The song of the day for December 18, 2021, the fifth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, and Buck Ram. This song, released at the height of World War II, tells the story of a soldier stationed overseas, who yearns to be home with family for Christmas, if only in my dreams. Bing Crosby recorded this song in 1943 and it was a best seller. The War Department issued a V-Disc with Crosby’s versions of this song and “White Christmas” that was sent to soldiers stationed all over the world. One wonders if the young soldier Anthony Benedetto, who was stationed in Germany, might have listened to this v-disc at some point.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Bill Holman wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.