Silver Bells

Christmas Song Lyric

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
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear,

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing.
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'll hear,

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day.

 
Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

About This Christmas Song

Silver Bells paints a dreamy picture of Christmastime in the city, where bustling sidewalks, ringing streetcorner bells, and cheerful crowds signal that the holiday season is in full swing. The song was written in 1950 by the songwriting team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, originally for the film The Lemon Drop Kid, starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell.

Interestingly, the song was almost titled Tinkle Bells - until Livingston’s wife pointed out the unfortunate bathroom-related meaning of “tinkle.” Thankfully, the title was changed, and Silver Bells was born, capturing the serene beauty of urban Christmas scenes with its soft, flowing melody.

Though the film gave the song its debut, it was a pre-release recording by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards that turned Silver Bells into a holiday standard. Their version became a beloved radio hit, and since then, countless artists have added their voices to the carol’s legacy.

With its gentle rhythm and imagery of twinkling lights and busy streets, Silver Bells strikes a chord for anyone who finds a bit of magic in the holiday hustle and bustle. It’s a song that feels like a walk through a city decked out in its Christmas best.

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