Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists: Austin Brown (… Read Full Bio ↴Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists: Austin Brown (lead tenor), Rob Lundquist (tenor), Adam Chance (baritone), Tim Foust (bass), and Adam Rupp (percussion). They are structured as a traditional barbershop quartet with the addition of a percussionist. Starting as a show group, they toured around 200 shows a year across the United States. The group competed in and won the fourth season of The Sing-Off on NBC in 2013; singing an arrangement of Hunter Hayes' "I Want Crazy," as their final competitive song; earning the group $100,000 and a recording contract with Sony.

Home Free released their first album "Crazy Life" on February 18, 2014. It was released digitally on January 14, 2014. They released a Christmas album "Full of Cheer" on October 27, 2014. Their most recent album, "Country Evolution" was released September 18, 2015.

I'll Be Home for Christmas
Home Free 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 classic Christmas song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" performed by Home Free is a heartfelt tune that conjures up feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The lyrics follow a soldier or traveler who is away from home during the holidays and is longing to be reunited with his loved ones. The song promises that, despite the distance and uncertainty of the present, the singer will make it home for Christmas. The opening line, "I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me" sets the tone for the song and signals to the family back home that the singer will do their best to make it back for the holidays.

The second stanza paints an idyllic winter scene with snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree. These symbols of Christmas tradition evoke a sense of longing for the singer, who is far from home, and highlight the stark contrast between where he is and where he wants to be. The final stanza is the most poignant, with the singer admitting that he may not make it home for Christmas but will dream of it nonetheless. "If only in my dreams" is a quiet, wistful end to the song that speaks to the idea that sometimes just the thought of home can bring comfort and joy.

Overall, Home Free's version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a tender rendition that captures the spirit of the original song. The lyrics are simple yet impactful and the harmonies of the group add an additional layer of emotion to the piece. It's a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners year after year.

Line by Line Meaning

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

You can plan on me
You can count on me to be there

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

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

Christmas Eve will find me
I will be there on Christmas Eve

Where the love light gleams
Wherever there is love and warmth

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

If only in my dreams
Even if I can't physically be there, I will be thinking of home and missing everyone

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

You can plan on me
You can count on me to be there

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

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

Christmas Eve'll find me
I will be there on Christmas Eve

Where the love light gleams
Wherever there is love and warmth

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

If only in my dreams
Even if I can't physically be there, I will be thinking of home and missing everyone

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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Comments from YouTube:

ThatDudeMr_Q

8y↑62

This is art... This is beauty... This is enchanting... This is love... This is Home Free...

Dean Marion

@Home Free: song request: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton.

ThatDudeMr_Q

8y↑3

+Home Free you're welcome...

Home Free

8y↑6

+qayyimsb thank you!

shorty Brown

6y↑103

I'm an old Nam vet (Is there any other kind?) and have lived too many Christmastimes away from home. Thought I was immune to the emotion by now but when I saw this this I just broke down and cried. Not for us lucky ones who made it but for the women, men and famioy members of our armed forces who will never have another Christman together.
Gentlemen of Home Free - thank you from the bottom of my heart. Another outstnding performance and video. You kept the focus on the soldiers and their families rather than home Free.

Rhonda Boncutter

2y↑1

I loved this!

Steve Ray

2y↑1

Shorty, this Air Force Vet understood what you meant by "is there any other kind". And, a heart felt Thank You for your service. You, and your buddies, didn't get the Welcome Homes you deserved. Fortunately, for the latest batch of combat veterans, the public (for the most part) has learned to separate "the war" from "the troops". Merry Christmas, Sir, to you and yours!

AN

2y↑1

thank you shorty for your service and sacrifices. God bless you.

Nancy Kuhrt

3y↑3

My husband was an old Nam vet, too. I just lost him two weeks ago. God Bless you!

Sgt.LindaLee Elofson

God Bless you for your service.....ALWAYS GRATEFUL!!

2 More Replies...

Pixelated Hooning

8y↑131

Grown man, and soldier here and every time I see a soldier come home like that I tear up. It is truly a good feeling to see my brothers and sisters in arms coming home safely. Merry Christmas (or whatever you do for the season) to everyone out there.

Jo Williams

Thank you for your service.

Gary Goodlund

My ship returned home for the last time 45+ years ago and we still never forget those less fortunate than us, especially in this Christmas Season in 2019. It's been a long time for us but many of our comrades have never made it all the way home. They must not be forgotten...

Allyson Lovins

7y↑1

K Hetrick me to I started to cry

Mark Price

8y↑2

Thank you so much for your service!! Many blessings to you!!

Lucario Terias Faldom

8y↑2

+K Hetrick I'm too late to say Merry Christmas. But thankyou for your service.

2 More Replies...

Michael Metcalf

6y↑8

Best version of this song i've heard! Great Job Guys!

Adam Holtz

3y↑2

Fantastic version !!! Just right !!! Standing ovation is due here !!!

Dawn linthwaite

8y↑15

As a military wife, I just sobbed all the way through this, I am so proud of all who serve their countries, we should all be proud and thankful they do this to take care of us all. Lovely tribute Home Free love ya all x

TheRealRedWolf

7y↑8

No Idea that Alan from the hangover joined an acapella group lmao! Nahhh i'll jokes aside, this was beautiful!

Glenna Meredith

2y↑2

This has made my Christmas Day all the sweeter. 2021 was challenging, but this tells us the hope remains for not only life here but that which is beyond our ability to comprehend. Thanks to all the voices, this is blessed.

Ann Kristin

8y↑28

This brought tears to my eyes. You nailed this song. Love you guys.

Home Free

8y↑1

+avalongirly thanks :-)

Patti Oconnor

7y↑5

The joy you all made us feel watching this video is just amazing. The soldiers' return home made me cry; but they were happy tears with your amazing voices behind it. Happy Holidays to all of you and your families!!

Bradley Tharp

2y↑2

You guys are so freaking awesome! I'm not a crier but seeing our military coming home gets me every time. It will never get old. I'm sitting here tears flowing! Loved the video!

John Dunn

7y↑74

This is the first version I have heard of this in years that stays true to the meaning of the song. It wasn't sped up, it wasn't overdone.
This song is about a WWII soldier in the trenches writing home and this video about soldiers coming home..... A+
I love this! Great job

Carolyn Schmidt

Perfect

Martin Kelly

Rascall Flatts did the same version years ago.

Tony Mendez

7y↑2

John Dunn that's really why this song was written???? Wow made it so much better!

MrMalebiker1

7y↑9

So many people do not know the real meaning of this song. kudos to you for reminding all of us.

Tonjia L

8y↑27

I still remember my father returning and surprising us. This hits home so much!! Beautiful rendition! LOVE!!!

Home Free

8y↑4

+Tonjia L Oh yay! Glad ya like the video

Firewall Dragon

5y↑2

This is a beautiful arrangement of this song. I heard this version for the first time with Rascal Flatts and this one adds another level of awesome to an already beautiful song. BTW, you guys should do this song with Rascal Flatts. It would be awesome.

abby zee

8y↑15

I sat here crying through the whole thing! this is such a heartfelt and moving rendition of I'll Be Home For Christmas. So like you guys to dedicate this to our military who give so much for us. And if Rob's voice during this song doesn't give u the chills or choke you up, then u better check your pulse.

Linda Glaske

8y↑8

I love this one best of all. It always reminds me of the deceased brother. When he was in the air force - he always told my Mom this. Your blend of voices is beyond incredible. Keep it up - you five are remarkable as a group.

Ann Jewell

6y↑7

No matter how many times I watch this video, I cannot make it through without tears. Love you guys, love what you’ve done with this song even more every time.

allen metcalf

7y↑9

as a veteran I just want to thank you guys for supporting our troops in such a beautiful way

Priscilla & bob Melton

8y↑6

What a beautiful rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas"! Your harmonies are perfect, as always. The emotion is evident. What a wonderful tribute to those who serve our country. They are in my Prayers always. Thank you for this great video.

indianoutlawgirl81

7y↑7

As a lifelong military "brat" and spouse, this made me cry. Thank you for such an amazing rendition and the salute to our heroes. Keep up the fantastic work. <3

Countrygirl4923

8y↑10

How amazingly beautiful was this?! <3 You guys are literally one of my favorite bands ever, and I cannot wait until I get to see you in person. :) Also, Adam singing?? HECK YES.
I had to pause my music to watch this video. Home Free is the only thing worth pausing Home Free for. ;)

Jeffery Neu

4y↑3

This is the most beautiful and heartfelt version of this lovely tune ever!

Katie Adams

7y↑11

Forwarded this one to troops still serving far away from home and they told me to tell you that 1) It's beautiful, 2) It made them very happy and 3) when they get back from tour of duty they will definitely come see you in concert. Thank you very much for all of them. And I think I'm going to have to buy shares of stocks in Kleenix now, but that's fine.

Melly Bat

7y↑4

You guys deserve a million likes for this video!!! I love it!

Heather Harsh

7y↑8

Love everything about this. Love to all the men and women who can't be home for Christmas! Thanks Home Free for including them in this video 🎅🏻

Sonia Suzara

Home Free

Glad ya like it!

Jo Williams

I love this! My dad and son are vets. I remember when they came home. I was so full of pride. When my son was in Iraq I learned how to live but not breathe for over a year. I am so proud and grateful to all of our soldiers. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU

Ashley DeGolier

8y↑4

I'm going through a time where my family can't have my uncle and godfather at home for Christmas. He has been stationed overseas for over five years and we haven't had him home for that either. This video really hits home, thank you! Merry Christmas to all of you!

Julie P

7y↑7

Love it love it love it, brought tears to my eyes, my husband is active duty navy and homecomings are the best thank you for all your songs!!!

Debbie Holt

8y↑4

So beautiful and melancholy. With my boys 2,000 miles away this one hits hard, let alone the surprise vets coming home. Well done, and next time pass out the tissues ahead of time.

Jacob Carter

8y↑5

Sing it Rob! Love the harmonies, can't wait to see you in London this January! Merry Christmas!

James Mossman

8y↑3

Stellar video. Home Free's fabulous harmony, coupled with video images guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.Could not be better. Thanks guys!

Jeanie Kelley

6y↑7

You so need to do a Christmas show on TV. This would be cool.

John Porter

8y↑6

As a veteran, I have to say a heart felt thank you. This arrangement and video is fantastic. You guys keep getting better and better. You made this tough old man cry.

Dana Giffin

8y↑18

All I can say is WOW and had me in tears. So heartfelt! I truly love you guys and all you do.

Melissa Cook

8y↑5

Nicely done, guys! And thank you for including some of the pet reunions as well

VIVI GONÇALVES

perfeito ❤❤

Jeeber Lewis

8y↑8

You guys are my biggest inspiration. Please keep up the amazing work.

Jeeber Lewis

8y↑1

+Home Free thank you guys so much

Home Free

8y↑2

+Jeeber Lewis Aww shucks. We'll try!

L Olivier

7y↑6

You guys are out of this world...👑

Cassie Thayer

8y↑2

That was awesome. Thanks again for sharing an other favorite song of mine that was amazing.

Awesome Monkey Productions

8y↑4

After 21yrs of service....I still can't make it all the way through this video! Bravo guys, awesome tribute!!

JoAnne Hileman

7y↑6

You gentlemen have such an amazing gifting! Brought tears to this grandma's eyes! Thank you for the warmth you brought to my heart!

Home Free

7y↑4

Thank ya kindly

Mandy Luciano

7y↑4

Omg! Just found you guys and you guys are great!! Can't stop listening to your music.. your voices are amazing!! Keep up your singing God Bless you all and those great voices!! Need to get your music.💙💙

Home Free

Thanks!!

amcarl612

6y↑5

Someone just shared this video again! Love how you did this! SALUTE to our military & their families!

Cindy Van Camp

8y↑5

Wonderful video! As an Army Mom, I had a surprise like the ones in the video. My Soldier Son surprised me coming home for Christmas from Iraq. Tears are flowing... Thank you for the wonderful reminder, and the most beautiful music!

Angelica Kidd

8y↑6

What a wonderful song and video! ♥
I am not going to lie...I was crying. This was such a wonderful video!!!!
God bless all of our troops, and God Bless each and every one of the Home Free guys. ♥ ♫♪♫
Lots of love from a huge fan. ♥ ♪♫♪

Lanell Crowell

8y↑3

Love the video. Thank you for remembering our military families. The music was exceptional as usual and the video very touching. I listen to your music daily.

ernie enesi

7y↑4

very smooth....yes harmonies angelic...

Hess Hall

8y↑1

As a veteran myself, I love these pictures of homecomings. To have your arrangement of this song supporting it just made me tear up even more. You guys are AWESOME! I thoroughly enjoyed your concert in Nashville last night as well!

Rachel W

8y↑34

Beautiful!! Absolutely beautiful!! Very sweet and touching video!! Wonderful Harmonies!! LOVE!! :-)

Happy Holidays Y'all!!

Chloe TheFang

You replied on December 10 2015 December 10 is my birthday

Holly Hubert

i agree

DBA_Winchester

8y↑7

This actually made me tear up... my grandma and I used to listen to this every year. I would wait for her and she was always waiting for my late grandfather... he was a WW 2 vet. No more waiting for her now... thanks for the amazing cover you guys, you definitely did it justice.

Bethany Angelstar

8y↑3

Beautiful! I was crying halfway through from how soothing and Christmas feeling it was. ❤ As soon as can afford it, I'm going to buy the whole album. I know this is an album my husband will be VERY happy listening to during December. ❤

Kristin Gehm

8y↑32

Tears to my eyes! beautiful and heartfelt as always! xo Kristin

JJ J

6y↑2

Such a great rendition. Happy holidays to all, including everyone serving our country. Hopefully you are able to come home for Christmas! And a moment of silence for those who are never coming home.

Carolyn Gregory

Absolutely love this video. Old memories with a beautiful rendition to classic Christmas songs . Thank you 😊 💓

Nancy B. Kline

6y↑3

Beautiful. You guys are a blessing to me and Rob I fall in love with your voice the more I hear it! Thanks you for a beautiful heartfelt rendition and video.

drhntr214

8y↑4

Thank you so much for posting this video! It has been difficult for me to get in the Christmas spirit this year due to the passing of my Mother a few months ago. Your song and video rekindled my memories and have made me feel and realize that she is still here with me and that this IS a joyous season! Please hurry back to Dallas!

Rebecca Phillips

7y↑3

I love this song. The video is great. My husband was in the AF for 20 yrs. He almost missed Christmas coming in in the early a.m. Christmas day.

Mustang Guru

2y↑1

Thanks guys, I’ve spent so many Christmas s away from home being deployed, I’ve always tried to connect myself to my family being so far away, I’ve made a few Charlie Brown Christmas trees in my day and mounted them on my Hummer. Thanks again.

Luke Dyer

8y↑5

My entire family is military and this just brought back emotional memories of that last year we got to see my brother before he past. He was military and came home and surprised all of us for Christmas. Thank you for the great flash back memories and the amazing vocals on the song. You all are truly gifted.

Sherry Lowery

god pleas you Luke Dyer and your family god pleas

Home Free

8y↑3

And we thank your family for their service!

Marcus G

5y↑1

I’m speechless!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless you all!!!!

Bethany Register

8y↑3

Powerful. Both of my grandfathers were in the Air Force, and thank God they both made it home! Thank you for putting this together.
On another note, I am curious about how y'all write your harmonies. What musical intervals do you find most common between parts? Are there any y'all actively avoid?

Emily Hanks

8y↑3

Y'all had me in tears! I don't serve, but I wish I could go home for Christmas. This year is hard, because I lost my mother in April and there is nothing more I would give then to go home and see my family for Christmas. Love y'all! xx

FailenW59

7y↑3

this is so amazing. Dad always had overnight duty on the ships and very rarely made home to any holiday let alone Christmas. This song matches so well with troops like my dad and we both appreciate it so much.

JOSEPHINE KOGLER

7y↑2

What a beautiful video! You guys are the greatest!!

Home Free

7y↑1

Aw shucks, thanks!

Debora Zahn

So beautiful, this is one of my favorite Christmas songs. What a wonderfully tearful way to present it.

MaryEllen

8y↑13

That song ALWAYS makes me cry. Inserting those soldier surprises ....
Hubby jumped up and across the room wondering if I'm OK.

That was lovely. And Adam got to sing again. :)
Merry Christmas, guys. Thanks for sharing your music.

Home Free

8y↑1

+MaryEllen505 Aww thanks!

benjamin lee

This is beautiful! Thank you for your music and thank you for your support for folks like myself in the service that missed so many important moments with family and friends to do our duty! Thanks guys!

Jane Fall

5y↑1

beautiful music

Mom Mom

2y↑1

Amazing Talent ,....there is none Better....God Bless them....

Christina Lampron

7y↑2

I love your music!!! You guys are truly amazing!!!

Lise Reid

5y↑1

wow, so special to so many people....you guys did it again!!!!! bravo

Gail Rowand

8y↑4

This is beautiful. I'm crying while watching this with my cousin who just got released from duty. Thank you to all the men and women who served and are serving. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Thank you Home Free for everything that you do. Love you all! 💞

Home Free

+Gail Rowand thank you, gail!

Celticdragon7874

This is beautiful! My dad was career Army EOD (which translates to us moving to new locations and him being away on TDY a lot) and I just want to thank you for making something special that remembers military families like mine.

Daniel Coursen

I love this arrangement of this song. I also love that you feature the military prominently during your video. So many of our servicemembers will not be able to be home with their families this year. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers.:)

April Smith

This is beautiful. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs. Thanks guys.

Tage

8y↑3

the harmonies in this, are just on point! <3

Home Free

+Tage Dahl Jevningen thanks!!

Lisa Quinlan

8y↑4

Beautiful! Thank you for honoring our troops. It means so much more than you could know. Side note -- what does Adam sing when not being the percussionist? Tenor? Bass?

Home Free

8y↑3

+Lisa Quinlan He's a tenor

Aubrey Trayer

8y↑2

This brought me to tears! Both my brothers are in the Army, so videos such as this hit home. great job guys!

TheBaconBrotato

This has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, then you had to go and put the military homecomings in there...

...I'm crying like a dang baby...right in the feelz!!

Patty mesagal

8y↑1

every time I listen to this video I get absolute shivers -- very beautiful and a fitting tribute to the military

Betty Deas

7y↑68

I'm 73 and I've never enjoyed listening to anyone as much as I do the home free singers.

Ray Mathews

They are very good.

Gary Goodlund

4y↑3

@daanmi148 Well I'm just a kid at 71 but you folks got it right in 1 try!!

daanmi148

5y↑3

I'm 73 also and totally agree with you.

Jackie Wicks

8y↑4

Just beautiful, you made me cry! Spending time with loved ones is the best part of this holiday season! I am very thankful to the men and women that protect and serve our country state side and across the globe!

Home Free

8y↑1

+Jacklynn Wix (Bittersweet85) couldn't have said it better!

robyn larson

7y↑6

I'd love to be "Home" for Christmas. I'm originally from Minnesota and have been living in Florida for 30 years now and miss my family so much this time of year. Hearing y'all sing and see the places you sing bring such bittersweet memories. Keep it up, you are fantastic.

The Darci 13

7y↑3

I truly hope you do get to go home for Christmas because one day they might not be there I know I am there and it is sad...... Hope you do get home and have a great wonderful Christmas with your family.......

robert miller

7y↑3

Hey there home free love the songs fantastic. All the way from Mumbai India. Keep singing.

Steph E

7y↑1

AWESOME! Made me cry. Thank you to all the men and women who are serving America. God bless you! Merry Christmas! I'm an American living in Sweden

Home Free

Glad ya like the video!

Joseph Craft

8y↑3

You guys turned a song that I dont like into a song that I love!!!

Jenny Robison

So amazing!!! I love y'all so much!❤️ You surprise me with every song. Absolutely gifted young young men!!!

Linda Kovats

Such talented young men! Love your music and videos. Ya'l have blessed me so much and made the pandemic less horrific 🙏

Rebecca W

8y↑3

Beautiful video superb job!!! Absolutely love itt!! Wonderful tribute to the Military. Y'all never disappoint!! Can't wait to see y'all again!

Home Free

8y↑2

+Rebecca W Thank you!

Jessica Johnson

SO in love with this version of the song. You guys are incredible!!

Oma McKaskle

4y↑2

When my son was enlisted in the Air Force, he was away for Chritmas and this song would play over the radio when my soul needed it. He is home, safe, now and now Home Free's song brought it back and I am feeling happy. My family is all home for CHristmas this year. My parents are 88, and all of my siblings wwill be together for Thanksgiving!

Kathleen Fritz

8y↑5

Love you guys. You are the greatest! ! ! ! !

Home Free

8y↑2

+Kathleen Fritz Awwww thanks!

Carrie Karich

8y↑12

Every time I see these military home comings, it makes me tear up. This is one of my favorite Christmas songs and kinda makes me feel a bit home sick. I loved this, though! Merry Christmas, Home Free!

ibthewink1

8y↑1

+Carrie Karich I'm right there with you. Supposed to be this tough guy but I tear up watching military home comings. GOD BLESS ALL OF THE MEN AND WOMEN IN OUR ARMED SERVICES. MAY GOD KEEP YOU SAFE AND BRING YOU HOME WHERE YOU BELONG! Merry Christmas everyone!

Home Free

+Carrie Karich Thank you, Carrie!

Joyce Dupree

Tears come to my eyes every time I hear this, and I listen to it often. My tear ducts have never had such a work out. Keep up the good work, you guys are amazing.

Kathleen Martin

This is one of my favourites of your music videos! I love the five part harmony too! with Rob as lead and Adam singing it's just the perfect relaxing Christmas song! (p.s. Will you make a music video for the Devil Went Down To Georgia?) Love you guys!!!

sharon mortimer

This is such a beautiful song and an amazing video. It brings tears to my eyes every time.

tonya longley

Oh my Goodness! !! What a beautifully done video!!! I still have tears in my eyes!!! All those surprise home comings and your beautiful voices!!! So finely done gentlemen!!!! Love love love it!!!

Paint

8y↑335

Cause of death: Home Free harmonies

Becca Den

jealous much?

David DeLaney

5y↑1

but what a way to go!

--Dave, would listen again but ded

Sue Grace-Grace

6y↑2

Are you a CHRISTIAN band? That was my impression at first anyway?? I'm NOT a country fan, but I like you guys.

VERRIKA

6y↑1

🎄🤶🏼🎁🎅🏼

Wanda Post

6y↑2

Paint, I gave you a thumbs down because it struck me that you were disparaging their harmonies. If I took it wrong, please correct me.

8 More Replies...

Wonderpup Media

8y↑6

Currently sat in my lounge in floods of tears, mixture of happy and sad..😭 This is probably the best version of this song i've ever heard and comes on a day when I'm missing those folks back in the States a lot (I love my life here in the UK but lately as I plan my wedding I am beginning to miss those who I've lost along the way and my family/friends who aren't going to be able to attend due to the logistics of it all, more and more each day)

someone please pass the tissues...❤️