I'll Be Home for Christmas
Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters Lyrics


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I'll be home for christmas;
You can plan on me.
Please have snow and mis-tle-toe
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;
You can plan on me.
Please have snow and mis-tle-toe
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

Overall Meaning

The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters portrays a sentimental, yet heartbreaking story of an individual who will be unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones. The first verse talks about the nostalgic winter atmosphere that the singer desires, including snow, mistletoe, and presents on the tree. This highlights the warm feelings Christmas can bring and the importance of family and togetherness during such a joyous occasion. The second verse paints a picture of how the singer wishes to be where "the love light gleams" on Christmas Eve but is unable to, emphasizing the sadness and loneliness of being away from loved ones during the holiday season. The final line "if only in my dreams" implies a sense of longing and hope that someday the singer will be able to be at home during Christmas.


It is important to note that this classic Christmas song was released in 1943, during World War II. As such, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" resonated strongly with soldiers stationed overseas, who longed to be home with their families. The song became popular among both military personnel and civilians alike, and it remains a beloved holiday classic to this day. It is often played alongside other seasonal favorites, and its poignant lyrics continue to tug at the heartstrings of listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas;
I promise that I will return home for Christmas Day.


You can plan on me.
You don't need to worry or doubt that I won't come home for Christmas because I will.


Please have snow and mis-tle-toe
I wish for there to be snow outside and mistletoe inside when I arrive home.


And presents on the tree.
I hope there are presents already wrapped and waiting for me to open under the Christmas tree when I come home.


Christmas eve will find me
On the night before Christmas, I will be somewhere else but my thoughts will already be wandering to my home.


Where the love light gleams.
I will be wherever there is love and warmth that reminds me of home.


I'll be home for Christmas
Even though I may not physically be able to come home, my heart will be there and thinking of my loved ones.


If only in my dreams.
I can only hope and dream that I will be home for Christmas if there are any unforeseen circumstances keeping me away from home.




Contributed by Samuel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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