Silver Bells Ukulele Chords – Dean Martin. This song uses the chords: A, C#min, D, F/C, Bmin, E. You can change the key for free, as needed.
Silver Bells Ukulele Chords – Dean Martin
VERSE 1:
City Asidewalks, busy C#minsidewalks.
Dressed in DholiF/Cday Bminstyle
In the Eair
There’s a feeling
of AChristmasE
Children Alaughing, people C#minpassing
Meeting Dsmile F/Cafter Bminsmile
and on Eevery street corner
You’ll AhearE
CHORUS 1:
ASilver bells, Dsilver bells
EIt’s Christmas time in the AcityE
ARing-a-ling, Dhear them sing
ESoon it will be Christmas Aday
VERSE 2:
Strings of Astreet lights, even C#minstop lights
Blink a Dbright red F/Cand Bmingreen
As the Eshoppers rush
Home with their Atreasures
Hear the Asnow crunch, see the C#minkids bunch
This is DSanta’s F/Cbig Bminscene
And Eabove all this bustle
You’ll Ahear
CHORUS 2:
ASilver bells, Dsilver bells
EIt’s Christmas time in the AcityE
ARing-a-ling, Dhear them sing
ESoon it will be Christmas Aday
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“Silver Bells” History:
🎵 About “Silver Bells”
- “Silver Bells” is a classic Christmas song, written by songwriters Jay Livingston (music) and Ray Evans (lyrics).
- It was originally titled “Tinkle Bells.” According to Ray Evans, the title was changed when “tinkle” was pointed out to have a bathroom-related meaning.
- The song evokes images of a bustling city during the holiday season: “city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style,” shoppers, holiday lights, and street-corner bells — capturing the atmosphere of Christmas in the city rather than a rural winter scene.
- It first appeared in the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid, where the performance was by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell.
- The very first recorded version was by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards, recorded on September 8, 1950 with orchestra and choir, and released in October 1950.
Because of its first appearance in a film and quick popularity, “Silver Bells” became a Christmas standard covered by many artists over the decades.
🎙️ Dean Martin’s Version
- Dean Martin recorded “Silver Bells” in 1966. It is included on his album The Dean Martin Christmas Album, released October 1, 1966.
- The version reflects the classic Christmas-song arrangement and style, consistent with Martin’s smooth, relaxed vocal delivery. Lyrics are the same standard “city sidewalks, busy sidewalks…” as in the original song.
- Over the years, Dean Martin’s rendition has remained a well-loved holiday favorite, frequently appearing on Christmas playlists, compilations, and seasonal radio rotations — in part because his version blends nostalgic charm with easy-listening crooner style.
📜 Origins & Meaning
- As noted earlier, the song was almost called “Tinkle Bells,” but was renamed “Silver Bells” to avoid awkward connotations.
- The inspiration for “silver bells” is debated: some sources (including songwriter Livingston) say it comes from the bells rung by Santas and Salvation Army volunteers outside stores during holiday seasons in city streets; others (per Ray Evans) say the inspiration came from an actual bell sitting on the desk he shared with Livingston when writing.
- The imagery strongly evokes the bustle and warmth of holiday-season city life — busy sidewalks, holiday shoppers, streetlights, snow crunching, excited children — quite different from many other Christmas songs that focus on winter landscapes or rural settings.
🕰️ Legacy & Covers
- “Silver Bells” has become a Christmas standard. Over the decades, many artists have recorded their own versions, adding it to holiday albums, films, and Christmas compilations.
- Besides Dean Martin, other notable versions include the original by Bing Crosby & Carol Richards — the one that helped make the song a holiday classic.
- The song continues to evoke nostalgic holiday memories for many, and remains a staple on radio and streaming playlists during the Christmas season because of its timeless melody and evocative lyrics.
