The band started as an acoustic blues trio in the mid 1960s with singer and guitarist J. Geils (born February 20, 1946; died April 10, 2017), bassist Danny Klein (Dr. Funk) and harpist Richard Salwitz (stage name Magic Dick). The band formed under the name Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels while Geils was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a couple of semesters. In 1967 the band switched focus, starting to play electric guitar and bass and recruiting drummer Stephen Jo Bladd and fast-talking ex-disc jockey singer Peter Wolf, born Peter Blankenfeld, both from Boston. The following year Seth Justman joined as an organist, and the group signed to Atlantic Records in 1970.
The J. Geils Band first received FM radio airplay with the live single "First I Look at the Purse", then had several hit singles in the 1970s, the most successful of which was "Must Of Got Lost" (1974). Later in the 1970s, the band signed with EMI America Records.
The band had good success covering soul singles. Besides the well-known aforementioned "First I Look at the Purse" from The Contours, they covered the more obscure "I Do" from The Marvelows and "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" from The Showstoppers.
The group's commercial fortunes improved in the early 1980s, first with the humorous "Love Stinks", then with their great success with the Freeze Frame album which included "Centerfold" (#1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100) and then the title cut (#4). Wolf left the group in 1983 for a solo career not long after, over disagreements about whether to continue to take the band in more of a popular direction, or continue with the purist tradition.
The band went on to record one more album of new material, You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd, after Wolf left. He was not replaced, and Seth Justman took over most of the vocal duties. The album produced only one single - "Concealed Weapons", a song about breasts - and was not a success. The band toured in support of the album, but never again recorded anything new. The group then disbanded in 1985 after contributing the title song to the 1985 horror film Fright Night.
The group was not reunited with Wolf until 1999, and subsequently broke up again when ticket sales proved extremely disappointing. Wolf continues to tour with his own backup band, and the rest of the Geils band makes occasional appearances. Since the semi-retirement of the band, Geils has been restoring sports cars in Massachusetts.
On 22 May 2006, the six original members had a surprise reunion, the first time they had all played together in over 20 years, at bassist Danny Klein's 60th birthday party at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.
Since 2009 they are reunited once more.
The band disbanded in 2017 after the death of bandleader J. Geils.
I'll Be Coming Home
The J. Geils Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of a place that I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know
It's a long road back
I promise you
You can count on me
Please have snow
And mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
And I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Please have snow
And mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
And I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
The J. Geils Band's "I'll Be Coming Home for Christmas" is a classic Christmas song that highlights the importance of homecoming during the holiday season. The song opens with the singer dreaming about a place he loves even more than he usually does. Although he knows that it's a long road back, he promises his loved ones that he'll be home for Christmas. He urges his family and friends to prepare for his arrival by having snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree.
The second verse emphasizes that Christmas Eve is a special time when the love light gleams. The singer assures his loved ones that he'll come back to be with them on this special night, even if it's only in his dreams. The song ends on this poignant note, making a case for the power of dreams to bring families and friends together during the holiday season.
The lyrics of "I'll Be Coming Home for Christmas" are simple but evocative, and they have endured over the years. The song was first recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby and was later covered by a variety of artists, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé. The J. Geils Band's version of the song, released in 1980, is a spirited rendition that adds a rock and roll flavor to the classic tune.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming tonight
I'm currently in a dream state
Of a place that I love
I'm dreaming of a place that holds a special place in my heart
Even more than I usually do
This place is dear to me, and I'm dreaming of it more passionately than I normally would
And although I know
Despite the fact that I'm aware of the reality of my situation
It's a long road back
The journey back to this beloved place is lengthy and difficult
I promise you
I'm making a vow to you
I'll be home for Christmas
I'll be back in time for the holiday season
You can count on me
You can trust in my promise
Please have snow
I desire that there be snow
And mistletoe
I'd like there to be this symbolic plant associated with Christmas
And presents under the tree
I wish for there to be wrapped gifts ready for opening under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I'll be in this place I've been dreaming of
Where the love light gleams
This beloved place is full of warmth, happiness, and love
And I'll be home for Christmas
I'll physically be present in this cherished place for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If I can't be there physically, I'll at least dream about being there
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kim Gannon, Walter Kent
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind