I'll Be Home for Christmas
Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan 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

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve'll 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" sung by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby is a heartwarming and melancholic tune that speaks to the homesickness and longing that many people have during the holiday season. The opening line "I'll Be Home for Christmas" sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer promises to be home for the holidays. The first verse acknowledges the important traditional elements of the holiday, such as snow, mistletoe, and presents, which are expected to be present in the singer's home. The singer's desire for a typical Christmas scene emphasizes the importance of family and tradition during this time of year.

The second verse continues the theme of longing for home and emphasizes the power of love to make a home feel complete. The image of the "love light" gleaming suggests the warmth and security that can be found in family and love, especially during the holiday season. However, the final line "If only in my dreams" reveals a sense of sadness and longing that cannot be fulfilled. Despite the promise to be home for Christmas, the singer is acknowledging that sometimes our dreams and reality do not align.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to be present at home for Christmas

You can plan on me
You can depend on me, I won't let you down

Please have snow and mistletoe
I hope there will be snow and mistletoe decorations

And presents on the tree
I hope there will be Christmas gifts under the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I'll be somewhere special

Where the love light gleams
Where love and warmth are present

I'll be home for Christmas
I will be making it home for Christmas

If only in my dreams
Even if I can't physically make it home, I'll be there in my heart and thoughts

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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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@AlbertoGarcia-pi5vt

2y↑4

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight 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 mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

All comments from YouTube:

@Aramanth

2y↑114

A beautiful tribute to those who work on Christmas... 🎄
It just isn't Christmastime without Bing's smooth voice!!!!

@paulineiv878

2y↑3

It's so beautiful as a tribute and a legend like Bing Crosby 😍The animation is so nostalgic yet magical!!🥰

@thefleetneat5280

47w↑1

Another Spokane w

@haydendixon2089

18w↑1

A beautiful tribute to American soldiers who served in WW2 🫡

@christophercollins2008

2y↑40

This has been one of my favorite Christmas songs my entire life, and in my mind, I always hear Bing Crosby singing it. Love the video!

@RexfromIslaNublar

46w↑18

I remember once singing this song to my grandma, and she started crying because it reminded her of her husband (grandpa) who tragically passed away years earlier to Parkinson’s Disease. And now that she passed away 3 years ago, this song reminds me of her. Never forgotten Grandma (1932-2020)

@avaanne3155

2y↑78

There is nothing like Bing’s singing!! So beautiful and peaceful!!

@corey-bird3489

My channel is soothing but yeah, dude. 😌🥰

@bolivarpardo916

Bts

@sookie4195

1y↑96

My brother was in the Korean War and my Mom would listen to this and cry. I was only 1 year old and still remember this. Blessings to all who gave all to give me freedom. Thank you! Merry Christmas 🎄

@darymuhammadputra

1y↑1

I'm so sorry about what happened to your brother 🥹 hope he rest in peace and the angel sing him a lullaby ❤

@tominrochester

38w↑7

People don't remember what happened when they were 1! You were told the story so many freakin' times you fooled yourself into believing you remembered it. You are old enough to know better!!!

@nerop7904

24w↑2

You remember that from being a year old. Wow, crazy

@srby746

22w↑2

God bless your family

@WayneLynch69

21w

My cousin died in Korea when I was 6 months old. For the remainder of her
life his mother paid more on a per capita basis for the defense of SK than their citizen. Nothing is as disgraceful and repugnant as such contempt for U.S.
citizens. Taiwan cut their defense budget in half this year, but we are absolutely
maniacal to fight China there. 'Cause Vietnam said no

@roachdoggjr45

2y↑64

"if only in my dream" hits me in the feels ever since as young as I can remember.

@clw1961

1y↑4

Me too!

@MissingDrew815

2y↑15

Classic. I remember my dad whistling along. 💙

@clw1961

1y↑30

Don't get me wrong! Bing Crosby's version of White Christmas will always stand out! But his version of I'll Be home for Christmas really brings tears to my eyes! Every time!

@michaelattanasio9782

22w↑3

The same here and especially because it is my grandadies favorite song and he died when i was 6 years old and i miss him so much

@AlwayzADelight

20w

Me too, but curious because I always remember it saying "you can COUNT on me" not plan.... Did this change??? That doesn't make sense to me

@clw1961

19w

Same here!

@walterfechter8080

19w↑4

What a gorgeous, animated video set to one of the most resplendent and time-honoured Christmas tunes ever composed, sang and recorded! We love ya, Der Bingle and everyone who worked on this tune with you! A Hopeful and Merry Christmas 2023 to one and all -- the world-over! Pray for peace!

@danielliu26

2y↑104

These lovely animated videos, Bing’s voice, can’t get any better then this!

@corey-bird3489

2y↑1

I record my indoor wonderland during December but yeah dude 🥰 Nobody on Earth has sung this like Elvis or Bing.

@kensmith8546

2y↑11

Bing - the voice of Christmas !!! This is truly a gem of the festive tunes and the animations beautifully bring the song to life. Thank you and Merry Christmas

@frostyhannah

1y↑22

Such a beautiful song, reminds me of parents who go away for war, and they send letter's to their family telling them they'll be home for Christmas <3

@timeminecraft6019

2y↑12

I love how Bing just mingles around all the decades and the world singing his classic song

@AlishaV

2y↑10

Always a favorite song and singer, now with an exceptionally lovely video. Home and family come in all different shapes and sizes and it's wonderful seeing so many represented here.

@josephsnyder5398

2y↑15

I couldn’t love this more! Beautifully done. I’m so happy someone’s producing these.

@sfighter0085

2y↑6

Wow, this has to be best of these videos I've seen. Love how Bing seemingly was appearing all these different ages and eras, and all of them ended with the Families reunited. It really fits the song well.

@deanncraig6976

19w↑2

I remember this song when I heard it during my tour in Viet Nam. I missed my wife and Christmas at home so much that year

@walterfechter8080

2y↑58

Each time I hear this nostalgic and wondrous Christmas tune, I envision B-17s flying in formation -- contrails streaming behind them -- bright sunshine glinting slightly off Plexiglass -- crewmen on oxygen in the bombers' cockpits -- other crewmen standing at the ready behind 50 caliber machine guns. Some of them wondering if they'll survive enough missions to make it home for the next Christmas. Some might have been thinking, "Angels on both shoulders." At this Christmas time 2021, please take Time to remember those gallant guys who gave all in the skies over Fortress Europe during WWII. Remember all of our vets -- everywhere. Thanks, Bing Crosy, the accompanying musicians and vocalists. A Hopeful and Merry Christmas 2021 to one and all -- in Heaven AND on Earth.

@ronlemons5316

1y↑7

Thank you sir. So few recall that this song was written and sang during that War. The Greatest Generation truly sacrificed all for the world's freedom. God Bless them all.

@walterfechter8080

1y↑2

@Ron Lemons -- You are welcome, good sir. I had relatives who served in the US Army Air Corps and in the RAF. They survived the war -- especially the year of 1944, when casualties amongst allied bomber crews were very high. Those men earned their wings. God keep all of them. God keep you, Ron Lemons, and yours at Christmas 2022 and beyond.

@h.calvert3165

1y↑2

Time to honour them with your message again. May they all rest in peace. Merry Christmas. 🎄

@walterfechter8080

1y↑2

@H. Calvert -- Many thanks. Yes, those brave souls made it possible to maintain freedom all over the world. I can only imagine how many families of allied military personnel still felt sorrow and a sense of non-closure each Christmas time following WWII. Far too many service men were never found. Their families and friends waited decades to learn of their fate and what happened to their earthly remains. After all these decades since The Second World War, some still wonder about relatives who were lost in that war. Likewise, for the countless numbers of civilians who lost loved ones during WWII. We should always remember them. Merry Christmas 2022. 🙏🌲

@h.calvert3165

1y↑2

@Walter Fechter
And to you, sir. My father was one of the few who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939 BEFORE the war started, because he just wanted a career in the R.C.A.F. He never went overseas, despite applying several times, because he was one of the pioneering meteorological trainers for pilots. So, as an Air Force brat, this war & its brave airmen, marines, sailors, & soldiers, from all the Allied countries, are very dear to me. Remembrance Day is extremely special in my home. The Greatest Generation, indeed. 👏

9 More Replies...

@msjulicious

2y↑4

the classic songs are my favorite Christmas music 🎶🎄 so glad they animated it

@philjohnson6701

26w↑79

I remember listening to this song, but I remember the lyrics differently. My memory is: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me." Not " I'll be home for Christmas. You can plan on me." 😢

@laurarick5713

24w↑14

We jumped timeliness! It was always COUNT on me!

@RichardDryfist62

24w↑9

Yes, it is a Mandela Effect. It was always You can COUNT on me... but it's been changed and now says PLAN

@larrygunion892

23w↑7

It was you can count on me it's a Mandela effect

@elaifa-pt6nc

23w

like you know what a mandela effect is @@larrygunion892

@TheHunter-lw6nv

22w↑2

Same

11 More Replies...

@josesebastiaocruzramos3099

2y↑1

Neste natal quero abraçar a todos os profissionais, que estarão nas variadas funções exercendo seu trabalho ...Feliz Natal e prospero ano novo todas as Familias...

@jonathanhendra6586

2y↑18

I first saw it when I was looking for Christmas song and instantly, this song became my favorite Christmas song. Especially when my father died a year ago in 6 December. 19 days before Christmas. It was very heartbroking. But, at least in my heart he will be come home for christmas

@TDACourtneyFan1

your comment made me cry thank you for sharing your fathers memory with us

@jonathanhendra6586

@vani m Thanks, i never thought that someone will read it

@eviek3809

2y↑12

So sad if you think about it. Written in 1943, so many nurses, doctors, soldiers, sailors, airmen and other support personnel had no idea if they'd ever have a Christmas at home again.

@vickierickson4482

2y↑6

Mery Christmas to all the Service personnel and veterans who are spending or have spent Christmas away from home. Many never got to realize this dream. Thank you and God Bless you all.

@joselabartabeltran4532

2y↑2

Simplemente maravilloso

@walterfechter8080

2y↑2

This is sweet animation set to a truly great tune! Thanks and Merry Christmas 2021 to everyone -- everywhere!

@WhenIrishEyes

2y↑20

Bing Crosby one of the voices of Christmas along with Sinatra and Dino.

@petertaylor3600

2y↑2

He was the voice of Christmas before the other two even thought of it! Think White Christmas in 1942/3.

@silverlark5365

2y↑4

Просто чарівно! Тембр голосу божественний. А пісня затишна і ніжна, мов саме Різдво.

@lanitarenee4668

2y↑5

I hope everyone is planning a huge tv special next year!! I always looked forward to these!!! 🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲🎁🌲

@anthonyfrew1571

22w↑1

Just loverly - should be screed on television - Bing was heaven with this type of song - great video, charming

@kirstenf.e4071

26w↑13

Does anyone else remember the lyrics being " I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me?" Because now every version I listen to says the word plan and everyone I asked remembers the word count.

@TaraCascella

25w↑5

Yes. I had the Christmas album on vinyl and must have listened to it a 1000 times. I know every word to every song. Mandela effect.

@CookingwithAsner-pz2re

19w

Bing did two versions, one with "Plan" and another with the word "Count". Here is the link to the one with Count

https://youtu.be/EYOvd2PZoPU?si=6ZOPQH3fpoyynX1J

@eleirbag

2y↑3

We want more of this!

@cherriphelps0108

2y↑2

So beautiful! Awesome video!

@JamesIrwins78s

2y↑8

You know at first I wasn’t to sure about this, seeing it in my recommendations. But now seeing it and knowing Bing, well I’m sure he’s smiling down from heaven!

@YO-ku1kq

2y↑1

yes indeed!!

@petertaylor3600

2y↑1

He probably is, James. Along with his kids and Dixie.

@bruceatnip986

2y↑3

Such a beautiful story in animation to acompany one of the greatest singers of our time. Thank you.

@treadman26

19w

Beautiful song, gorgeous animation.

@simplybenj2716

31w

Everytime i heard this... theres a tears in my eyes.

@donnybailey8810

2y↑2

BING CROSBY IS A ICON GREAT CHRISTMAS 🎄 SONG 🎵 🎅

@user-bw4zs1jx3i

38w

I love the line 'and presents ON the tree'. When I was young ( I'm 65 now ), every once in awhile, we'd find a small wrapped gift on one the tree branches 🎄🎄😃

@rizaldycruz3511

2y↑5

Classic Christmas song bring back Memories thank you

@Bob-jg3vq

2y↑3

Bing Crosby Christmas songs 🎵 are a real delight!!

@AlbertoGarcia-pi5vt

2y↑4

@BrandonJesusOficial

2y↑11

¡Hermoso video, una obra de arte!

@RaijinLovesYou

2y↑7

I enjoy these songs more than the songs of the 2021s.

@aureliusgabrielromero1580

Same

@alvaropelayo8084

2y↑8

Bing Crosby will always be alive to us. Thanks be to God for him

@joshthomas7999

20w

Thanks for the memories, Bing.

@user-tn7pr4jg3o

38w

Crosby was magnificent.

@Sivo-vf8vb

1y↑3

Te amo Bing, mexicali no te a olvida ni te olvidara nunca :")

@MattySoPhaty

17w↑2

Since when are the lyrics 'you can plan on me'
I've heard Bing Crosby sing this song 100's of times and this is the first time he didn't say you can count on me.

@JukeboxBalowski

2y↑3

They finally dropped the music video for this song! The label should have timed the release a little closer to the release of the single! 😆

@TommyWinters-sk1sk

21w↑1

💯❤️

@simonemaragno3839

2y↑2

An incredible work

@TheForce_Productions

1y↑1

Pure magic! ❤🎄

@petertaylor3600

What a beautiful voice he had. And, maybe because, not necessarily because of, no formal singing training that I heard of. He couldn't read sheet music, but what did it matter?

@shire834

2y↑9

クリスマスには我が家に帰りたいと願う兵士への敬意を込めて作られた歌だそうですね。
たくさんの兵士が戦地でこの歌を聴き涙を流したことでしょう。

@JamesIrwins78s

2y↑1

私が翻訳者を使用していることを考えると、これは完全に翻訳されないかもしれません。しかし、1943年には、その年の10月1日にリリースされ、3位でピークに達した後、11週間でトップ10ヒットし、1944年12月7日に陸軍の男性のためのVディスクでリリースされました。これらの男性のほとんどは、グレン・ミラー、アンドリュース・シスターズ、ビング自身が軍隊に入隊し、海外で戦ったことを考えると、ライブコンサートを楽しんだ。だから私は彼らが涙を流すとは言わないだろうが、より賞賛され、曲を楽しんだし、また、戦い続ける理由としてそれを取った!

@YO-ku1kq

2y↑1

this song was released during the world war 2 .many soldiers in battle front mus t have shed tears a lot.
especially…if only in a dream…

@petertaylor3600

@Y O It was intended to be heard by troops, overseas who were homesick.

@jacobbenitez5289

2y↑2

JEEZ HOW OLD IS BING CROSBY HE JUST LIVED THROUGH THE INDUSTRIAL ERA ALL THE WAY TO THE THE MODERN ERA!

@tr4495

2y↑10

I've been loving these videos!

@lindacheragotti7730

2y↑1

classic!

@rcnelson

17w

Odd how a scrawny, plain little man had such a marvelous, velvet voice. Such a Christmas dream Bing weaves for us.

@thekindthatcould7726

2y↑1

It feels like a WW2 soldier stuck in the winter of 1944, in Europe or the Pacific, on these closing stages of the year...

@dawidburdelak

18w

Będę w domu na Święta.

@paulocesardecarvalhoabreu6973

41w↑1

Today this talent is rare. Thanks for you good job.

@darlenebradley2335

19w

Just looked it up and found the lyrics and it says you can count in me

@Nosebleads_Ugh

23w

Smoothe crooner. Just always makes me feel so calm.

@nonuvurbeeznus795

Hmm...I guess it would be pretty brutal to reveal that all these people were just dreaming about being home instead of actually being there. But I think the lyrics of this song indicate it is an ode for the people who can't be home for Christmas.

@yardmaster-vp2kg

21w↑1

these video's are very very good!!! and say alot!!

@HereForTheComments

2y↑2

I see Bingville is a place of miracles.

@HaloZ1012

2y↑1

I like your username :)

@HereForTheComments

@Aquiem And I like yours!

@CaptainCJ97

2y↑2

Awesome

@duncan7027

2y↑1

bing was in 5 different places in just 3 minutes, pretty impressive if you ask me

@pare..4286

2y↑1

che bella nostalgia

@davidscott937

1y↑1

I love bing crosbys songs but i just found out today that im related to him

@richardfiorentino3951

26w

are you serious ? How did you find out?

@franktindall3016

1y↑1

This song means alot to me.....I lost my dad and sister within a year of each other in the early 70s....at xmas time.....😪😪😪

@kendramalczyk2613

2y↑1

Beeaauutifuul! ♥️🎁🌟

@lorirodriguez2388

2y↑2

Lord comfort those who feel sad about loved ones who can't make it home for Christmas especially me lord my heart is hurting so much

@montyallen6676

26w↑1

This was the 1944 follow up to "WHITE CHRISTMAS" recorded by Bing in 1942. Many WW2 soldiers hoped to be home by Christmas,1944...but it was not to be for many of them.

@antoniovalentino9977

2y↑1

🎶🎵🎼💯

@haydendixon2089

18w↑1

The theme of the song is of a soldier serving overseas in WW II who is planning to be home with his family for Christmas. The song was written in 1943. 👍🫡

@BaoLe-yz1wh

what the hell with 4 people that dislike this kind of art ?

@nicholaschen1806

2y↑1

I ll be home for this x mas. No matter what.

@craigsherman1564

2y↑1

9,000 miles from home on Christmas eve, listening to Spec. 5: Pat Sajack on the Armed forces Radio station. Playing this sad song, watching GI's crying.

@hackbritton3233

2y↑1

This song was a WWll song. Its great but my grandma who let her son join to the war could never enjoy this song. I always loved it but see it from her point of view. Do that and you see. We sacrifice.

@tommymclaughin1377

Happy Christmas 2022 and God bless to everyone xxx

@hummingmoon7128

Okay its in realistically makes me comfartable am a 2k born youth vibing this old times its iconic🥺❤

@mariafiorenzano1175

2y↑1

Bellissimo

@karimecardenas1758

2y↑6

I thank you taehyung for teaching me the beautiful side of music, called "jazz" ...

@turdferguson9022

2y↑3

This is called Traditional not jazz

@JamesIrwins78s

2y↑2

Well that depends on your standards. I listen to the music from this era on the daily, either through old radio broadcasts or the original 78s, and in those days it more would’ve been considered light jazz for dancing, and it would still be under Christmas Music, and not traditional due to the fact of it being more modern. I mean it was first released on the recording we heard here in 1943 with Bing on vocals and the John Trotter Orchestra for the men in the armed forces during WWII who were overseas.

@margarinetaintedgreen8140

50w

Too good.
To say we have comparable X-mas music these days is a plain and absurd lie.

@hellie_el

how lovely.

@FarmersAreDummies

Bing's version is still the greatest!

@addg844

❤️❤️❤️

@fleridalopez4384

2y↑1

I am crying…sobbing….It’s been three years that I have not gotten “back home “ ( Philippines) ro spend the Holidays with my family..
Iy is NOT that long ,,you might say…..but ever since I left the Philippines….I male it a point to be with my family …but then because of
the ourbreak of CoVid 19 and its Variants…..I am not able……BUT Christmas or Not,,,,,.I will BE HOME …..because EVERY DAY is CHRISTMAS
DAY …..whenever I am with my loved ones..😂😂😂😂😂😂

@larrylee9455

29w↑5

Song has CHANGED Mandela effect. Used to say you can COUNT on me. Thousands of things now

@tormentors

Wish my dad was home for christmas 😔😪

@christianwestfall6690

2y↑1

This made me cry because of thinking of my. Grandpa

@tonybarde2572

2y↑4

Sadly, many did not come home for Christmas

@stillyoung9195

2y↑3

Ill say 2 things
1 Thank you
2 Good job

@kareneastman9695

The song and video are beautiful and sweet + Sad,

@brendakrieger7000

In memory of my beloved cat and best friend,Mistletoe😿💔🌈

@brendakrieger7000

35w

@@MarkHonest-vf9jk I'm from Pennsylvania. Nice to meet you! Yes I am a country girl🤠

@brendakrieger7000

35w

@@MarkHonest-vf9jk No I've never been to Colorado. But it is definitely on my bucket list. I love mountains🏔

@alexsagias

26w

Does anyone remeber that the lyrics were different. Like “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can COUNT on me.”?

@Maplesz

I came here cause I wanted to know how the song would sound like ( since I have to sing it )

@rafaelagarciasiles1372

2y↑1

Oh wonder LOVE 🎶💫🌟⭐🌟🌌⛄

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