Fountains of Wayne

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hey Sweet Annie
Don't take it so bad
You know the summer's coming soon
Though the interstate is choking under salt and dirty sand
And it seems the sun is hiding from the moon
Your daddy told you
When you were a girl
The kind of things that come to those who wait
So give it a rest girl
Take a deep breath girl
And meet me at the Baystate tonight

[Chorus]
And the snow is coming down
On our New England town
And it's been falling all day long
What else is new?
What could I do?
I wrote a valley winter song
To play for you

[Verse 2]
And late December
Can drag a man down
You feel it deep in your gut
Short days and afternoons spent pottering around
In a dark house with the windows painted shut
Remember New York
Staring outside
As reckless winter made its way
From Staten Island to the Upper West Side
Whiting out our streets along the way
[Chorus]
And the snow is coming down
On our New England town
And it's been falling all day long
What else is new?
What can I do?
But sing this valley winter song
I wrote for youEmbed

Snowy winters in New England can be both beautiful and challenging. The biting cold and the darkness can sometimes cast a gloomy shadow on one's spirits. But amidst the harshness of the season, there is always room for warmth and love. Fountains of Wayne's Valley Winter Song encapsulates the essence of this juxtaposition, as it tells the story of a singer's heartfelt attempt to cheer up his beloved during the chilly winter months.

Valley Winter Song, the sixth track from Fountains of Wayne's album Welcome Interstate Managers, is a soft and tender ballad that reflects the personal experiences of Chris Collingwood, one of the band's members. In an interview with PopEntertainment, Collingwood described the song as being "pretty much about my life," lending an intimate feel to the lyrics and melodies. With its gentle acoustic guitar strumming and heartfelt vocals, Valley Winter Song creates a comforting soundscape that resonates with listeners on a personal level.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a New England winter, with its snowy landscapes and darkness enveloping the valley. But amidst the cold, the singer becomes a beacon of warmth and hope for his love. He sings of wanting to bring a smile to his beloved's face, even in the coldest and darkest of times, demonstrating a love that perseveres despite the challenging circumstances. The song's heartfelt message serves as a reminder that love has the power to conquer any obstacle, even the harshest of winters.

Valley Winter Song has not only touched the hearts of listeners but has also found its way into popular culture. In 2008, the song was featured in an L.L. Bean commercial titled Making Christmas. Its inclusion in this commercial further demonstrates the emotional resonance of the song, as it perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season and the warmth of coming together with loved ones.

About Valley Winter Song

Valley Winter Song brings together the musical talents of Fountains of Wayne, an American rock band hailing from New York City. Formed in 1996, the band consists of Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter, and Brian Young. Their unique blend of power pop, indie rock, and catchy melodies has garnered them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim throughout their career.

Released in 2003 as part of their album Welcome Interstate Managers, Valley Winter Song showcases Fountains of Wayne's ability to create heartfelt and relatable music. The band's signature songwriting style is evident in the lyrics, which are filled with vivid imagery and personal emotions. This attention to detail and storytelling is what sets Fountains of Wayne apart and has made their music resonate with listeners over the years.

The instrumentation in Valley Winter Song is simple yet effective in conveying the song's message. The acoustic guitar forms the backbone of the song, evoking a sense of warmth and intimacy. The delicate strumming and melodic hooks draw the listener in and create an atmosphere of comfort. Collingwood's vocals add another layer of emotion, with his soothing delivery infusing the lyrics with sincerity and tenderness.

The song's structure follows a traditional ballad format, with verses that build upon each other and a powerful chorus that serves as the song's emotional climax. The melodies are memorable, and the lyrics flow seamlessly, guiding the listener through the story being told. Fountains of Wayne's attention to detail in both their songwriting and musical arrangements is what makes Valley Winter Song such a captivating and timeless piece of music.

Valley Winter Song not only showcases Fountains of Wayne's musical prowess but also serves as a reminder of the power of love and hope in even the most challenging of times. Its relatable lyrics and heartfelt melodies create a sense of comfort and warmth, making it the perfect song to cozy up to during the winter season. Whether you're reminiscing about snowy landscapes or seeking solace in the embrace of loved ones, Valley Winter Song is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of music.

So, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and let Valley Winter Song transport you to a snowy New England valley where love and hope conquer all.

• Release Date: June 10, 2003
• Artist: Fountains of Wayne