The Meaning Behind The Song: Snow Is Falling by Chris de Burgh
Snow Is Falling is a melancholic Christmas song that tells the story of a lonely traveler who is walking through the snow, looking for a warm place to spend the night. The song, written by Chris de Burgh, was released in 1995, and it has become a beloved classic for its warm, yet bittersweet lyrics and its beautiful melody.
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The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics:
“Snow is falling, all around me,
Children playing, having fun.
It’s the season, love and understanding,
Merry Christmas, everyone.”
These lines paint a picture of a cold, snowy landscape and happy children running around, enjoying the festive season. But there’s a sense of melancholy that runs through the song, too, as the protagonist wanders alone through the snow, searching for a place to call home.
The Story Behind The Song
According to Chris de Burgh, Snow Is Falling was inspired by his experiences of living in Ireland during the winter months. The country is known for its harsh winters, and de Burgh found himself fascinated by the way snow can transform the landscape overnight.
In an interview with Irish Central, de Burgh explained:
“I started to muse about the fact that snow is really magical, and it has a way of muting everything around us. And also, a lot of people are travelling at that time of year, like sales reps and others. They’re away from their home. And all these feelings compiled in me, and so Snow Is Falling was born.”
The song has become a firm favourite with fans of Christmas music over the years, and its message of hope and love during the holiday season continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
The Lyrics
Snow Is Falling is a simple song, with just three verses and a chorus. But the lyrics are deeply evocative, painting a vivid picture of a winter landscape and the emotions that come with it.
Here are the lyrics to the song in full:
“Snow is falling, all around me,
Children playing, having fun.
It’s the season, love and understanding,
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Time for parties and celebration,
People dancing all night long.
Time for presents, and exchanging kisses,
Time for singing Christmas songs.
We’re gonna have a party tonight,
I’m gonna find that girl underneath the mistletoe.
We’ll kiss by candlelight.
Room is swaying, records playing,
All the old songs, we love to hear.
All I wish that every day was Christmas,
What a nice way to spend the year.”
FAQs
Q. What inspired Chris de Burgh to write Snow Is Falling?
A. Chris de Burgh was inspired by his experiences of living in Ireland during the winter months. He loved the way snow could transform the landscape overnight and was fascinated by the quiet, magical quality it added to his surroundings.
Q. What do the lyrics of Snow Is Falling mean?
A. The lyrics of Snow Is Falling tell the story of a lonely traveler searching for a home in the snow. The song is a celebration of love and understanding during the Christmas season, but there is also a bittersweet quality to the lyrics that reflects the loneliness many people feel at this time of year.
Q. What is the melody of Snow Is Falling like?
A. Snow Is Falling has a beautiful, haunting melody that perfectly matches the melancholic quality of the lyrics. The song starts with a simple piano melody that builds gradually, adding strings and percussion to create a rich, warm sound.
Q. Who are some other artists who have recorded Christmas songs?
A. Many artists have recorded classic Christmas songs over the years, from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey. Some notable examples include Wham’s Last Christmas, The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York, and Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Q. What makes Snow Is Falling a classic Christmas song?
A. Snow Is Falling has become a classic Christmas song because of its warm, evocative lyrics and its beautiful melody. The song captures the magic and melancholy of the winter season, and its message of hope and love during the holidays continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Q. What other songs has Chris de Burgh written?
A. Chris de Burgh is a prolific songwriter who has written many hit songs over the course of his career. Some of his other notable tracks include Lady In Red, Don’t Pay The Ferryman, and A Spaceman Came Travelling.
Q. How can I listen to Snow Is Falling?
A. Snow Is Falling is available to stream or download on most music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can also purchase the CD or vinyl album from major music retailers.
Q. Who produced Snow Is Falling?
A. Snow Is Falling was produced by Chris de Burgh and David Richards, a British producer best known for his work with Queen and David Bowie.
Q. What other Christmas songs should I listen to?
A. There are many classic Christmas songs that are worth listening to, from chestnuts like Jingle Bells and Silent Night to more modern tracks like All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey and Last Christmas by Wham! Some lesser-known Christmas songs worth checking out include Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Q. Who is Chris de Burgh?
A. Chris de Burgh is a British-Irish singer-songwriter best known for his hit songs Lady In Red and Don’t Pay The Ferryman. He has released numerous albums over the course of his career, covering a range of genres from pop to rock to classical.
Q. What is the message of Snow Is Falling?
A. The message of Snow Is Falling is one of hope and love during the Christmas season. The song celebrates the magic and beauty of winter while acknowledging the loneliness and isolation many people feel at this time of year.
Q. Where was Snow Is Falling recorded?
A. Snow Is Falling was recorded in de Burgh’s home studio in County Wexford, Ireland. The studio, which de Burgh built himself, is known for its warm, natural sound and has been used to record many of his albums.
Q. What instruments are used in Snow Is Falling?
A. Snow Is Falling features a range of instruments, including piano, strings, percussion, and acoustic guitar. The song’s rich, warm sound is achieved through a combination of live instruments and electronic production techniques.
Q. What is the tempo of Snow Is Falling?
A. Snow Is Falling has a slow, melancholic tempo that perfectly matches the wistful quality of the lyrics. The song’s gentle pace allows for a deep emotional connection with the listener, making it a perennial favourite during the holiday season.
