Christmas is right around the corner. For many, that means it’s time to put on Christmas music and finish preparing for the big day. For musicians like Lukas Nelson, it is the perfect time to dust off the holiday favorites in their repertoire.
Last week, Nelson took to social media to share a beautiful acoustic rendition of a holiday classic. The video shows him sitting on his couch with his guitar as he plays the classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The stripped-down arrangement lends itself perfectly to his country-leaning style.
Nelson didn’t limit his holiday singing to social media this year. He also appeared on Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem’s annual holiday special Christmas with Delta. The special which featured Nelson and other surprise guests aired on Australia’s 9 Now on Sunday (December 22).
Lukas Nelson Covers a Christmas Classic
Lukas Nelson shared his version of a holiday standard with an interesting history. Kim Gannon and Walter Kent co-wrote “I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Bing Crosby recorded the original version in 1943. The song brought Crosby a top 10 hit.
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” hit the airwaves at a time when many young American men wouldn’t be home for the holidays. World War two was still years away from ending and countless young men from the United States, England, and many other countries were in Europe or the Pacific Theater.
The song is from the point of view of a soldier writing a letter to his family. He tells them all of the things he wants to see when he returns including mistletoe, snow, and gifts. It’s a hopeful song until the end. The song closes with the line I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.
The song went on to be the most-requested song at Christmas-themed U.S.O. shows during the war. Additionally, the United States Army released a recording of the song on vinyl singles to troops.
Today, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a holiday standard. At the time of its release, it was a sliver of hope for families and troops alike.
