\"Silver Bells\" is a classic Christmas song, composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. The lyric is unusual for a Christmas song in that it describes the festival in the city and not a rural setting.
Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 -- January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as \"The Queen of Gospel\". Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as \"the single most powerful black woman in the United States\". She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen \"golds\"million-sellers.
\"I sing God's music because it makes me feel free,\" Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, \"It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.
Soon it will be Christmas day
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear
Silver Bells
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
Christmas day
