Popular Nostalgia

First released by Gene Autry in 1950, Frosty the Snowman was later performed by the Jackson 5 and many other artists. The first version got to number 7 in the US charts and is a perennial success. Gene Autry had previous success with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

“Frosty” was written by Steve Edward Nelson and Walter “Jack” Rollins. Rollins said in a 1970’s interview that the concept was originally about a nuclear winter and that the dreams of the children of a world without war bring the snowman to life. However, the straightforward kiddies’ classic won out and was a commercial success.

“Frosty the Snowman” Lyrics

Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And his eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the Snowman
May the children laugh and play
And were they surprised when before their eyes
He came to life that day.

There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around.

Oh, Frosty the Snowman
Was alive as he could be
And the children say
He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me.

Frosty the Snowman
Knew the sun was hot that day
So he said let’s run
And we’ll have fun.
Before I melt away.

So down to the village
With a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square
Saying catch me if you can.

He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cops
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler stop.

Frosty the Snowman
Had to hurry on
But he waved goodbye
Saying don’t you cry.

I’ll be back again some day
Thumpety, thump, thump
Thumpety, thump, thump.

Look at Frosty go
Thumpety, thump, thump
Thumpety, thump. thump
Over the hills of snow.