Composer: Irving Berlin
Lyricist: Irving Berlin
Most of the songs in "White Christmas" were written specifically for the movie, but the title song was an extremely popular hit long before the movie was made.
White Christmas
Bob sings "White Christmas" at the Christmas show on the army base during the war.
The song is reprised at the end of the movie by Bob, Phil, Betty, and Judy when they sing it at the Christmas show at the lodge.
The song "White Christmas" was first performed on the radio by Bing Crosby on the "The Kraft Music Hall" on Christmas Day, 1941. It next was heard in the film, "Holiday Inn," and it rocketed to success, staying number one on the American charts for 11 weeks. It again hit number one in 1945 and 1946 and has remained a favorite Christmas tune. "White Christmas" won the Academy Award in 1942 for Best Original Song and in 2002 it was included by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry. It has been recorded by many artists including pop and rock singers (Frank Sinatra, Aimee Mann, Elvis), jazz artists (Ella Fitzgerald), country singers (Garth Brooks, Vince Gill), and opera singers (Placido Domingo).
Count Your Blessings
Betty can't sleep and Bob suggests that she "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep."
"Count Your Blessings" was written for the movie "White Christmas" and it was an Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song in 1954. It later became a hit recording for Eddie Fisher.
Sisters
Betty and Judy sing a number, "Sisters," in their act. Afterwards, while Betty and Judy escape from their landlord, Phil and Bob sing the song, dressed as two sisters.
"Sisters," written as an act for the Haynes sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) was actually sung in the movie by only Rosemary Clooney (she sang both parts). Clooney and her real-life sister, Betty, made it a hit on the charts in 1954. Bette Midler and Linda Ronstadt revived the song in 2004 for an album Midler recorded of Rosemary Clooney songs.
Snow
Bob, Phil, Betty, and Judy think about the "Snow" they will see when they get to Vermont.
The melody for "Snow" was originally written for "Call Me Madam" with lyrics that represented its first title, "Free." However, Irving Berlin rewrote it for "White Christmas."
The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing
Phil and Judy dance and he tells her that "The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing."
Mandy
Judy dances in a number, "Mandy," during a rehearsal for the lodge show.
Choreography
Phil sings and dances in a special number, "Choreography," during a rehearsal for the lodge show.
Geee! I Wish I Was Back in the Army
Bob, Phil, Betty, and Judy rehearse a number, "Geee! I Wish I Was Back in the Army," for the lodge show.
What Can You Do With a General?
Bob leads a tribute to his old army general with "What Can You Do With a General?"