I'll Be Home For Christmas
Manhattan Transfer Lyrics


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

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas




If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams

Overall Meaning

The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a touching holiday classic, made famous by various artists over the years. The lyrics were written during World War II, by a soldier serving in Europe, who longed to be reunited with his family for Christmas. The opening line "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me" sets the mood for the entire song. The singer promises to be there for Christmas, despite his current circumstances, and the listener is left with the feeling of hope and longing.


The second stanza reveals the singer's ideal vision of a perfect Christmas: snow, mistletoe, and presents beneath the tree. It's an image that many can relate to, as it captures the magic and anticipation of Christmas. The final stanza cements the theme of the song - the singer will be home for Christmas, even if only in his dreams. The last line wraps up the emotional pull of the song, leaving the listener feeling bittersweet and wistful.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to return home to my loved ones for Christmas


You can count on me
You can trust me to keep my promise


Please have snow
I hope there will be snow, which will make the holiday joyful and magical


And mistletoe
I hope to have a romantic Christmas with my significant other under the mistletoe


And presents 'neath the tree
I look forward to seeing the presents that have been placed under the Christmas tree


Christmas eve will find me
I will be spending Christmas Eve with my loved ones


Where the love light gleams
I will be with people who love and care for me, making the holiday special


If only in my dreams
If I cannot make it home physically, I will still be there in spirit and in 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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