Carol of the bells
It's Mid-autumn Festival day.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for "Jingle Bells"?
James Lord Pierpont, an American composer and songwriter.
What is the original, correct meaning of the opening line, "God rest ye merry, gentlemen"?
It is an archaic expression meaning "May God grant you peace and happiness" or "May God keep you happy, gentlemen."
Which famous artist popularized and co-wrote "All I Want for Christmas Is You"?
Mariah Carey popularized and co-wrote the song.
Who was the first artist to release and popularize the song "Jingle Bell Rock"?
Bobby Helms, who released his famous version in 1957.
Who composed the melody for "Shchedryk"?
The melody was composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1916.
What was the original title of the song when it was first published in 1857?
The original title was "The One Horse Open Sleigh."
Why is the song's opening line often misinterpreted as "God rest you, merry gentlemen"?
Due to a common misplaced comma and changes in English language over time, the word "merry" is often mistakenly read as an adjective describing the gentlemen.
Who co-wrote and co-produced the song with Mariah Carey?
Walter Afanasieff co-wrote and co-produced the track.
What year was "Jingle Bell Rock" originally released?
1957.
What is the original meaning or theme of "Shchedryk" before it was adapted with English lyrics?
"Shchedryk" is a New Year's chant (or shchedrivka) that tells the story of a swallow flying into a home to proclaim a prosperous and fruitful year for the family.
What was the original subject or theme of "Jingle Bells" before it became widely associated with Christmas?
It was a "sleighing song" about wintertime sleigh racing, often associated with Thanksgiving or secular winter merriment, rather than Christmas.
What is the approximate origin and nationality of this carol?
It is a traditional English carol that dates back to the 16th century or earlier, making it one of the oldest.
In what year was "All I Want for Christmas Is You" originally released?
The song was originally released in 1994 on her album Merry Christmas.
What musical style does "Jingle Bell Rock" blend with traditional Christmas themes?
The song blends Christmas themes with the popular rock and roll (or rockabilly) style of the 1950s.
Who wrote the popular English lyrics for "Carol of the Bells"?
The English lyrics were written by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.
Why were bells commonly attached to horses' harnesses in the 19th century, as referenced in the song?
The bells were a safety measure to warn pedestrians and other sleighs of their approach, as sleigh runners made very little noise on the snow.
What is the main message or central event described in the lyrics?
The song proclaims the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior to save humanity from "Satan's power," bringing "tidings of comfort and joy."
Despite being a huge hit for decades, when did the song first reach the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US?
It first reached number one in December 2019, 25 years after its initial release.
Which older Christmas song does "Jingle Bell Rock" incorporate and reference?
It incorporates and references the traditional standard "Jingle Bells."
What musical feature makes "Carol of the Bells" instantly recognizable?
The song is famous for its repeated, four-note ostinato motif (often sung as "ding-dong, ding-dong" or "Hark, how the bells").
In which decade did "Jingle Bells" become widely adopted as a Christmas song?
It began to be widely associated with Christmas in the 1860s and 1870s, decades after its original publication.
In what famous 19th-century novella is this carol mentioned?
It is famously mentioned in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol (1843), where Ebenezer Scrooge chases away a caroler singing it.
What makes this song unique compared to many traditional Christmas carols?
It is a rare example of a modern, original song that achieved the same level of global, timeless popularity as classic Christmas standards.
In what famous 2004 teen comedy film is "Jingle Bell Rock" performed as a dance number?
The song is famously performed by The Plastics in the movie Mean Girls.