Clooney's first recordings, in May 1946, were for Columbia Records. She sang with Tony Pastor's big band. Clooney continued working with the Pastor band until 1949, making her last recording with the band in May of that year and her first as a solo artist a month later, still for Columbia.
She came to prominence in the early 1950s with the novelty hit Come On-a My House written by William Saroyan and his cousin Ross Bagdasarian (better known as David Seville, the father figure of Alvin and the Chipmunks), which was followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me" (a cover version of the Italian song Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina by Alberto Rabagliati), "Mambo Italiano", "Tenderly", "Half as Much", "Hey There" and "This Ole House", although she had success as a jazz vocalist. Clooney's career languished in the 1960s, partly due to problems related to depression and drug addiction, but revived in 1977, when her White Christmas co-star Bing Crosby asked her to appear with him at a show marking his 50th anniversary in show business. She continued recording until her death in 2002. She was the aunt of Academy Award winning actor George Clooney; mother-in-law of singer Debby Boone; and sister to former television personality Nick Clooney. She was the ex-wife of Jose Ferrer; mother of actor Miguel Ferrer
Clooney was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of 2001. Around this time, she gave her last concert, in Hawaii, backed by the Honolulu Symphony Pops; her last song was "God Bless America".
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Rosemary Clooney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The lyrics of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" are a heartfelt expression of longing and nostalgia for the comforts of home during the holiday season. The song's opening line sets the stage for the theme of the tune: the singer promises to be back home for Christmas, and wants their family and friends to be prepared for their arrival. The reference to snow, mistletoe, and presents on the tree conjures up the typical imagery of a cozy, festive, and loving home, which is what the singer is hoping to return to.
As the song continues, we learn more of the singer's perspective and feelings. They mention "the lovelight gleams," which could be interpreted as the twinkling of Christmas lights or the warmth of family togetherness. Regardless of the specifics, it is clear that the singer is yearning for the sense of home and belonging that the holiday season represents. The final line is poignant in that it acknowledges that the singer's return may be wishful thinking: "If only in my dreams." This recognition of the possibility of unfulfilled longing only adds to the emotional power of the song.
Overall, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a classic Christmas tune that has resonated with listeners for decades. Its lyrics perfectly capture the nostalgia and sentimentality of the holiday season, while also acknowledging the bittersweet reality that not everyone can be home for the holidays. Its simple yet effective melody and arrangement have made it a staple of holiday music playlists worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to be present and spend Christmas with my loved ones.
You can plan on me
You can depend on me to keep my commitment to come home for Christmas.
Please have snow and mistletoe
I hope you will be able to experience a traditional and festive Christmas celebration with all its decorations and elements.
And presents on the tree
It would be wonderful if there were gifts under the Christmas tree to add to the spirit of the holiday.
Christmas Eve will find me
On the night of Christmas Eve, I will be located in a particular space or place.
Where the lovelight gleams
I will be in a place filled with warmth, brightness, and amity of familial love.
If only in my dreams
Even if I am not able to come home for Christmas, in my heart and imagination, I will be there with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Br Alan Parham
When she sings, her voice is clear and the lyrics easy to understand. The accompaniment enhances her voice, doesn't overwhelm it or draw attention to itself.
JohnPhillip GEORGE
Antipolo Pilgrim Pantasy vs Reality? Denial is a mortal flaw 😢