
Sadly, Smith never really saw the fruits of his work as he passed away ravaged by the disease at the young age of 34, a year after Bernard wrote the unforgettable music to Smith's poem.įelix Bernard, however enjoyed much fame in the years following what would be the first of countless recordings. Touched by his sick friend's lovely poem which clearly expressed his desire to flee the limitations his illness had put upon him, Bernard immediately set to work at composing a melody to go along with the words. Happy with the result, Smith showed the lyrics to his friend and musician Felix Bernard in 1934. Back in those days, they often traveled through the country performing interdenominational services and ceremonies when nobody else was available to do so. Smith even worked a bit of local flavor into his poem when he mentioned “Parson Brown” - a reference to parsons, or independent priests of the Protestant faith who were not associated with any specific parishes or churches. This innocent scene inspired the young man to write a beautiful poem, invoking the carefree fun of a day in the snow. Days were long and spent in the comfort of his room, daydreaming about a normal and healthy life that would enable him to play outside in the snow like the children he was observing from his window. In a particularly cold and long winter during the early 1930's, a young man named Richard Smith who had been suffering from the then still widespread and devastating disease of tuberculosis found himself in a home in Pennsylvania recovering from yet another bout of the deadly infection. Creationĭespite its upbeat character, the story behind this hugely popular song is anything but joyful. Although originally not intended to be a Christmas song, the piece has become intricately tied to the holidays, making it one of the great classics that has been interpreted by numerous famous artists. As winter and Christmas close in on us this single should fit the mood of the season." Peter Kinghorn of the Evening Chronicle described the song as a "superb" and "expressive" ballad.In countries with seasonal climates and cold winters, no other song conjures up images of the joys of freshly fallen snow quite like the easy melody and cheerful lyrics of “Winter Wonderland”.

Rea takes his time and doesn't crowd out the mix." Jim Lawn of the Lennox Herald stated, "This single will certainly provide Rea with another hit. This is a gorgeous homily to fit the shortening days and the yearning heart.
#Winter wonders song full#
His last single was called 'Looking for the Summer', and now he reclaims his spot around the fireplace with this pleasant Dire Straits-like folk song." Gavin Martin of NME selected it as one of the "singles of the week" and commented, "The languorous pace and parched throaty rasp that worked wonders on the eerie evocation of ' Texas' basks in its full glory here. Upon its release, Music & Media wrote, "Rea has a good sense of the seasons.

The EP, which was released to coincide with Rea's current tour of Britain, reached No. "Winter Song" was written by Rea and produced by Jon Kelly. " Winter Song" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in October 1991 as an extended play and as a track on the European edition of his eleventh studio album Auberge.
