Let It Snow!

"Let It Snow!" was written during a Hollywood heatwave in July 1945 by two songwriters trying to think themselves cool. The only snow in their lives that summer was on the page. There is no Christmas in the lyrics either, just a couple glad to be stuck indoors by a fire.

Origins

The song was written in July 1945 during a severe heatwave in Hollywood, California. The lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne wrote it as a way to imagine cooler, snowier conditions to cope with the sweltering heat. The song was first recorded in the autumn of 1945 by Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra. Upon its release, it became a massive hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts. Over the decades, the song has been recorded by dozens of prominent artists, with the versions by Frank Sinatra in 1950 and Dean Martin in 1959 becoming the most widely played renditions.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lyrics depict a cozy, romantic scene of a couple sitting by a delightful fire during a snowstorm. Because they have no immediate place to go, they welcome the snow. The song describes eating popcorn, dimming the lights, and enjoying each other's company. Although it is played constantly during Christmas, the lyrics contain no references to any religious holiday, Christmas trees, or seasonal decorations. It remains a secular celebration of romance, warmth, and winter weather.

Who wrote the song Let It Snow?

The lyrics were written by Sammy Cahn, and the music was composed by Jule Styne. They composed it together in Hollywood during the summer of 1945, seeking creative relief from the sweltering California heat.