I'll Be Home for Christmas
Barry Manilow (Holiday) 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

In Barry Manilow's "I'll be Home for Christmas," the lyrics reveal an emotional longing for a place that the singer loves, especially during Christmas. The song communicates a deep desire to be home, with family, friends, love, warmth, and everything else that makes Christmas special. The lyrics paint a picture of a long journey back home, but the singer promises to return for Christmas. The line "if only in my dreams" adds a poignant layer to the story, as it acknowledges the possibility that the singer might not be able to return home in reality, but can only imagine it in their mind.


The repetition of "Christmas eve will find me where the love light gleams" reinforces the significance of this holiday -- it's a time to be surrounded by loved ones, to feel a sense of connection and belonging, and to experience the warmth of shared traditions. The use of "please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree" represents the genuine hope for certain conditions to be present for the perfect Christmas experience. Overall, the song's lyrics are a well-crafted and heartwarming tribute to the joys and importance of home and family during the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm dreaming tonight
I am thinking and imagining about something pleasant that brings joy to my heart.


Of a place I love
I am thinking about a specific location that I cherish and enjoy going to.


Even more than I usually do
My love and affection for this place has increased and intensified.


And although I know
Despite being aware of something.


It's a long road back
The journey to return to this beloved place will be lengthy and challenging.


I promise you
I guarantee and commit to fulfilling what was previously said.


I'll be home for Christmas
I will make sure to be there for the holiday season.


You can count on me
You can rely and trust in my word and ability to follow through.


Please have snow
It would be lovely to experience the presence of snow during the holiday season.


And mistletoe
It would be nice to have the traditional plant associated with Christmas around the home.


And presents on the tree
I hope to see beautifully wrapped gifts hanging from the branches of the Christmas tree.


Christmas eve will find me
On the evening before Christmas, I will be at a specific location.


Where the love light gleams
The atmosphere will radiate love, warmth and happiness.


I'll be home for Christmas
I will absolutely make sure to be at home for the holiday season.


If only in my dreams
If it is not physically possible, I will still hold it in my heart and dream about it.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Buck Ram, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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