13 Great Songs about Snow and Snowfall

As winter blankets the landscape in snow, it inspires many artists to create beautiful music that captures the magic and wonder of this season. From classic ballads to modern pop hits, here are some of the best songs about snow and snowfall.

One of the most beloved songs about snow is “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. This timeless classic, first recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1945, conjures up cozy images of cuddling up by the fire as the snow falls outside.

Another popular snow song is “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith. This festive tune has been covered by countless artists, including Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé, and captures the magic and joy of a snowy winter day.

For those who prefer more modern music, there’s “Snow (Hey Oh)” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This rock ballad combines haunting vocals with driving guitar riffs to create a powerful ode to the beauty and mystery of snowfall.

Finally, there’s “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes, a haunting and ethereal song that captures the stillness and serenity of a snowy landscape.

1. Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) – Laura Marling

“Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” is a hauntingly beautiful song by British singer-songwriter Laura Marling. The track features a sparse and delicate melody with Marling’s ethereal and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the melancholic mood of leaving home and bidding farewell to a loved one, as Marling sings about the heartache of separation and the longing for familiar comforts. The song’s somber and reflective atmosphere creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, making it a powerful and evocative exploration of the human experience. “Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” is a testament to Marling’s talent as a songwriter and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.

2. Snow (Hey Ho) – Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Snow (Hey Oh)” is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released in 2006 as the lead single from their album “Stadium Arcadium”. The song features a distinctive guitar riff by John Frusciante, with lyrics that speak to the changing nature of life and the search for purpose and meaning. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “hey oh”, is an anthem-like refrain that captures the song’s uplifting and energetic spirit. “Snow (Hey Oh)” showcases the band’s signature blend of funk, rock, and alternative sounds, and remains a fan favorite and staple of their live performances.

3. White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes

“White Winter Hymnal” is a hauntingly beautiful song by American indie folk band Fleet Foxes. The track features a mesmerizing and intricate vocal arrangement with lush harmonies and a delicate melody. The lyrics describe the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere of a winter landscape, as Fleet Foxes sing about the snow falling and the quiet stillness of nature.

4. 50 Words for Snow – Kate Bush

“50 Words for Snow” is a hauntingly beautiful song by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush, released in 2011 as the title track of her album of the same name. The song features Bush’s mesmerizing vocals and piano, and tells the story of a woman waiting for her lover in the midst of a snowfall. The lyrics evoke a dreamlike atmosphere and paint vivid imagery of the winter landscape, while the chorus lists various invented words for snow, as if to capture the vastness and complexity of the natural world. “50 Words for Snow” is a poetic masterpiece that showcases Bush’s unique musical vision and creative genius.

5. Cold Rain and Snow – Grateful Dead

“Cold Rain and Snow” is a classic Grateful Dead song that was first performed in the mid-1960s. The song features a fast-paced, upbeat tempo with intricate guitar and bass riffs, along with poetic lyrics that describe the pain of lost love and the inevitability of life’s hardships. The song’s energy and sense of urgency are characteristic of the Dead’s unique sound, with Jerry Garcia’s distinctive guitar work driving the melody forward. “Cold Rain and Snow” remains a popular favorite among Deadheads and is often played at the band’s tribute concerts and by cover bands today.

6. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! – Frank Sinatra

“Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” is a classic Christmas song recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1950. The song, composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Sammy Cahn, tells the story of a couple snuggling by the fire during a snowstorm, with the narrator hoping the storm will continue so they can stay together. Sinatra’s smooth, velvety voice captures the warmth and coziness of the scene, while the jazzy arrangement and upbeat tempo make the song a timeless holiday favorite. “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” has since been covered by countless artists and is a staple of holiday playlists around the world.

7. I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Billie Holiday

“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” is a romantic jazz standard recorded by Billie Holiday in 1937. The song, written by Irving Berlin, features Holiday’s soulful vocals and a swinging big band arrangement that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. The lyrics describe the warmth and comfort of love in the face of winter’s cold, and Holiday’s delivery adds a layer of emotional depth that makes the song a true classic. “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” remains a beloved holiday standard and a testament to the enduring power of love.

8. Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow – Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds

“Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow” is a haunting and atmospheric song by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, released in 2001 on their album “No More Shall We Part”. The song features Cave’s signature deep, brooding vocals and a sparse yet powerful instrumental arrangement that perfectly complements the lyrics. The song tells the story of a town buried in snow, with its inhabitants struggling to survive amidst the harsh winter conditions. Cave’s vivid imagery and poetic lyrics paint a bleak yet mesmerizing picture of isolation, desperation, and survival. “Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow” is a haunting masterpiece that showcases Cave’s exceptional songwriting and storytelling skills.

9. Velvet Snow – Kings of Leon

“Velvet Snow” is a dreamy and atmospheric track by American rock band Kings of Leon. Released in 2007, the song features a hypnotic guitar riff and a haunting melody that creates a sense of yearning and nostalgia. The lyrics evoke the image of a lost love and the memories associated with it, with lead singer Caleb Followill’s emotive vocals adding to the song’s emotional impact. The track is a departure from the band’s more uptempo, rock-oriented sound, and showcases their versatility as musicians. “Velvet Snow” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of the band’s discography.

10. Hazy Shade of Winter – Simon & Garfunkel

“Hazy Shade of Winter” is a classic rock song by Simon & Garfunkel that was released in 1966. The song is characterized by its driving, guitar-driven sound and poetic lyrics that evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection. The song’s themes of time passing and the fleeting nature of youth and love are common motifs in the duo’s work, and are expressed with a sense of urgency and longing. The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and adaptations, including a popular rendition by The Bangles in the 1980s, ensuring its place as a classic in the rock canon.

11. Angel in the Snow – Elliott Smith

“Angel in the Snow” is a delicate and introspective track by singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Released in 1998, the song features Smith’s signature fingerpicking style and a soft, hushed vocal delivery that conveys a sense of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost and alone, and the hope that someone or something will come to guide and comfort the narrator. The song’s minimalist arrangement and intimate production give it an emotional depth and intimacy that is characteristic of Smith’s work. “Angel in the Snow” remains a beloved track among fans of the late musician, and a testament to his songwriting talent.

12. Valley Winter Song – Fountains Of Wayne

“Valley Winter Song” is a wistful and nostalgic track by power-pop band Fountains of Wayne. Released in 2003, the song features a jangly guitar riff and a catchy melody that captures the essence of a winter landscape. The lyrics describe the narrator’s memories of growing up in a small town and the way that the passing of time and changing of the seasons affects the people and places he once knew. The song’s lush arrangement and evocative production create a sense of warmth and familiarity, making it a favorite among fans of the band’s power-pop sound. “Valley Winter Song” is a charming and poignant track that captures the spirit of the season.

13. The Fox in the Snow – Belle and Sebastian

“The Fox in the Snow” is a gentle and introspective song by indie-pop band Belle and Sebastian. Released in 1996, the song features a simple acoustic guitar melody and hushed, fragile vocals that convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth. The lyrics describe the narrator’s feelings of loneliness and isolation during the winter months, and the desire to find someone or something to share in their solitude. The song’s minimalist production and delicate arrangement give it a sense of intimacy and introspection that is characteristic of the band’s work. “The Fox in the Snow” remains a beloved track among fans of indie-pop and alternative music.