I'll Be Home For Christmas
Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack Lyrics


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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

Overall Meaning

The song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a classic holiday tune that was first recorded in 1943 during World War II. It was written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent, and it was originally sung by Bing Crosby. The song reflects the feelings of homesickness that many soldiers felt during the war and the longing to be reunited with their loved ones during the Christmas season.


In the first verse, the singer expresses his desire to be home for Christmas and assures his loved ones that they can count on him to make it back. He also adds a request that the usual holiday traditions be observed, including snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree. In the second verse, he continues to describe the scene he imagines of Christmas Eve, where he will return to a home filled with love and warmth.


The song's popularity continued to grow after the war, and it has since become one of the most well-known and beloved holiday tunes of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, who recorded the version most commonly heard today. The song's poignant lyrics and simple melody capture the essence of the holiday season and the importance of family and togetherness.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas
Despite being far from home, I will make it home for Christmas.


You can plan on me
You can be assured that I will make it home for Christmas festivities.


Please have snow and mistletoe
Kindly arrange for snow and mistletoe to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.


And presents on the tree
I hope to see beautifully wrapped gifts placed under the tree, waiting to be opened on Christmas day.


Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I will be somewhere near home, anticipating the festivities.


Where the lovelight gleams
I will be at a place where love and warmth are evident, making the holiday season special.


If only in my dreams
Even if I can't make it home for Christmas, I will be there in spirit and through my dreams.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: BUCK RAM, KIM GANNON, WALTER KENT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DoveOfHope1

Anyone else remember the lyrics being, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me” instead of, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me”

@editorjeannie2318

Yes wtf?!?!? Fucking Mandela effect

@jasonmethystine6516

False memory if you're referring to this rendition

It was count in a few other renditions however

@emilyart8294

When Hawkeye sang a bit of the song in MASH he said count on me so I also remember it that way

@DistrustUS

Me!

@mattrapp3044

Yeah everyone

76 More Replies...

@darkopesevski9829

The song was written in 1943 to honor the soldiers who longed to be home for Christmas. It's quite sad to think about the military being home for Christmas "only in their dreams".

@reic0002

It is, but then being a member of the armed forces is hardly 9 to 5!

@colonelJ77

I missed Christmas with my family in 2001... it was terrible

@nathanielwalpole9262

This song hits different when your alone for the holidays for the first time...

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