Winter Wonderland is a 1934 Christmas song composed by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith. Smith was reportedly inspired to write the lyrics after seeing the Central Park in his hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania covered in snow. Although originally not intended to be a Christmas song, it has become intricately tied to the holidays, making it one of the great classics that has been interpreted by numerous famous artists
The lyrics, as originally written, tell the tale of a couple's romance in wintertime, but in 1947, lyrics with a more children oriented theme were written, changing "pretend that he is Parson Brown" (Parson referring to a traveling Anglican/Protestant priest) to "pretend that he's a circus clown". The new lyrics made it more appealing to a wider audience. Several artist, such as Johnny Mathis, perform their version of the song by linking both the original and more recent lyrics together with an additional verse and chorus.
It has been covered by various recording artist such as Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, the Eurythmics, and Tony Bennett.
Appearances on MWC[]
It is heard during season 4 in "It's a Bundyful Life (Part 1)" and "It's a Bundyful Life (Part 2)".
- In Part 1, Al hums the song to himself as he counts the cash he earned in front of the children he is "watching" at Uncle Al's Christmas Tot Lounge.
- In Part 2, after Peggy and the kids leave Al at home, so they can eat at Denny's without him, he sits on the couch and sings part of the song to himself. He then tries to get Buck to join him in song, to no avail and eventually begs someone to shoot him as he puts his face in his hands.
Lyrics[]
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland
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
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid, the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman
Yes, until the other kiddies knock him down
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream sittin' by the fire
To face unafraid all the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland