Barry Manilow (born June 17, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, United States) is … Read Full Bio ↴Barry Manilow (born June 17, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, United States) is an American pop singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, producer, conductor, and performer, best known for such recordings as "Could It Be Magic", "Mandy", "Can't Smile Without You", and "Copacabana (At the Copa)".

In 1978, five of his albums were on the best-selling charts simultaneously, a feat equaled only by Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Mathis. He has recorded a string of Billboard hit singles and multi-platinum albums that have resulted in his being named Radio & Records number one Adult Contemporary artist and winning three straight American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Several well-known entertainers have given Manilow their "stamp of approval," including Sinatra, who was quoted in the 1970s regarding Manilow, "He's next." In 1988, Bob Dylan stopped Manilow at a party, hugged him and said, "Don't stop what you're doing, man. We're all inspired by you."

As well as producing and arranging albums for other artists, such as Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, Manilow has written songs for musicals, films, and commercials. From February 2005 to December 30, 2009, he was the headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton, performing hundreds of shows before ending relationship with the hotel. From March 2010, he has headlined at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He has sold more than 80 million records worldwide

I'll Be Home for Christmas
Barry Manilow Lyrics

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I'm dreaming tonight
Of a place I love
Even more then 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 misteltoe
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

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Barry Manilow's song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" evoke feelings of longing and nostalgia as the singer dreams of a place he loves, more than usual during this time of year. He knows the road back is long, but he promises to be home for Christmas. The lyrics express the importance of being with loved ones during the holiday season and evoke the emotions of missing family and friends.

The lyrics also create a vivid picture of the typical Christmas ambiance, with mentions of snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree. The second verse reiterates the singer's desire to be home, where the love light gleams, and even if he can't make it home physically, he will be there in his dreams.

Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" are a poignant expression of longing for family and holiday traditions, and the importance of being close to the ones we love during the Christmas season.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm dreaming tonight
I am imagining tonight

Of a place I love
About a place that I cherish

Even more then I usually do
More intensely than I typically do

And although I know
And even though I understand

It's a long road back
The journey home will take some time

I promise you
I solemnly vow to you

I'll be home for Christmas
I will return to my home for Christmas

You can count on me
You can rely on me

Please have snow
I hope there is snow

And misteltoe
And a decoration of mistletoe

And presents on the tree
And gifts under the tree