGS. 12 November, 2007
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