James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) was an American songwriter, organist, and composer best known for writing “Jingle Bells,” though he never witnessed the song’s immense popularity during his lifetime.
About the Song
The song was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. The song was later copyrighted in 1857 under its original title, “One Horse Open Sleigh.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Release Date | 1857 (Originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh”) |
| First Publication | Published by Oliver Ditson & Co., Boston |
| Writer | James Lord Pierpont |
| Producer | N/A (The concept of music producers didn’t exist in the 1850s) |
| Original Album | Not from an album (Published as sheet music) |
Jingle Bells by James Lord Pierpont 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 bobtails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Chorus
Oh! 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
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Chorus
Hey, 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
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
Similar Songs Like Jingle Bells by James Lord Pierpont
James Lord Pierpont didn’t have many other well-known songs, but here are some of his other compositions:
- “The Returned Volunteer” (1863) – A patriotic song written during the American Civil War that tells the story of a Union soldier returning home after battle. The song gained some regional popularity in the northern states.
- “The Little White Cottage” or “The Cottage Among the Hills” (1857) – A sentimental ballad that reflects the popular style of parlor music in the mid-19th century. This song was published in the same year as “Jingle Bells.”
- “Ring the Bell, Fanny” (1857) – Another parlor song that showcased Pierpont’s ability to write catchy melodies. Like many of his compositions, it was published in Boston.
- “Our Battle Flag” (1864) – Another Civil War-era composition that was inspired by the ongoing conflict, demonstrating Pierpont’s engagement with current events through his music.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Was Jingle Bells First Performed?
The song was first performed during a Thanksgiving church service in Savannah, Georgia in the 1850s. It was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” and wasn’t associated with Christmas.
Who Owns the Copyright of Jingle Bells?
The song is in the public domain, meaning no one owns the copyright. It entered the public domain many years ago, allowing anyone to perform, record, or adapt the song without paying royalties.
What Was the Original Title of the Song?
The song was originally published as “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857 but was retitled “Jingle Bells” when it was republished in 1859.
How Many Verses Does the Original Song Have?
The original composition has four verses, though today, most people only know and sing the first verse and chorus. The other verses tell a more elaborate story about sleigh rides and winter courtship.
What Instruments Were Used in the Original Version?
The song was originally written to be performed on the piano, as it was composed for church performances and parlor entertainment, typical of mid-19th century American music.
