The girls recently uploaded a video of them and Paul doing the classic Christmas song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
I’ve always thought it was a beautiful song, but never knew the history behind it. I assumed it was penned in the 60s or 70s, and I was wrong.
The song was written by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent. The familiar lyrics became famous when Bing Crosby recorded it in 1943.
Since the release was during WWII the song instantly became tied to those serving far away for the good of us all but wishing they were home for Christmas.
From the History Daily website:
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written well into World War II, when an estimated 16 million Americans (or 11% of the population) were serving in the armed forces. There was hardly a home in the country that didn’t have a conspicuously empty place at the dinner table during the holiday season, and the loneliness of being separated during Christmas was universally felt. The melodic longing of a man stuck far away from home and hoping (though not optimistically) to return for Christmas spoke not only to the soldiers serving on the front lines but their loved ones on the home front as well.”
Learning the history of the song took it up several notches in my favorite Christmas song list.
Another thing that made me more aware of the beauty of the song is the video the girls made. As you’ve noticed I’m a huge Pressley Girl fan 🙂
They’ve been working on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” since November. Every time I’d hear their harmony floating down the hallway it would be slightly better than the time before.
Their musical talents have grown by leaps and bounds over the last two years. Part of that is because they’ve made more of an effort and part of it is their voices and hands have matured as have their ability to control them.
A family friend offered to let them film the song in their home which is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
I hope you enjoyed the video as much as I have. Their harmony is outstanding and Chatter’s guitar playing and Chitter’s fiddling fit the song so well. Paul’s playing filled in all the spaces and made it a real masterpiece.
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Beautifully done. This song always brings tears to my eyes.
Just beautiful!
Excellent!
The girls did an excellent job. Beautiful harmony. I also am a big fan!! Take care and God bless!
This was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes! It really touched my heart because right now for varied reasons we have family that we don’t get to see like we’d like to. Time spent with loved ones is so very precious. I didn’t realize how precious it was back when I was younger. I guess that’s the way with everybody. As we get older and have to say goodbye for now to so many of our loved ones here it makes us realize just how precious time spent with the people we love is. Thank you so much for sharing, Tipper! 🙂
Thank You!!!
Lovely. Thank you. That has always been my favorite of the “secular” songs of Christmas.
Happy Newport year to you all!!
Hank
Beautiful song and they did a good job.
Beautiful singing! Katie and Corie just keep improving! I did know the history of the song but thought of just how my Uncles felt when they were in WW II missing being home at Christmas and the empty chairs at my Grandparents’ tables. Precious family memories serve us well at those times when we couldn’t be home for Christmas.
This song lasts for life, whether a child, a young adult, a parent or a grandparent the sentiment holds throughout life and its ups and downs. Our best gift this year has been the time with our daughter, son-in-law and grandson being home for Christmas. It makes me wonder, is that longing anything like what the Lord feels waiting for the gathering in with all of His children home? I can’t help but believe they are the same, differing only in degree. He came to our place once. But next time we’ll go to his.
You three did a haunting rendition that will stay with me for a long time. Have to wonder why we don’t hear this song more.
So beautiful!!
Beautifully sung! Thank you for sharing!
I enjoyed this song, Paul and the girls did a wonderful job. I did not know this song was from WWII. When I was in the Army I was very fortunate in that I was always able to be at home Christmas time. Being at home for Christmas was and is a very big deal for members of the armed forces. Dennis Morgan
What a beautiful rendition of this wonderfully moving song! As usual, you all sounded beautiful!!! Thanks for a sweet song and the real meaning behind it. I have the song on CD performed by the Great Johnny Mathis who had a great set of lungs! I hope the festivities are still in full swing and the soul is light where you hang your hat. And btw, the surroundings in the Pressley/ Wilson version of this song were lovely. It reminds me of a mountain lodge- how nice!!!!
Excellent!!!! Loved the harmony, which I know can be hard to hit and the girls did it superbly!
That was beautiful, thank yall so much. This song has taken on a new meaning for those affected by Covid, even though we may only be a few miles apart physically we’ve not been able to enjoy our family get together like we always have. We have had to enjoy our memories of Christmas ‘ Past. Please pray for those of us that are dealing with Covid now. Our daughter , her husband and their daughter have covid and double pneumonia. Our daughter was admitted to the hospital yesterday. The worst part is that we can’t be there with them, we feel so helpless. We know that many families are dealing with the same situation and we are praying for them all. Love to yall ❤
Martha, I will be praying for you and your family. 🙂
Yes mam Ms. Tipper, I’ve always loved the song and it’s been one of my favorite down through the years. I did not know the history behind it, so thank you for sharing it with us! Corie, Katie & Paul done an outstanding job with it as they do all the songs they sing together! As you know I’m a big Pressley Girls fan as well. Hope you and your family had a very blessed Christmas!!!!
Beautiful, both the song and the girls! They have matured as well as their music! Uncle Paul is a very nice addition. Christmas was not as usual, but it was okay! We are fed and warm and we have a lot to be thankful for!
The girls did a fantastic job on this song! I have always enjoyed hearing the girls sing together. When they were young, in the first videos you have on your channels of them, they have such innocent voices. There is something magical about hearing children and young teens sing. All kids give us joy to hear them sing. As your girls grew up, and their talents became sharper and more defined, that childhood magic grew into the wonderful harmony they are developing with maturity. I think they outshine so many of the popular performers on tv and radio. The girls’ personalities, characters, and talents are pure and real. I have loved hearing them sing and play their instruments in each stage of their lives so far, and I look forward to hearing them way into the future!
Donna. : )