Written by One of the signature sounds of the holiday season is the song, Silver Bells. In its original form, this is one of the slowest, dreariest Christmas songs that is played each year. So, we have a one-color doodlewash in just Payne’s Grey in honor of it. The song is set at a tempo that makes it sound as if someone bumped into an old record player and accidentally changed the speed. You keep anticipating the next phrase, but it fails to come in a timely fashion, and rather than feeling joy, you just feel like you want to curl up and have a nap. I far prefer the uptempo sounds of Brenda Lee’s Jingle Bell Rock. Also, this was the song that was playing the first time Philippe and I met in Chicago, 5 years ago today, so it has a special meaning at the holidays. And Brenda Lee sounds a bit like an elf, so what’s not to love about that?!
Actually, we have holiday songs playing as I type this and Silver Bells just came on. I bet I can finish this post before it finally lopes along to its lackadaisical conclusion. One thing about the classics that is remarkable is that everyone sounds as if they’ve drunk too much eggnog spiked with whiskey. They slur each word and scoop up to try to find the next note in the song, very often succeeding. Listening to these songs after you yourself have had too much eggnog is rather metaphysical experience. That’s really only happened once as eggnog is far too rich in general to drink in excess. One season, however, my sister made rum balls so strong that a handful would knock you off your chair. Yet, they were so incredibly delicious that nearly everyone had a full handful. That was a rather happy holiday season to be sure.
No matter what music is playing, one thing is certain. This time of year makes me incredibly happy. I’m enthralled at the lights and thrilled by the food. I find each moment amazing and spend a year waiting for these moments to return to me again. It’s truly one of the most wonderful times of the year. And I was right, by the way, Silver Bells just now lumbered along to a conclusion and let us know that, “Soon it will be Christmas day.” Obviously using a word like “soon” in a song so ridiculously slow is meant to be some sort of irony. But this is, after all, the season of anticipation so maybe it’s the perfect song after all. An ode to a holiday countdown filled with excitement for the gifts ahead and the endearing, glittering beauty of those silver bells.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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A beautiful job on this one, shiny fun as always! Ring-a-ling-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding! I busted out the Christmas tracks today as it happens – it’s always a special moment (though they were on the radio weeks and weeks ago!) I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of Silver Bells – soooo slow, indeed – but I love Jingle Bell Rock, even back when we were forced to sing it at school. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes is another gem that always brings that festive, snowy warmth! Great stuff.
Yay for five years! <3
Thanks so much, Jacob! 😃 hehe… yeah… Silver Bells is sooo sad and dreary… I usually lunge for the mouse when it pops onto Spotify and fast forward. And The Ronettes!! yes, please!!! Much better!
Ahhh bells sure do ring Christmas, what a very shiny silver bell, I have booked some bell ringers for next week, they come into our hospice to delight patients with the sounds of familiar Christmas tunes…they even get to have a go if they want.
Congratulations on your five years, I can see why Christmas is so very special for more reasons than one 😀
Thanks so much, Rebecca! 😃💕 It’s definitely a special time of year! And that’s so sweet the bell ringers come… love the sound of bells.
Lovely silver bell! I’ve never heard the song Silver Bells, but I love Jingle Bell Rock!
Thanks, Georgie! 😃💕 hehe… you’re not missing anything really! Stick to Jingle Bell Rock for sure! lol
I know I wrote a comment about this Doodlewash already but it’s disappeared. So I’ll try again.
The painting is beautiful, full of sparkle and reflection. And if you turn the bell upside down, you can use it as a goblet and fill it with spiked eggnog. Then it won’t matter which end is up when you’re drinking. Yum-yum, win-win.
(If this one also disappears, I give up. Too much eggnog for me, I guess, even though I can’t drink it.)
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Sorry about the comment… sometimes they get eaten. (unless you really did have too much eggnog and are just being coy! hehe) That is an excellent suggestion! Lol I’m going to get a bell and fill it this season!!
I can’t believe I spent 49 years on this planet without noticing that every single crooner of my favorite vintage Christmas songs was absolutely SLOSHED. OMG, Charlie! I may never be able to get through my company’s holiday party again. Thank you for your usual hilarious (and insightful) observations. Not to mention your beautiful painting! A big egg-nog toast to you, Mr. O’Shields!
Thanks!! 😃💕 Haha!! So happy to help to be of help pointing that out! You really won’t listen to the oldies the same way again! They were all snockered!! 😉
Absolutely gorgeous! Your silver bell looks so smooth and shiny like liquid and I am sure were it to ring it would be heavenly.
Awww thanks so much, Haunani! 😃💕 What a sweet thing to say. Hope you’re doing wonderfully!!