I'll Be Home For Christmas
Frank Sinatra and 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'll 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 © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

Anthony M

4y↑88

I was six years old when this album came out in 1957 and my dad had a brand new 57 Chevy Belair. What a wonderful life I had, thank God.

Darkg

Bich u still livin

Anthony M

4y↑50

I'm almost 70 and my dad played this album while we put the 🌲 tree up and decorated it from back in the late 50s. While I was listening my wonderful memories were so vivid. Thanks so much for this and God bless you.

Mario Alberto Tapia

1y↑1

I am not from the fortys or fiftys but every time I listen to this song I feel so much sadness and it feels like I am feeling some else's life as a soldier. It reminds me of all those Captain America soldiers from ww2 and I am Mexican. That says a lot about this precious and powerful song.

TP Lamarr

4y↑69

GOD BLESS YOU ANTHONY!
I’m 68 years old and your video brought tears to my eyes. Mr. Sinatra visited our camp in 1970 and your tribute to our brave men makes it my favorite till the day I die.
Love in Christ

Flight

Thank you for you service 🇺🇸

Jonathon Hills

God bless

UrsineMonster

@TP Lamarr my father served in the Vietnam war.

Erick and Baby Lianna

4y↑4

Thank you for your service and have a merry Christmas

TP Lamarr

4y↑5

Yes! In 1967 Nancy Sinatra came to our camp and dad was scheduled but his Manager protested loudly because he thought the younger generation wouldn’t dig him. He tried again in 1970 but this time was denied a visa because Nixon consider him a national treasure and would have sunk his political careers if he was killed. I meant in my original reply Ms. not Mr. Must be age.

1 More Replies...

Seth

2y↑3

You know, I always come here when I feel like things aren't that good. No matter what time of year.. this just comforts me to a whole different level. Thank you so much.

Jennifer Lonergan

2y↑4

Even though it’s February I still love this video and this song .. can’t get enough… I wish it were Christmas all year

기타치는엄마(Guitar Koo)

2y↑3

This is the best Christmas music ever! No one can follow his voice. Very soothing music.

Walter Fechter

3y↑13

This is a slightly haunting and melancholy version, but Frank and the accompanying vocalists brought that mid-late 1950s tone to life like no other artists. This one says, "Remember and keep on loving those in your life." The twinkling sounds (a percussion instrument or keys) at the end of the tune are the stars of Heaven -- forever shining and telling us not to give up -- Jesus and our loved ones are always with us (now and Forever). A Merry and Hopeful Christmas 2020 to everyone -- in Heaven AND on Earth!

Walter Fechter

1y↑1

@cesazcal Many thanks! Again, Merry Christmas! Cheers! -- W

cesazcal

1y↑1

@Walter Fechter Indeed. Merry Christmas!!!

Walter Fechter

1y↑1

@cesazcal Perhaps, "angelic" as well. Merry Christmas 2022.

cesazcal

1y↑2

"Haunting" that's the word I was trying to find, beautifully haunting!

Momma Shark

4y↑33

I lost my mom, grandma, and my grandfather all in the span of 4 years. This song now chokes me up only when it's sung by Frank Sinatra. Merry Christmas Mom, Gam and paps. I miss you!

"If only in my dreams"

Mark Rivera

4y↑1

It's okay. You'll feel better someday. And you'll get used to having Christmases without them. Just pray.

Ethereal Catholic

4y↑1

Sorry for your loss.
Merry Christmas.

Dan Walsh

4y↑2

They are all home for Christmas. Together.

Harshcore811

4y↑24

If only in my dreams is the most powerful sentence in this song.

ILovestorms

2y↑2

It makes me feel sorry for those who can't be home for Christmas, such as those serving in our armed forces oversees. "If only in my dreams" is perhaps the saddest lyrics in the song. It was actually written in 1943 from the perspective of a soldier stationed oversees during World War II.

Elynn G-C

3y↑3

Beautiful! Makes me think of my papa, and all of our men who served, past and present. Thank you.

Вячеслав Муратов

Amazing song 👍

General Grievous Meme Collection

2y↑3

The original song sang by Bing Crosby was recorded and released in 1943. To think about the lyrics in a standpoint of wartime... it's actually really sad and emotional. How many people all over the world wouldn't be home for Christmas that year? So many would never return.

DarkFlower012

1y↑2

I understand this song was written about soldiers stuck overseas for Christmas, but it's always resonated with me in a broader way as well. I think many of us can relate to wishing we could be "home" for Christmas in a more metaphorical sense, like by having someone who makes you feel at home or being free of the sources of pain that make the holidays hard for so many. Merry Christmas to everyone, especially those listening mostly to songs like this, this year.

Victor Ruiz

3y↑5

I lost a patient on Thanksgiving to Covid. We held an IPAD over his face so family could say goodbye and this song was playing on the TV as he died. To this day I cant listen without crying. Worst part? I cannot remember his name....so many gone...

dani d

Best Voice ever ❤

Freebird111

As an adult, this is my favorite version, of my favorite Christmas song. Funny how our taste changes over the years. I still like Rudolph and Frosty, but this one really does it for me nowadays.

Conquer You!

4y↑12

Sung like only Frank could sing it..

Robert S. J. Hu

3y↑4

Aloha Frank Sinatra and Anthony Lagano !!! Thanks a lot for your beloved "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Just love this song of good cheer so
very much !!!!! R. I. P. my friend. Am 78 years old and have followed your career as a teenager . Robert S.J. Hu November 16, 2020.

bernard kennedy

Amazing and beautiful singer and song.

PrisonbreakSPNheroes

2y↑1

My mom struggles with this song as her youngest sister was killed in a car accident right before Christmas in 1989. I love the tone of Frank and accompanying singers...

Sincerity

This song, I used to listen too as a teenager & young adult - wishing I could be home for Christmas w/ my family, I’m greatful today to be w/ my family, my kids & few family members. I can’t help but cry to this song, remember every word , wishing I could be w/ my family, but also tears of joy after 2021 - the pandemic- more greatful to be w/ the ppl i love, family. Merry Christmas 🎄!!!!

SargeantPrepper

3y↑7

this makes me think of the scene in Jingle All the way were Arnold Schwarzenegger runs out of gas.

Spooked Horse

2y↑2

For my Mom.
Every Christmas eve we spent together, I usually wound up putting my head in my Moms lap, a little after midnight, as my Mom would do her crossword puzzles. Even after I became a man, I lived for that moment.
I wish my Mother could come home, for Christmas. I don't want anything else.

Cindy Primus..

2y↑1

I wish that for you too.

diamondgirl33

I can't ever get thru this song without crying...but only when Frank sings it.

Mark Herron

2y↑2

Happy Birthday to the Late Frank Sinatra his Birth Card is Six 🕕 of Clubs Rest in Peace ✌️🕊️ Merry Christmas ☃️🎄 Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕!

ThisGuy Here

4y↑26

Merry Christmas in July, y'all!

CEC SoCal

3y↑5

Yep, assuming world war III ever happens, this is gonna be the song to get me through it (even though you have to be like 18 to be drafted in)

PAL SAL

So great! I was in Thailand didn’t even think of coming to live in Los Angeles until 10 years later I had a chance to immigrate to live in USA. What’s a wonderful life here!

Jerry Muzak

4y↑6

Merry Christmas, everyone.
May 2020 be your best year ever.
Rock forth.

Elliot

3y↑1

Here to tell you it just keeps getting worse 😂

c bear

4y↑1

coronaaa

lilsmoke

4y↑2

Lol yeah THE BEST YEAR EVER 😂

Krio Is awesome

4y↑10

what the government says when you are about to go to war: You'll be home for Christmas.

Bryan Mcwhite

4y↑13

2019 rules forever.

William Warner

The GIs will live in our hearts forever

Machometus

5y↑7

Great .. thx 👉💖💖💖

Keisha

4y↑3

❤❤❤

Slowed Hits

4y↑4

I don't like snow 😭😭😂, looks beautiful tho.

N.

😍😍😍😍

Lauren Galloway

Proud to be Italian. Merry Christmas

Gilbert Camarena

4y↑9

Marry Christmas everybody
& a happy new year you filthy animal!
2k19
East Los
✌🏼

David Cauthorn

Franky baby !!!

Do Fostaine

Fuck war. God bless all the soldiers who lay their lives for their elite politicians and businessmen.

blazing bleezy66

3y↑2

Welcome Home 3rd Id Have a Great Christmas Men.

Donald zickau

Ole mr blue eyes 👀 him self

STEVE UNGER

3y↑2

ole blue eyes himself...

даканца🔧

if only in my dreams🥹 uuuuu uuuuu

Guadalupe Lizet Romero

4y↑4

Whos here Sep 2020?

Michael Dominic Cacayan

4y↑2

December 25, 1984

Michael Dominic Cacayan

4y↑4

December 25, 1995

Garrett Blakely

BRONZE 56K

More Comments

just now