Write Away Magazine Dec 2019

Signs Of
Signs of Christmas
Copyright @2017 by Mike Turner
All Rights Reserved
Chorus:
Presents wrapped in paper
Ribbons, bells and bows
Stockings on the mantle
Hanging mistletoe
Tinseled tree in window
Wreath upon the door
All the signs of Christmas
Here again once more
Verse 1:
Lights in festive colors
Wink in falling snow
Visions of reindeer and sleigh in flight
Carolers on our doorstep
Voices high and low
Singing songs of peace and joy so bright
[Instrumental Break]
Verse 2:
Snuggling by the fire
Holding you so near
Wrapped in a soft blanket warm and tight
Words of love and caring
Whispered in your ear
My favorite gift is in my arms tonight
Chorus:
Presents wrapped in paper
Ribbons, bells and bows
Stockings on the mantle
Hanging mistletoe
Tinseled tree in window
Wreath upon the door
All the signs of Christmas
Here again once more
Tag:
Yes, signs of Christmas here for us once more
To listen follow this link...
“Signs of Christmas”
by Mike Turner
My musical interests, as a songwriter, performer and
listener, are to say the least eclectic, ranging from the
blues to folk, country, jazz, pop and gospel. A small
sub-genre of my songwriting catalog are pieces in
the, “Great American Songbook,” tradition – think
melodies and lyrics by such luminaries as Gershwin,
Porter, Berlin (at least those are my goals – not that I
have fully realized them!).
So with the Christmas season closing in, I found
myself wanting to write, not just a holiday song, but
one in the “Great American Songbook” tradition.
I was particularly drawn to the idea of a song that
recalled some of the great Christmas albums and
singles of the past by artists like Bing Crosby, Frank
Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland.
I also wanted a song rich in imagery – partly because
the Christmas season, with all its decorations and
colors, lent itself to such imagery; and partly because
the lyrics of many of my songs tend to “tell” rather
than show, and I wanted to challenge myself to
produce a piece that led the listener to “see” and
experience the story, not just “hear” it.
In crafting the lyric, first, I went for simple scenes
and symbols that many could relate to having seen,
and which would readily evoke both images and
pleasant memories – things like ribbons, bows,
wrapped presents, wreaths. Second, I brought in
some other senses – primarily, hearing, with references
to carolers and their songs; and touch, with a
mention of soft, warm blankets.
And, third, I wanted to capture some of the romance
of the season – snuggling with a partner by a fire,
sharing love together – the goal, again, being to get
the listener not just to “hear,” but to “feel” the warmth
and joy of Christmas.
The structure follows the genre, particularly in beginning
and closing with the chorus. Musically, the piece
is mid- to up-tempo, intended for a “crooner” style
delivery.
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