Written for the 1950 Bob Hope/Marilyn Maxwell movie The Lemon-Drop Kid, Ray Evans and Jay Livingston's song "Silver Bells" was originally called "Tinkle Bells" until Livingston's wife pointed out to him that "Tinkle Bells" was a childhood euphemism for urination. They substituted the word silver for tinkle, but otherwise kept the song exactly the same. As popularized by Bing Crosby, "Silver Bells" quickly became the best-selling single of the 1950 holiday season. Set in waltz time, its urban setting and graceful melodies were designed to be sung simultaneously. "Silver Bells" went on to sell more than 160 million copies since its premiere in 1950.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide