Billie Holiday's 1944 recording of the song was the final transmission sent by NASA to the Opportunity rover on Mars when its mission ended in February 2019.
I'll Be Seeing You
Billie Holiday Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day and through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children's carousel
The chestnut trees
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
"I'll Be Seeing You" is a popular song written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal in 1938. The song was based on a poem written by Kahal and was first recorded by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, with vocals by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers. However, it was Billie Holiday's rendition in 1944 that became the most popular and enduring version of the song.
The lyrics of the song speak of a love that was lost due to circumstances beyond control. The singer talks about how they will be reminded of their lost love in all the old familiar places that their heart used to embrace. The small café, the park across the way, the children's carousel, the chestnut trees, and even the wishing well will be a reminder of the person they once loved. The singer goes on to say that they will always think of their lost love during every lovely summer's day and everything that is light and gay. They will find them in the morning sun and when the night is new, and they will always be there, even if just in memory.
The song is melancholic, yet comforting, in a way that suggests that even though someone may be physically gone, they will always live on in the memories of those who loved them. The lyrics provide a sense of nostalgia and longing, while at the same time offering a sense of solace and hope. The song is a testament to the power of love and how it can endure even after death, and also to the power of memory and how the past can continue to shape the present.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be seeing you
I will continue to visualize you in my thoughts and imagination.
In all the old familiar places
Whenever I stumble upon those familiar locations, I'll reminisce about our memories together.
That this heart of mine embraces
This fondness I have for you is embedded in my heart forever that I can't let go.
All day and through
You are a part of everything I do throughout the day whether it's a conscious thought or not.
In that small café
I'll think of the times we spent together in that small café and how we shared our stories and dreams over a cup of coffee.
The park across the way
When I see the park across the street, I'll remember the way we walked hand in hand on summer days under the warm sun.
The children's carousel
I'll remember the youthful joy we felt when we rode the carousel together and how carefree we were at that moment.
The chestnut trees
The chestnut trees symbolize the memories we shared during fall when the leaves turned amber and the air was crisp.
The wishing well
I'll always remember our visit to the wishing well where we tossed a coin and wished to be together forever.
In everything that's light and gay
The happy and lively things in life will always remind me of you.
I'll always think of you that way
My love for you will never fade, and I will remember you always with the same affection.
I'll find you in the morning sun
When the sun rises, it will bring fond memories of you to mind just as it brings light to the day.
And when the night is new
At night, when the world is still and quiet, I'll remember you and our beautiful moments together.
I'll be looking at the moon
When I glance at the moon, I'll remember how we gazed at it together and talked about everything under the sky.
But I'll be seeing you
No matter where I go, what I do, or what I see, I will always see you and think of you fondly.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marieblue
The sentimental ballad “I’ll Be Seeing You” was originally composed for the 1938 Broadway musical comedy “Right This Way” by Sammy Fain (music) and Irving Kahal (lyrics). The musical closed after 15 performances, but the piece became A JAZZ STANDARD.
A cover by Bing Crosby became a huge hit in 1944. However, for many, it’s Billie Holiday’s version with Eddie Heywood and his Orchestra, the same year, that’s UNPARALLELED, whilst others believe that a performance recorded live at Carnegie Hall in 1956 was Lady Day’s ULTIMATE BEST interpretation of the song.
Decades later…
Opportunity was the second of two rovers launched in 2003 to land on Mars and begin traversing the faraway planet in search of signs of life. It landed on the Red Planet in 2004 to begin missions planned to last three months, but kept going until 2018, far exceeding expectations.
The last message Opportunity sent was, “My battery is low and it’s getting dark.” NASA swiftly sent recovery commands along with music : Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You”❕ 💚🚀💙
Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed will you remain, Eleanora Fagan, a.k.a. Billie Holiday (1915 - 1959)… 🌹
@SpaceWitch1969
A poem inspired by this song, hope you enjoy…
They’ll be seeing you…
It’s getting dark, and my battery is low…
That sinking feeling when you know you’re not alone…
At the end of the day my demons come out to play..
And I can’t sleep at night thinking they might find me..
I’ve been running for a long time just trying to be free..
They always dig up the past I thought i buried long ago..
All the old familiar faces of the family tree,
The souls all those years ago did nothing but hurt me..
I just wish I didn’t have run from the ghost of the past…
Cause I’m tired of always having to watch my back,
Not knowing when I’ll finally be able to relax..
What I would give to be able to change this fate…
But no one above is listening it seems so..
And now it’s getting late and I must go..
@iamKelvinJ
Imagine leaving this earth and still living through your music left behind for humans of the future to embrace. What a blessing
@ericastier1646
There is a word for it it's called posterity.
@Woman555
I'll never forget my first Christmas after I became a single Mom. My daughter was 3 months old. My 12 year relationship walked out for another woman. I somehow managed to set up my tree and played this song every chance I got. Ohhhh Billie...you got me through some rough waters my dear <3 I am sooo very grateful. My 4th Christmas is coming along now. I am engaged to a wonderful man. I am still in the same home. I never ever thought I'd make it this far. I also played this song at my baby sister's funeral 2 years ago. This song holds a very dear place in my heart. If you are in deep waters...play this. It will guide you... You are never alone <3
@lm13981
Sending you hugs, you are a strong woman. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m rocking my baby to this song, happy holidays
@tipakongphan3250
Blessed you.. Sweet heart.You are one strong woman.💐💖
@cvjetkokrajna249
Good people are never alone , although it sometimes seems so....
@JH-kw8zy
My grandma, my first best friend, introduced this song to me when I was 5. I still remember the look on her face listening to this while she crocheted. I probably have that same look on my face now. It's comforting to know that she survived and thrived after grieving more than I have so far. I used to tell her all my stories and secrets that I saved up when I visited every weekend. She's gone to a place I can't follow. But I'll get there eventually like we all do and when I see her again I might just stand there for a couple decades telling her everything I've wanted to tell her. I'll have a lot of stories then. My first best friend.
@discoangel4909
For my Sister's children. She loved you immensely.
@thenoteworthy1298
Rest in peace, Oppy. Thank you for exploring the stars for us.
@mr.orange5258
That was a perfect use of that song in that movie