About the song
“Song for a Winter’s Night,” penned by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, is a poignant reflection on longing and nostalgia that has resonated through generations since its debut on the album *The Way I Feel* in 1967. Inspired by a summer night in Cleveland, Lightfoot wrote the song while pining for his wife, Brita Ingegerd Olaisson, and imagining the comforting embrace of winter amid the separation from his loved one.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident not only through Lightfoot’s original rendition but also through numerous cover versions by various artists spanning decades. Sarah McLachlan’s rendition for the 1994 film *Miracle on 34th Street* stands out for its delicate interpretation, which captures the wistful essence of Lightfoot’s composition. McLachlan’s version has since become a staple in her repertoire, appearing on multiple albums including *Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff* (1996) and *Wintersong* (2006), as well as being featured in the TV series *Due South*.
Over the years, “Song for a Winter’s Night” has been embraced by a diverse array of musicians, each bringing their own unique touch to the song. Artists such as Harry Belafonte, Kenny Rankin, and Nana Mouskouri offered distinct interpretations in the late 1960s, reflecting the song’s universal themes of love, yearning, and seasonal solace. The song’s versatility is further underscored by its inclusion in thematic albums like *Home for the Holidays* (1987) by Schooner Fare and *A Merrie Christmas to You* (2014) by Blue Rodeo, where it continues to evoke the intimate warmth of winter nights.
In recent years, the song has seen renewed interest with covers by contemporary artists like Reid Jamieson and Sanna Nielsen, highlighting its enduring relevance across different musical landscapes. Most notably, Folk Country artist Bedford Bells released a heartfelt rendition of the song as a single in December 2023, further enriching its legacy.
Through its evocative lyrics and timeless melody, “Song for a Winter’s Night” remains a cherished ode to love and longing, offering listeners a comforting reminder of the enduring power of memory and the promise of reunion amidst the quiet beauty of winter. As Gordon Lightfoot’s poetic masterpiece continues to inspire new interpretations, it continues to weave its spell, inviting all who listen to share in its tender embrace.
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Lyrics
The lamp is burnin’ low upon my table top
The snow is softly falling
The air is still in the silence of my room
I hear your voice softly calling
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead
My glass is almost empty
I read again between the lines upon each page
The words of love you sent me
If I could know within my heart
That you were lonely too
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
The fire is dying
Now my lamp is growing dim
The shades of night are lifting
The morning light steals across my window pane
Where webs of snow are drifting
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
And to be once again with you