Diana Krall was born into a musical family in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Ca… Read Full Bio ↴Diana Krall was born into a musical family in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada (on November 16, 1964). She began learning the piano at the age of four. In high school, she started playing in a small jazz group. At the age of fifteen, she started playing regularly in several Nanaimo restaurants. She also spent some time in Toronto studying with Canadian Jazz great, Don Thompson (Bass/Piano) and with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts she moved to the U.S to continue studies and develop her career.

Her playing attracted the attention of bass player Ray Brown, who brought her into touch with influential teachers and producers. At the age of seventeen, she won a scholarship from the Vancouver Jazz Festival to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After three terms she moved to Los Angeles to study with Jimmy Rowles, with whom she also began to sing. In 1990, Krall relocated to New York. She is married to British musician Elvis Costello.

I'll Be Home For Christmas
Diana Krall Lyrics

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I'll be home for Christmas;
You can play 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.

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 lyrics of Diana Krall's rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" speak to the deep longing people often feel for the warmth and love of home during the holiday season. The opening lines "I'll be home for Christmas; you can play on me" suggest a longing to return home to loved ones, while the wish for "snow and mistletoe" and "presents on the tree" conjures up images of the cozy, intimate traditions that make the holiday season so special.

The line "Christmas Eve will find me where the love-light gleams" is particularly poignant; it suggests that the singer will be seeking out the warmth and light of human connection, perhaps feeling isolated or alone but with the hope that love can provide a sense of belonging. The final line "I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams" brings the song full circle, acknowledging that home and family may feel out of reach but are never fully lost.

Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" are a reminder of the power of love and connection, especially during a time of year when those qualities are celebrated.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas;
I will be returning to my original location for the time of Christmas to be with my loved ones.

You can play on me.
You can rely on me for being present on Christmas day to create a sense of certainty and stability.

Please have snow and mistletoe
It would be ideal for the home to have snow, the plant mistletoe and other Christmas centric decorations, setting up that right Christmas vibe.

And presents on the tree.
Christmas day should have gifts or presents physically wrapped and hanging on the tree for everyone.

Christmas Eve will find me
On the night before Christmas Eve, my presence will be felt; everyone will know I will be there.

Where the love-light gleams.
I will be locating myself near the glow of the bedroom or in a part of the house where love and warmth are clearly noticeable.

I'll be home for Christmas
I am making a declaration of commitment to return home for Christmas to remain with my loved ones.

If only in my dreams.
It possibly may happen that I am away, and I may not make it, however, I pledge to be there in my dreams and spirit.

Lyrics © GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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