Cool Wintry Song

There's a season that's neat
If you can't take the heat
The days and nights are nice and icy clear
There's a thrill in the air
When there's a chill in the air
'Cause winter is the coolest time of year
-- "Winter Is The Coolest Time Of Year", from Pokémon Christmas Bash

Having been in the U.S., I know what winter feels like, with all its perks. Thus every so often I long for that experience, particularly around this time of year. One way I alleviate that longing is by playing this song, which is graciously provided in the Pokémon Christmas Bash album. It's a quite lively song that succinctly captures all that is pleasant about this season.

The song is composed of three verses, the last two of which are repeated. The first verse cites the activities that are characteristic of the season's impressions. The second verse provides an imagery typical of the season, and the third verse summarizes things. There is no mention of Christmas, but since Christmas in the northern hemisphere is aligned with the winter time, it makes perfect sense for the aforementioned album. It is regardless a neutral song in that respect.

Of note is that between the repetition of the verses, there is a spoken insert featuring the (former) core cast of the English dub of the Pokémon anime. In it, Ash and Misty talk about building a snowman, or rather a "snow-Mon" of Pokémon instead, complete with puns on Pokémon names. Brock dissents the idea, being that it's cold outside, which then leads to Ash and Misty playing a trick on him to get him to "chill out". It's a humorous exchange that maintains the Pokémon influence on the song.

Winter as I experienced it may be far from the imagined situation in this song, but it remains a pleasant season with the right enjoyment. Moreover, as a Pokémon fan, I'm pleased as heck with the insertion of Pokémon influences in the song. I just love it for that reason, as much as I love the winter season and long for it from time to time.