There’s almost nothing that matches the joy of belting out a Christmas carol during the holiday season. The upbeat, joyful sound of “Jingle Bells” can put anyone in the holiday spirit. In this blog post, we’re delving into the rich history of the “Jingle Bells” Christmas carol along with the original lyrics and a printable version of both the lyrics and sheet music. Whether you’re at home, out caroling with your Girl Scout troop, or teaching your Kindergarten class, you’ll have everything you need to share the joy of this classic carol.
“Jingle Bells” History: Origins of a Classic Carol
Ever wondered about the origins of this festive tune? Gather ’round, friends, because it’s time to go to the school of Christmas traditions!
“Jingle Bells” might be synonymous with Christmas today, but did you know it wasn’t even intended to be a Christmas song? Crazy, right?!
James Lord Pierpont penned the song in 1850 at Simpson Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts. Pierpont published it in 1857, originally naming it “One Horse Open Sleigh.” And guess what? It was originally intended to be a song for Thanksgiving!
But with its catchy melody and cheerful vibes, it was destined to become a Christmas favorite. In just 2 decades it was being sung as a winter and Christmas song. Over the decades, this beloved carol has spread warmth and joy, becoming an integral part of our holiday celebrations. It has since evolved into one of the most iconic secular holiday songs, not just in the United States but all around the world.
Sing Along: “Jingle Bells” Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight! Oh!
[Chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
[Verse 2]
A day or two ago
I thought I’d take a ride
And soon, Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side,
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank
And then we got upsot.
[Chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
[Verse 3]
A day or two ago,
The story I must tell
I went out on the snow,
And on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh,
He laughed as there I sprawling lie,
But quickly drove away. Ah!
[Chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
[Verse 4]
Now the ground is white
Go it while you’re young,
Take the girls tonight
and sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bobtailed bay
Two forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you’ll take the lead.
[Chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
“Jingle Bells” Lyrics to Print
Play Along: “Jingle Bells” Sheet Music
For all the music enthusiasts out there, here’s your chance to spread the Christmas cheer with your own rendition of “Jingle Bells”! Learn to play “Jingle Bells” on your piano with sheet music arranged by Kyle Coughlin and made available, for free, at ChristmasMusicSongs.com.
I have shared the Jingle Bells Easy Piano Sheet Music Version 1 below but this website has many other versions available including versions available for other instruments.
If you would like to download or print a copy of this version or any of the others listed below, simply click the sheet music image below to take you over to ChristmasMusicSongs.com.
- Jingle Bells for Piano Simple Version
- Jingle Bells for Piano Interdemidate Full Version
- Jingle Bells for Piano Advanced Full Version
“Jingle Bells” Parody
If you walk into a room full of kids and enthusiastically sing the first two words of the popular carol, “Jingle Bells…” there is a very good chance what follows is kids singing in unison, “Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg…” So It only makes sense to include the Lyrics to this “Jingle Bells” Parody.
This parody has been around since the 60’s. THE 60s!!! This means the parody, on its own, is a tradition. But the parody first made it into mainstream media on December 17th 1989, when Bart Simpson sang it in the “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” episode.
Being the GenXer that I am I will henceforth refer to it as “Jingle Bells: Barts Version”
Jingle Bells: Barts Version
Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Robin laid an Egg
The Batmobile Broke it’s Wheel
The Joker Got Away, HEY!
Are you set to echo your home with the merry tones of “Jingle Bells” or perhaps the playful “Jingle Bells: Bart’s Version”? Why not spread the festive cheer by caroling around your block? Whether you’re belting it out or striking keys on your piano, always cherish the joy and happiness this Christmas Carol brings.
Happy caroling, and may your days be merry and bright!
