If we asked several people to think of a memorable winter holiday song, many would probably think of the song “Let it Snow,” a song recorded by dozens of artists for over half a century. Contrary to popular belief, “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” (the song’s original title) was not written as a holiday song.

As written, Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra released the song in the fall of 1944. This non-holiday branded version reached the top spot on the Billboard Charts and stayed popular well into 1946. The result is a pop culture phenomenon.

Fun Facts:

• In the early years of commercialization, music writers and lyricists wrote many of the songs recorded by top performers.
• The song was written by two songwriters trying to cope with a record-breaking heat wave that engulfed Southern California. The lyrics are ruminations of what it would be like to be in the snow instead of Southern California’s heat.
• Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra cut a shellac version of the single “Let it Snow!” in the fall of 1944, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Charts.
• Woody Herman’s version recorded in 1945 was a holiday-themed version.
• This popular song has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart, Helen Merrill, Carly Simon, Bing Crosby  and Woody Herman.
• An official music video wasn’t released until 2019. It features a cartoon version of Dean Martin.

Lyrics 

Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we’ve no place to go

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It doesn’t show signs of stopping

And I brought some corn for popping

The lights are turned way down low

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

When we finally kiss goodnight

How I’ll hate going out in the storm

But if you really hold me tight

All the way home I’ll be warm

The fire is slowly dying

And, my dear, we’re still goodbying

But as long as you love me so

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

[Instrumental Break]

When we finally kiss goodnight

How I’ll hate going out in the storm

But if you really hold me tight

All the way home I’ll be warm

The fire is slowly dying

And, my dear, we’re still goodbying

But as long as you love me so

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow