Story Behind The Song

This is one of several songs written for cool jazz singer June Christy by the writing team of Arnold Miller and Connie Pearce, arranged by the renowned Pete Ruggolo, released on an album in 1961 called "This Time of Year". The album remains a holiday classic to this day. I recorded and released my six favorite of these tunes with bassist/arranger Jon Burr in 2021. The recording was done remotely during the pandemic, when live performing and in-studio recording became impossible for a period of time. My desire to record these songs connected me to Joh Burr and his outstanding sextet, and inspired me to set up a home recording studio. I love these songs with their philosophical perspective on the holiday season.

Song Description

This is a song about the power of our point of view to transform the reality of a blanket of white show into a beautiful rainbow of color. The lyrics are both philosophical and optimistic, urging us to open our eyes and minds to the beauty that surrounds us.

Lyrics

Winter's mostly cold and grey,
But I have found it true
That a change of heart can change the scene
And colour the point of view.

When the lights come on, I see
Snow red as holly and snow green as a pine tree.
Everyone I meet wears a smile,
Just for a little while.

In the candle shine, I see
Snow pink as a sunrise and snow blue in the shadows.
Friendly greetings come into style,
Just for a little while.

Silver snow from starlight on tinsel,
Golden snow the sun has made.
Seven shades of snow that shine like a rainbow,
And like a rainbow, soon will fade.

When the lights go out, there'll be
The pine tree and the holly, the shadow and the sunrise.

Golden days and stars in the night,
And though the snow is only white,

If my heart can keep this magic glow,
I keep seeing seven shades of snow.