You know the classic song “Winter Wonderland.” You might hum it every December. But do you know who Parson Brown is? The name appears in the famous lyrics. Many people sing along without knowing the meaning.
The song says: “In the meadow, we can build a snowman, then pretend that he is Parson Brown.” This line has puzzled listeners for years. Let’s clear up the mystery.
First, a common mix-up. “Winter Wonderland” is not really a Christmas song. It is played during the holiday season. But the lyrics are not about Christmas. The song is actually about winter romance.
The song was written by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith. It was first sung by Richard Himber. It tells a story of a couple in love walking in the snow. They imagine their future together.
So, Who Is Parson Brown?
The next lines in the song give a clue. They go: “He’ll say: Are you married? We’ll say: No man, but you can do the job when you’re in town.”
This makes it clearer. A “parson” is an old-fashioned word. It means a Christian minister or pastor. It often referred to a traveling clergyman. He would visit different towns to lead services.
So, Parson Brown is not a real person. He is a fictional pastor. In the song, the couple builds a snowman. They pretend the snowman is Parson Brown. They joke that he can marry them since they are not yet married.
The word “parson” is not used much today. It was popular in the 1800s. Its use started to decline in the 1820s. By the 1980s, it was rarely heard.
The Song’s True Theme
A writer named Ronald D. Lankford explained the song well. He wrote a book about American Christmas songs. He said “Winter Wonderland” is about young love. The winter setting makes romance feel close. The couple dreams of their life ahead.
The snowman, Parson Brown, is part of their daydream. They are not serious about a snowman marrying them. It is a playful moment in their winter adventure.
So next time you hear “Winter Wonderland,” you will understand. Parson Brown is a make-believe pastor. He is part of a charming winter love story, not a Christmas tale.