Website tag: Wilde Winter Songbook

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Song written by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane. The song was written while Martin was vacationing in a house in the neighborhood of Southside in Birmingham, Alabama, that his father Hugh Martin designed for his mother as a honeymoon cottage. Located at 1919 South 15th Avenue, (just down the street from his birthplace at 1900 South 14th Avenue) the house became the home of Martin and his family in 1923.

Although Ralph Blane is credited with writing the music for many of Martin’s songs, Martin claimed in his autobiography that he wrote both music and lyrics to all of the songs in Meet Me In St. Louis and that “all of the so-called Martin and Blane songs, (except for Best Foot Forward), were written entirely by me (solo) without help from Ralph or anybody else.” His explanation for allowing Blane equal credit for the songs was: “I was reasonably content to let him receive equal screen credit, sheet music credit, ASCAP royalties, etc., mainly because this bizarre situation was caused by my naive and atrocious lack of business acumen.”

The song first appeared in a scene in the 1944 MGM musical Meet Me in St. Louis, in which a family is distraught by the father’s plans to move to New York City for a job promotion, leaving behind their beloved home in St. Louis, Missouri, just before the long-anticipated 1904 World’s Fair begins. In a scene set on Christmas Eve, Judy Garland’s character, Esther, sings the song to cheer up her despondent five-year-old sister, Tootie, played by Margaret O’Brien.

In 1957, Frank Sinatra asked Martin to revise the line “Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow.” Martin’s new line was “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.” Martin made several other alterations, changing the song’s focus to a celebration of present happiness, rather than anticipation of a better future. On ‘The Judy Garland Show Christmas Special’, Judy sings the song to her children Joey and Lorna Luft with Sinatra’s alternate lyrics.

Artists like Tori Amos, Glen Campbell, Amy Grant and Vanessa Williams have released versions of this song commercially.

Kim Wilde versions

Kim first recorded this song in the early nineties. Although never released, a recording of this track was put to cassette and auctioned at the first Kim Wilde Fan Meeting.
Kim recorded a new version of ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’ in 2013. It the fourth track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.
In 2016 she recorded the song as a duet with Tony Hadley for the deluxe edition of his album ‘The Christmas Album’.

Live performances

‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was performed live by Kim during a Christmas concert in Kirchbrombach, Germany on 10 December 2006. This version was broadcast by FFH radio later that month.
She also performed the song during Christmas concerts in December 2014 and December 2015.

Kim about ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’

I grew up hearing this song by the great Judy Garland. The lyrics, although on the face of it quite upbeat, have an underlying melancholy which really appeals to me. Christmas can be a happy time for friends and family, but often life has different plans. I love the optimism of this song; in spite of anything life throws at you, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas! (1)

Credits [2013 version]

Piano & keys: Steve Power
Guitars: Neil Jones
Drums & percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Bass, keys & additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), November 11, 2013


Lyrics

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of Yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
and have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
and have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Winter Wonderland

‘Winter Wonderland’ is a winter song, popularly treated as a Christmastime pop standard, written in 1934 by Felix Bernard (music) and Richard B. Smith (lyricist). Smith was reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing Honesdale’s Central Park covered in snow. Smith had written the lyrics while in the West Mountain Sanitarium, being treated for tuberculosis. The original recording was by Richard Himber and his Hotel Ritz-Carlton Orchestra on RCA Bluebird in 1934. At the end of a recording session with time to spare, it was suggested that this new tune be tried with an arrangement provided by the publisher. This excellent “studio” orchestra included many great New York studio musicians including the legendary Artie Shaw. The biggest chart hit at the time of introduction was Guy Lombardo’s orchestra, a top ten hit.

Due to its seasonal theme, ‘Winter Wonderland’ is often regarded as a Christmas song in the Northern Hemisphere, although the holiday itself is never mentioned in the lyrics. There is a mention of “sleigh-bells” several times, implying that this song refers to the Christmas period. In the Swedish language lyrics, ‘Vår Vackra Vita Vintervärld’, the word tomtar is mentioned, meaning ‘elves’.

Kim Wilde sang the song live together with Status Quo and Roy Wood during the Quofestive Tour in 2011. Backstage, she recorded a video of ‘Winter Wonderland’ together with Scarlett Wilde as one of a dozen Christmas songs Scarlett was singing on YouTube during that month. In 2013, Kim recorded a version of ‘Winter Wonderland’ with Rick Astley for her album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Live performances

‘Winter Wonderland’ was performed live during the Quofestive Tour in 2011 and during Christmas gigs in December 2013.

Kim about Winter Wonderland

Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith wrote ‘Winter Wonderland’ in 1934, since when over 150 artistes have covered this song; so I was determined to try to bring something new to the table for this much loved Christmas classic. I asked Rick Astley to join me singing the main melody, while I take the 3rd harmony above throughout the song until right at the end. Having sung with Rick live on a few occasions before and loving every moment of it, I was over the moon when he accepted my invitation to come down to RAK recording studio to duet with me. ‘Winter Wonderland’ is a hopelessly romantic and quintessential Christmas song, and one I’ve especially loved since singing it live with ‘Status Quo’ on ‘QuoFestive 2011.’ I think Rick Astley’s and my voice go perfectly together; like a hot cup of tea and a digestive biscuit! (1)

Credits (2013 version)

Vocals: Kim Wilde & Rick Astley
Piano and keys: Steve Power
Guitars: Neil Jones
Drums & percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Bass, keys & additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), 11 November 2013


Lyrics

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman
And pretend that he is Parson Brown,
He’ll say, “are you married?”, we’ll say “no man,
but you can do the job when you’re in town.”

Later on we’ll conspire,
As we dream by the fire,
To face unafraid,
the plans that we made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build snowman
And pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman
Until the other kids go knock him down

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,
though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland
We’ll frolic and play the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland

Winter song

Song written by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Fifth track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Kim about ‘Winter song’

I have to say I am a bit of a snow fan. I was looking around on the internet for winter songs, ‘cause I felt rather inspired by all as I looked out to our garden and I found this beautiful song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. (1)

This beautiful song by Sara Bereilles captivated me when I first heard it. Ricky came up with an idea to use ‘vocoda’ harmonies, as well as adding his own to create a ‘hymn-like’ quality, which I love. The pauses in the song allow for quiet reflection, like a prayer. There are no religious references at all on this album, I leave that to each individual. I have my own opinions about spirituality which might become clear as you listen to this album…or then again, might not 😉 (2)

Credits

Bass, keys, guitars & additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Recorded at Hawbush studio
Produced & engineered by Ricky Wilde
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London

Interview sources

(1) Secret songs, Magic FM (UK), 20 January 2013
(2) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), 11 November 2013


Lyrics

This is my winter song to you
The storm is coming soon
It rolls in from the sea
My voice, a beacon in the night
My words will be your light
To carry you to me

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love

They say that things just can not grow
Beneath the winter snow
Or so I have been told
They say we’re buried far
Just like a distant star
I simply can not hold

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

This is my winter song
December never felt so wrong
Cause you’re not where you belong
Inside my arms

I still believe in summer days,
The seasons always change
And life will find a way
I’ll be your harvester of light
And send it out tonight
So we can start again

Is love alive?

Wilde Winter Songbook

‘Wilde Winter Songbook’ is Kim Wilde’s fourteenth studio album and was released on 11 November 2013 in the UK, 15 November 2013 in Australia and 22 November 2013 in Germany. A deluxe version of the album, featuring six bonus tracks and a DVD with 16 music videos was released on 6 November 2015. Another edition of the album on 2 CD’s or a double white vinyl LP and new artwork was released on 13 November 2020.

Music

The album consists of six well-known Christmas songs plus six new compositions with a Christmas/Winter theme. Kim was inspired by Tracey Thorn’s 2012 Christmas album ‘Tinsel and lights’ and decided to record such an album herself, having had the thoughts many times before. She followed through in January 2013: the album was mostly recorded in the first half of the year, with many recording sessions and mixing taking place at RAK studios in London.
The album features four duets: with Rick Astley, Hal Fowler, Nik Kershaw and Marty Wilde.

Tracks

The album contains the tracks Winter Wonderland, Hope, One, Have yourself and merry little Christmas, Winter song, New life, White winter hymnal, Burn gold (Silent night), Song for Beryl, Let it snow, Hey mister snowman and Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree.
The deluxe versions add the tracks Keeping the Dream Alive, Isobel’s Dream, Deck the Halls (Angels Sing) and Last Christmas, remixes of Hope and Burn Gold by Electric Penguins.

Formats

The album was released on CD and as digital download, and in 2020 on double white vinyl LP.

Credits

Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson


White Winter Hymnal

Song written by Robin Pecknold. Recorded and released by the Fleet Foxes in 2008 as the first single from their self-titled debut album. The single was issued on 7″ vinyl as well as digital MP3 format.

The song was covered by Sonos on the album ‘Sonosings’, and by Birdy on her self-titled debut album (2011).

Kim Wilde version

In 2013, Kim recorded a cover of this song together with her father Marty Wilde. Seventh track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook. The song was first performed live in Chris Evans‘ breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 on 8 November 2013. A music video was premiered on YouTube on 11 November 2013.

Live performances

‘White Winter Hymnal’ was performed live during Christmas gigs in December 2013 and during the Christmas concerts at Knebworth House in December 2014.

Kim about ‘White Winter Hymnal’

I first heard this song when I saw the Fleet Foxes perform it at Glastonbury in 2011 and loved it straight away. I remember as children my Dad, Marty Wilde, and Mum, Joyce, would encourage Ricky and me to take harmonies on ‘Everly Brothers’ songs. Finding a harmony in any song became second nature to me from an early age, and I went on to do the majority of all backing vocals on my records. Like the Fleet Foxes, we were all big fans of ‘harmony-based’ bands and artistes, loving Bryan Wilson and the Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills and Nash among others. I knew my Dad would love the quirky eccentricity of this song along with the sublime melody and harmonies. My brother, Ricky, takes third harmony, and so the three of us – Marty, Rick and myself are taken back to where it all started, together with Ricky’s daughter Scarlett Wilde, who’s harmony work carries on the family tradition. (1)

I love its darker aspects. I thought it would be really interesting for my father to sing some lyrics he doesn’t normally sing. I wasn’t that surprised when he said yes. He’s always had an extremely open mind. (2)

Credits

Vocals: Kim Wilde, Marty Wilde, Ricky Wilde & Scarlett Wilde
Bass & keys: Ricky Wilde
Drums & percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Guitars: Neil Jones
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), November 11, 2013
(2) Kim Wilde on Adam Ant, Christmas and the enduring power of 1980s pop, Herald Scotland (UK), 5 December 2015


Lyrics

I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the,
I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied ’round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin’ in the snow
And I turned ’round and there you go.
And Michael you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime.

I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied ’round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin’ in the snow
And I turned ’round and there you go.
And Michael you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime.

I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied ’round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin’ in the snow
And I turned ’round and there you go.
And Michael you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime…

Song for Beryl

Song written by Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde & Mark Cummins as a tribute to Beryl Askew. Ninth track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Kim about ‘Song for Beryl’

Beryl was a lady already in her late 70’s when we first came to know her, and who became a great friend of our family. We met whilst making a community garden in our village, and she would take care of Harry and Rose while I got on with the planting! Beryl lived alone in sheltered accommodation, and was increasingly less mobile before becoming house bound. We formed a close bond with her and shared good times and bad. I know she’ll be at the great ‘pub in the sky’ enjoying a glass of white wine as she hears this song, written especially for her. (1)

Credits

Acoustic guitar & additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Additional vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Produced & engineered by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at Hawbush studio
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), 11 November 2013


Lyrics

The years have taken hold,
A young girl now so old,
She tells me she’ll be fine,
Alone at Christmas time.

She has a little tree,
With lights for company,
And when I go she’ll be,
Alone at Christmas time.

Although the years they tried to break you,
You just kept holding on,
How can one so fragile be so strong?

I’m glad I knew you then,
And you called me your friend,
I’ll raise a glass of wine,
In memory…

One

Song written by Kim Wilde. Third track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Live performances

‘One’ was performed live during a concert in Saasveld (Netherlands) on 14 December 2013 only.

Kim about ‘One’

Last Christmas, via ‘Twitter’, I became aware of a new ‘Christmas’ album by Tracey Thorn called ‘Tinsel and Lights’. Having always been a fan of hers since the early 80’s in her post punk band ‘The Marine Girls’, and then after with Ben Watt in ‘Everything But the Girl’, I immediately got myself a copy. Tracey had written a beautiful new song called ‘Joy’, which I fell in love with. Completely inspired, I decided then and there that I too wanted to create my very own Christmas album. I sat down at my piano and wrote this song – the first song for the album – and then recreating the piano part at RAK Studios in front of my hugely talented band was a nerve-wracking experience. The beautiful and tender string arrangement by my drummer, Jonathan Atkinson, touches my heart every time I listen to it. (1)

Credits

Piano: Kim Wilde
String arrangement: Jonathan Atkinson
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), November 11, 2013


Lyrics

Here we are on a winter’s day,
It’s colder than cold outside,
But warmer than warm we’ll stay.
Here in our hearts,
Where we’ve made our home
We’ll dress the tree,
Just you and me.

As, one by one,
Out from the box they’ll come
Shiny as new,
Memories of Christmases past we’ve been through,
Me and you
We are One.

Spring will come,
Summer just goes so fast,
Autumn the leaves will fall,
Another year will pass.
So let’s treasure each day like it was the last,
These symbols of joy, are more than just toys.

As, one by one,
Out from the box they’ll come,
Shiny as new,
Memories of Christmases past we’ve been through,
Me and you,
We are One.

Shining bright, oh what a beautiful sight,
On this winter’s night,
Let’s celebrate all the good things in our life,
Man and wife,
We are One.

New Life

Song written by Kim and Ricky Wilde. Sixth track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Live performances

‘New Life’ was performed live during Christmas gigs in December 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the Wilde Wild Xmas Show in December 2017.

Kim about ‘New Life’

Ricky sent this beautiful melody to me late one night as I lay in bed. As my husband Hal was sleeping, I put my earphones on and felt inspired to write the lyrics immediately. ‘New Life’ as a title came immediately, as over the previous Christmas we had a huge family get together on Boxing Day, and both my sister Roxanne and her husband Richie, and Ricky’s son Marty and his fiancé Lissy were both pregnant and expecting a baby the following summer! This song is a lullaby to the unborn babies who have yet to make their mark on the world, bringing so much love and joy, and is a wonderful memory of a family Christmas spent together. (1)

Credits

Bass, keys, acoustic guitar & backing vocals: Ricky Wilde
Drums & percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Guitars: Neil Jones
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), 11 November 2013


Lyrics

It’s a beautiful mystery,
Who knows who are what you’ll turn out to be,
We’ll all wait patiently,
but you know we just can’t wait to see… you

Now we’re gathered together,
All friends and family,
Let’s make a toast to us, and most of all,
To the new life to be.

But you don’t know,
Sweet little thing,
Safely inside,
You don’t know of the joy you’ll bring into our lives
Or of the love that surrounds you on this winter’s night.
You are new, New life.

So take your time little one,
Life goes so fast once it’s begun.
As soon as you come outside,
You’re in for one rock ‘n’ roll, crazy ride.
There’s a universe to travel,
Its wonders to reveal,
Your adventure in this beautiful world
will soon become real.

And you must know, sweet little thing,
To never be afraid,
We’ll be there to protect you
When it don’t go your way,
And to share in the joy of a beautiful day and your
New… New life.

Let It Snow

Song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. Tenth track of the album Wilde Winter Songbook.

Live performances

‘Let it snow’ was performed live during concerts at Knebworth House in December 2014 and Christmas gigs in December 2015. Kim also performed the song live during the Wilde Wild Xmas Show in December 2017.

Kim about ‘Let it snow’

I have always loved the snow, yep; I’m one of those people who secretly pray for it every Christmas, while everyone around me curses the white stuff. I have always wondered what this song might be like approached from the perspective of sweethearts getting REALLY hot by the fire, so I tapped into my Marilyn ‘Some Like it Hot’ mode before singing … I almost blushed when I got to the part ‘and I’ve got some corn for poppin’! Neil Jones, our lead guitarist, has created a most beautiful and subtle solo and, in my opinion, raised the bar impossibly high for all those who’ll come to record this song in the future. Our keyboard player, Stevie Power, has done a great job of arranging the song as well as strings, breathing original life into a classic recorded so many times over the years. (1)

Credits

Piano & keys: Steve Power
Guitars: Neil Jones
Drums & percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Bass, keys & additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Produced by Ricky Wilde
Recorded at RAK Studios, London
Mixed by Ricky Wilde & Sean Vincent at RAK Studios, London
Engineered by Sean Vincent, assisted by Robbie Nelson & Helen Atkinson

Interview source

(1) Track by track, Kimwilde.com website (UK), 11 November 2013


Lyrics

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Oh, it doesn’t show signs of stoppin’
And I’ve bought some corn for poppin’
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I’ll hate going out in the storm!
But if you’ll really hold me tight
All the way home I’ll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we’re still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Last Christmas

Song written by George Michael and originally released in 1984 as a single by Wham! on a double A-side with ‘Everything She Wants’.

Wham! version

Wham! had been a dominant force in the UK Singles Chart in 1984 and news that they were planning a Christmas single meant that a battle for the coveted Christmas number one spot in the UK seemed set to be between Wham! and the year’s other big act, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who had achieved a third number one in early December with ‘The power of love’. The Band Aid project helmed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, however, produced the number one single ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. Wham!’s offering peaked at number two for much of the period, although George’s involvement in Band Aid meant that Wham! still had an input. Wham! subsequently topped the monies raised by Band Aid by donating all of their ‘Last Christmas/Everything She Wants’ royalties to the Ethiopian famine appeal. The single went on to sell over a million copies and became the biggest selling single in UK chart history not to reach number one.

Other versions

‘Last Christmas’ was covered by many other artists since its original release, including Whigfield, Billie, Hilary Duff, Crazy Frog, Cascada, Alcazar and All About Eve.

Kim Wilde version

Kim Wilde recorded a version of ‘Last Christmas’ on the deluxe edition of Wilde Winter Songbook in 2015.

Live performances

Kim Wilde performed ‘Last Christmas’ live during her concerts at Knebworth House in December 2014. During the last performance on December 14, she and Ricky also incorporated the first verse of Four Letter Word during the song. They also performed the song during Christmas gigs in December 2015.

Credits

Vocals: Kim Wilde
Keyboards, guitar: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Ricky Wilde, Scarlett Wilde


Lyrics

Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special

Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby, do you recognize me?
Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me

(Merry Christmas) I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying, “I love you,” I meant it
Now I know what a fool I’ve been.
But if you kissed me now
I know you’d fool me again.

Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special

A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I’m hiding from you and your soul of ice
My god I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man under cover but you tore me apart
Now I’ve found a real love, you’ll never fool me again

Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special

I’ll give it to someone special.

Keeping the Dream Alive

Song written by Stefan Zauner and Aron Strobel.

Freiheit version

The song was originally recorded by the German band Münchener Freiheit (also known as Freiheit internationally) in German as ‘So lang’ man Träume noch leben kann’. The orchestral backing was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road studios, with Andrew Powell (who co-arranged the music with Zauner and Strobel) directing. It was released on 23 October 1987 as a single from the album ‘Fantasie’, reaching number 2 in the German singles chart, as well as peaking at number 17 in Switzerland.

In 1988, the band recorded the English version called ‘Keeping the Dream Alive’, which became a hit all over Europe. Notably it reached number 14 in the UK singles chart in December 1988. Since then, the song has appeared on many Christmas compilation albums and is often played on the radio in December, even if the song is not about Christmas.

Kim Wilde version

Kim Wilde recorded a cover version of ‘Keeping the dream alive’ for the deluxe edition of Wilde Winter Songbook, which was released in 2015.

Live performances

Prior to the release of the studio recording, Kim performed the song live during her four date tour in the Netherlands in October 2015. She also performed the song live during live dates in December 2015.

Credits

Vocals: Kim Wilde
Keyboards, additional vocals: Ricky Wilde
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Drums, percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Strings, string arrangement: Jonathan Atkinson, Tom Atkinson


Lyrics

Tonight the rain is falling
Full of memories of people and places
And while the past is calling
In my fantasy I remember their faces

The hopes we had were much too high
Way out of reach but we have to try
The game will never be over
Because we’re keeping the dream alive

I hear myself recalling
Things you said to me
The night it all started
And still the rain is falling
Makes me feel the way
I felt when we parted

The hopes we had were much too high
Way out of reach but we have to try
No need to hide no need to run
‘Cause all the answers come one by one
The game will never be over
Because we’re keeping the dream alive

I need you
I love you

The game will never be over
Because we’re keeping the dream alive

The hopes we had were much too high
Way out of reach but we have to try
No need to hide no need to run
‘Cause all the answers come one by one

Keeping the dream alive
Keeping the dream alive
Keeping the dream alive
Keeping the dream alive

Isobel’s Dream

Song written by Kim Wilde & Ricky Wilde. Originally released as a bonus track on the Deluxe version of Wilde Winter Songbook in November 2015.

The song was inspired by the children’s book Isobel and the Land of the Pink Bears which Kim read during her childhood. She found a copy of the book online after starting to look for it in the summer of 2012. The lyric of the song roughly references the story of the book.

Credits

Vocals: Kim Wilde
Keybaords, guitar: Ricky Wilde
Drums, percussion: Jonathan Atkinson
Backing vocals: Scarlett Wilde
Additional vocals: Rose Fowler


Lyrics

Looking through a child’s eye, turning pages from the past
Of a story I read so long ago
An adventure on a snowy cloud to a garden full of dreams
A place where every seed
Would have a chance to grow

I can hear Isobel singing
As she flies above the clouds
For her life is just beginning
And no one can bring her back down

Onwards, as her voyage unfolds
With adventures both wonderful and sad,
She will never stop believing in the power of her dreams
In a world that is surely going mad

I still hear Isobel singing
As she flies above the clouds
When her life was just beginning
And no one could bring her back down

Spoken:
There was once upon a time a little girl called Isobel
One night a snowy white cloud came sailing towards her window
Like a crystal ship that sparkled in the air
‘I’ve come to take you on a journey’, said a quiet voice
‘Where?’ she asked

‘To the land of dreams, except these ones come true if you want them to’

Isobel
Wake up
Wake up, Isobel

I still hear Isobel singing
As she flies above the clouds
When her life was just beginning
And no one could bring her back down

Isobel
Wake up
Wake up, Isobel