In “Walkking in a Winter Wonderland” when they make a snowman in a meadow, do they pretend that he is Parson Brown, or a circus clown? I had always thought it was Parson Brown but recently on the radio, I’ve heard them say circus clown? so are they both right? and which one is the original? Do any of you know?
Both. The “circus clown” is from a verse not normally sung.
The original was “Parson Brown.” Search http://www.google.com for “winter wonderland lyrics.”
I know it’s cynical, but I have to think that the “circus clown” crap is either the result of the song being dumbed down, PCified, or some combination thereof.
Apparently, something called “Babyface” has even recorded a version of it with “Possum Brown.” I guess there’s always the illiteracy possibility, too, then.
Well, there’s that option, too, I guess, if you want to get all technical about it. 
Possum Brown?
Hey, don’t take my word for it:
http://www.purelyrics.com/index.php?lyrics=helbgbfg
altavista search is bringing up the “circus clown” as a second verse not normally sung. In the version that Annie Lennox did a few years ago - she does sing both verses.
And my favorite “later on, we’ll prespire as we sit by the fire.” I know it’s wrong, but it makes sense.
But what follows the circus clown line? It doesn’t make sense that a circus clown would be able to perform wedding services (“He’ll say ‘Are you married?’ We’ll say 'No, man, but you can do the job when you’re in town.”).
Oh, how brilliant of me to post before searching. Here are the lyrics to that verse:
In the meadow we can build a snowman
and pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman
until the alligators* knock him down
When it snows
ain’t it thrilling
Though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play
the Eskimo way
walking in a winter wonderland
*another site had “older kiddies” but alligators cracked me up.
Ah, but did you know the opening lyrics?
"Over the ground lies a mantle of white
A heaven of diamonds shine down through the night
Two hearts are thrillin’ in spite of the chill in the weather.
Love knows no season, love knows no clime
Romance can blossom any old time
Here in the open, we’re walkin’ and hopin’ together."
So romantic…swoon
Of course, that site also lists the 4th line of the second verse as “Walkin’ in a winger wonderland”. ‘Possum Brown’ may be a mondegreen particular to that lyrics site. Or, Lord knows, maybe not.