I'll Be Home For Christmas

Christmas Song Lyrics

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

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light 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 some snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree.

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

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

About This Popular Christmas Song

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a deeply heartfelt Christmas ballad first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943. The song was written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent, with credit later shared with Buck Ram, and it quickly became one of the most beloved holiday songs of the World War Two era. Its gentle melody and poignant message spoke directly to soldiers who longed to be with their families during the holidays.

When the song premiered, its emotional impact was immediate. Many listeners felt a lump in their throat as Crosby sang about dreaming of Christmas at home. The closing line, which quietly admits that being home may only be possible in dreams, resonated with troops stationed overseas as well as families waiting anxiously back home. It became a musical bridge of comfort during a time of separation and uncertainty.

The carol's power comes from its simplicity. Rather than focusing on grand themes, it highlights small, familiar traditions like mistletoe, presents, and snowy evenings. These details make the longing even more real. Over the decades, countless artists have recorded their own versions, each adding a personal shade of emotion to the song’s bittersweet tone.

Today, I'll Be Home for Christmas remains a staple of quiet holiday moments. It's a carol that reminds listeners of the importance of home, connection, and love, especially when distance keeps people apart.

Performance Video by Michael Bublé

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