Jingle Bells Piano Accompaniments - YOURACCOMPANIST Blog

Everyone loves singing Jingle Bells at Christmas. It’s a staple of festive music making in schools, churches, homes and parties. We want everyone to sing it loud and proud this year.

Jingle Bells – our “Comfortable Keys” version

With a stately tempo, this version would suit a solo voice just as well as a group

Jingle Bells – Original key version

A much pacier upbeat tempo designed for rousing enjoyment

Jingle Bells – Original key with bells

This time with ACTUAL bells on!

Jingle Bells – Warm up version

Short and sweet: ideal for carolling or choral warmups

All versions can be downloaded

Origins of the song

“Jingle Bells,” a song that has become synonymous with festive cheer and sleigh rides through snowy landscapes. But have you ever wondered about the origins and journey of this timeless tune? Let’s take a sleigh ride through the history of “Jingle Bells.”

Composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, “Jingle Bells” was initially intended for a rather unexpected occasion – Thanksgiving. The song, originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” tells the tale of a sleigh ride with friends and the exhilaration of dashing through the snow. While it may seem like a quintessential Christmas song, its initial debut was far removed from the holiday season.

Pierpont, a prolific songwriter of his time, likely never anticipated the enduring legacy of his catchy composition. The song’s popularity soared, and it soon found itself woven into the fabric of Christmas celebrations. The jingling bells and spirited tempo proved irresistible, turning “Jingle Bells” into a winter anthem.

Interestingly, the song’s association with Christmas became so ingrained that many people are surprised to learn of its Thanksgiving roots. Perhaps it’s the snowy imagery and the universal appeal of a sleigh ride that led to its seamless transition from one holiday to another.

“Jingle Bells” has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending generations and cultural boundaries. Its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics make it a favourite for carolers and holiday enthusiasts alike. The song has been covered by countless artists, ranging from traditional renditions to playful interpretations that add a modern twist to this classic.

Beyond its musical impact, “Jingle Bells” has made its mark in popular culture. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a go-to tune for spreading holiday joy. The jingling bells have become a sonic signature of the season, instantly evoking images of winter wonderlands and festive gatherings.

Modernising the lyrics

We looked high and low for some up-to-date lyrics for our Sing Along video, and were surprised to find that all the versions we could find were out dated to say the least, so rather than sing the Dashing through the snow verse multiple times, we adapted two verses for modern audiences and included the first verse again at the end. We hope you like it and enjoy our version for singing with kids.

Jingle Bells Lyrics (adapted by YOURACCOMPANIST)

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh.
O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way.
Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright.
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago, The story I must tell
I went out on the snow And on my back I fell;
Santa riding by In a one horse open sleigh,
He laughed as there I sprawling lay, And quickly drove away.

If the ground is white, Try it while you’re young,
Grab your friends tonight And sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bob-tailed horse Or a donkey, or a dray…
Oh what fun you’ll have tonight! Just let them lead the way!