I'll Be Home for Christmas
José Carrera/Luciano Pavarotti/Plácido Domingo/The Three Tenors Lyrics

The song begins with the singer expressing their longing for a white Christmas, much like the ones they experienced in the past. They describe the picturesque scene of tree-tops glistening in the snow, and the sound of sleigh bells that children would enjoy hearing. In the next verse, the singer emphasizes on how the concept of a white Christmas is not just limited to their personal experience, but it is also present in the Christmas cards that they send to others. The following lines express the singer's wish for the listener to have a merry and bright Christmas, and for all their Christmases to be white.

In essence, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a song evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth during the holiday season. The emphasis on the snow, sleigh bells, and bright festivities all contribute to a picturesque and romanticized version of Christmas. The song also speaks to the longing for home and the need for togetherness during the holidays. This is evident in the title of the song and the overall mood of the lyrics. The repeated mention of "the ones I used to know" further emphasizes this longing for tradition, familiarity, and a sense of belonging.

Fact 1: The original version of the song was composed by Walter Kent and James Gannon in 1943.
Fact 2: The song was written during World War II and originally sung by soldiers who were stationed abroad and longing to return home for the holidays.
Fact 3: Bing Crosby recorded one of the most popular versions of the song in 1943, just a few weeks after the song was composed.
Fact 4: The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Michael Buble.
Fact 5: The song was used in the Christmas movie "Home Alone," adding to its popularity.
Fact 6: The original title of the song was "I'll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams)."
Fact 7: The song was inspired by a letter written by a soldier who was stationed overseas during the war.
Fact 8: The song has since become a Christmas classic and is played every year during the holiday season.
Fact 9: The song has been translated and performed in multiple languages, including French, German, and Italian.
Fact 10: The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978.

Chords (as played by Bing Crosby):
Verse: C - Am - Dm - G7 - C - C
Chorus: C - C7 - F - Fm - C - Bb - G7 - G#dim7 - G7 - C - C7 - F - Fm - C - G7 - C