Birthday: December 25th, 1948

First #1 Hit: The Midnight Oil (1973)<… Read Full Bio ↴Birthday: December 25th, 1948

First #1 Hit: The Midnight Oil (1973)

From 1980 to 1981, she and her two sisters hosted the last successful variety show, "Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters", on NBC.

In 1984, she and her two children were involved in a severe automobile accident, leaving her with serious injuries. All three were taken to Baptist Hospital in Nashville.

After giving her final concert performance at the Grand Old Opry House on October 23rd, 1997, she later moved into acting on the short lived soap opera, "Sunset Beach" on NBC.

In October 2006, she was honored with the release of a new tribute album "She Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool: A Tribute To Barbara Mandrell" on BNA Records.

I'll Be Home for Christmas
Barbara Mandrell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know
It's a long road back, I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams

Overall Meaning

Barbara Mandrell's classic song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a poignant holiday tune that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the singer dreams of returning to a place that she loves, even though it is far away. She promises that she will make it home for Christmas, but acknowledges that the journey will be long and difficult.

The line "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me" is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the universal desire to be with loved ones during the holidays. The singer expresses her hope that there will be snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree, all of which are deeply symbolic of the Christmas season. She imagines herself on Christmas Eve, surrounded by her loved ones, with the love light gleaming in their eyes. In the final verse, the singer acknowledges that it may only be a dream, but even so, she holds on to the hope that she will someday make it home for Christmas.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
I am imagining a place that is close to my heart and brings me comfort and joy.

Even more than I usually do
The thought of this place is occupying my mind more than usual, especially now during the holiday season.

And although I know
Even though I am well aware

It's a long road back, I promise you
Getting there won't be easy, but I am making a commitment to return to that special place.

I'll be home for Christmas
I am looking forward to spending the holidays in that beloved place.

You can count on me
You can trust that I will be there as promised.

Please have snow and mistletoe
I hope that the place is adorned with classic holiday decorations such as snow and mistletoe.

And presents on the tree
I hope there are presents wrapped and waiting for us under the Christmas tree.

Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I will be located

Where the love light gleams
In a place full of warmth, affection, and holiday cheer.

I'll be home for Christmas
I am determined to come home for Christmas.