1.The Rat Pack is the nickname given to a group of entertainers most active… Read Full Bio ↴1.The Rat Pack is the nickname given to a group of entertainers most active between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s. Its most famous line-up featured Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. The group was famous for the way they improvised on stage with dancing, singing and cracking jokes with the audience.

2. There was also a Rat Pack from Ventura, CA on Mystic Records that released two EP's titled "Rat Pack" and "Ice Cream, Acid, and Cigarettes" and one self titled LP. They were also released on few Mystic Records compilations such as the Nardcore comp.

3.There is also a UK rave group from the early '90s who used the name The Rat Pack who had hits with tracks like "Searchin' for my rizzla"

I'll Be Home for Christmas
The Rat Pack 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 lovelight 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 will find me
Where the lovelight gleams

I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Overall Meaning

The Rat Pack's iconic song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" speaks of longing for home and Christmas traditions. The opening lines, "I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me" convey the certainty of the singer's intention to be present. The rest of the song goes on to suggest how the singer wants to experience Christmas at home, with "snow and mistletoe," and "presents on the tree." The idea of the "lovelight gleams" suggests happy times being together with family, friends or loved ones.

However, it is the last line, "If only in my dreams," that adds a bittersweet note to the song. It implies the singer may not be able to physically make it home for the holidays, but holds onto the hope of being there in spirit. The line also puts into perspective the sacrifices of those who cannot be with their loved ones during the holidays, due to distance, financial reasons, or other circumstances. The song became especially poignant during World War II, as soldiers missed their families and longed to be home for the holidays.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to return to my home by Christmas

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

Please have snow and mistletoe
I would love for there to be snow and mistletoe at home when I get there

And presents on the tree
I hope there are presents waiting for me to open when I arrive

Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I will be at my home

Where the lovelight gleams
In my home, where there is warmth, love and festive spirit

If only in my dreams
Even if I'm unable to make it home for Christmas, I'll be there with you in my thoughts and dreams

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

You can plan on me
Reiterating my assurance that you can count on me to keep my promise

Please have snow and mistletoe
Reiterating my wish for snow and mistletoe at home

And presents on the tree
Reiterating my hope for there to be presents for me to open when I get there

Christmas Eve will find me
Reiterating that I'll be home on Christmas Eve

Where the lovelight gleams
Reiterating that my home is where the love and warmth of the season is felt

If only in my dreams
Reiterating that even if I can't physically be there at home, I'll be there in my thoughts and 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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