Bing Crosby - I'll Be Seeing You 1944 - Plus Studio Rehearsal Clip

I added the sound clip at the end, with Bing in the studio recording it. So enjoy the full song plus the studio bonus. I also have the early recording of this song by the Ambrose orchestra on my music list.
"I'll Be Seeing You" is a popular song, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Irving Kahal. Published in 1938, the song was inserted into the Broadway musical Right This Way, which closed after fifteen performances.
The musical theme has emotional power, and was much loved during World War II. It became an anthem for those serving overseas (both British and American soldiers) . The lyrics begin, in Ambrose's recorded version, with a preamble:
Cathedral bells were tolling and our hearts sang on;
Was it the spell of Paris or the April dawn?
Who knows if we shall meet again?
But when the morning chimes ring sweet again...
I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places [etc.]
As the song develops, the words take a jaunty commonplace of casual farewell and transform it by degrees, to climax with
...and when the night is new,
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.
The resemblance between the main tune's first four lines and a passage within the theme of the last movement of Gustav Mahler's Third Symphony (1896) was pointed out by Deryck Cooke in 1970
Featured throughout the 1944 movie also titled I'll be Seeing You, starring Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotten, the recording by Bing Crosby became a hit that year, being number one for the week of July 8. In 1956, Jackie Gleason's character, Ralph Kramden, referenced the song on a episode of The Honeymooners in which Kramden experienced an early exit on the game show, The $99,000 Answer, and refused to leave the stage. Later, the song became notably associated with Liberace, as the theme music to his television show of the 1950s. The song was heard on an episode of the 1960s spy spoof Get Smart, when the main character had a high-tech trumpet that could play any tune, just by speaking the title into the mouthpiece. It has also been played in the 1989 Woody Allen film Crimes and Misdemeanors; in the end credits of the 1990 film Misery; in the 1992 movie Shining Through; in the closing episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'; in the 2004 film The Aviator, and in the 2004 film The Notebook as the song for Noah and Allie. It was also played in the closing credits for the final episode of Beavis and Butthead. During the 2009 Academy Awards presentation, Queen Latifah sang the song during the 'In Memoriam' tribute to members of the motion picture industry who had died during the previous year, which was controversial because the In Memoriam tribute was previously traditionally unaccompanied.

[@aimeelynn80]

To my dear sweet Nanny....I miss you so much. I still can't believe you're gone. This song will always remind me of you. Until we see each other again...you will forever be in my heart

[@conniewolf7300]

Such a beautiful melancholy song that touches the hearts of all who hear it....

[@elllucey3192]

My Dad sung this song to his nurse a couple of days ago fore he died! And I came across this today Love you Dad to the moon and back ack!

[@teklawillow5391]

To al the memories with my family of the sweet happy days of long ago.. 👪 ..love you all xxx

[@rnhealer6044]

My mother loved Bing Crosby and used to play his songs. I'm 69 and I still love his beautiful crooning voice.

[@Mom1910]

The greatest voice ever, makes me think of my husband Tommy, who is in a nursing home, I love both Tommy ,and Bing.

[@charlottekennamer2596]

I just sent this to my son who follows his work. I'm 69 & fondly remember Bing's Christmas songs, as well. 28 Nov 23. 5:30 am. Merry Christmas, & God bless us, everyone!

[@johnpaulgeorring]

My Grandpa just died last night and he always sang this song whenever he left the house for a trip, Its such a beautiful song, Ill miss him :')

[@elllucey3192]

Several days before my father died at the age of 97 he was singing I'll be seeing you' I had never heard this song before. The words are simple as my father was a simple man a sweet man. Last night on Coast to Coast a.m with George Noory they played this song it brought tears go my eyes reflecting on my Dad's passing Februarh 12th 2021. I am so grateful l that I can request this song via internet and fondly remember my sweet father. thankyou!

[@williamschierenberg9088]

This was my parents song.....I played it at my wedding in tribute to them...my mom passed a few years ago....but my dad still get misty and smiles when he hears this song

[@MariaPiaPozzuto-ot1si]

Magnifico !

[@geetarnut]

Bings singing is so heart warming, I'm crying a little,, real, heartfelt music goes straight to the target,,,, our ticker!!! I can only say thank God we have singers that bring a tear to your eye,, a tear of joy, and love!!! Bing can SING!!!

[@elllucey3192]

Is this a coincidence my Dad also died on February 12th 2021 he also was 97 he was born September 21st 1923 and he was a simple man a very very kind man Thankyou God for Albert R.King Rest in Peace…

[@karthurjr]

The original! Beautiful melody! Heard this played at a friends funeral played by trumpet and pipe organ in a large old fashion Catholic church. It was played as my friend's casket was being wheeled out. The saddest moment I can remember at a funeral. By the way, I was living when Bing first sang this beautiful song.

[@bartonone2005]

My father was a big fan of Bing Crosby. When I watch YT videos of Bing singing, I marvel at his relaxed and effortless crooning. No tension or straining, this is what produced his smooth tone. He had great control over his vocal cords. I remember listening to my father sing this song as he played the guitar. I just learned it in his memory. It's a beautuful, sentimental piece from a bygone era.

[@jillblaske825]

Bing is my late mom's fave song...now she's hearing him sing for her in Heaven

[@mikeaminov9561]

What a great voice.

[@couperincourtney]

I'll love Bing Crosby! His namesake theater in Spokane, Washington has a tribute to him. It's beautiful.

[@luciannelea50]

this is my favorite rendition of this song. bings voice is so smooth and soothing and comes from the heart.

[@Matt-zs6qx]

Beautiful song, I'm kind of partial to Jimmy Durante's version, New Yorker like me.

[@monicabella7894]

Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby

[@jrcallen52]

For me I’m partial to the two versions in The Notebook. Billie Holiday and Jimmy Durante, but I just love this song no matter who sings it. Bing was an amazing singer.

[@michaelgoins8382]

I went through and heard all the other singers of this song. And, I agree with you that this is the best version. Some songs just are better the simpler they are sung.

[@MegaMusiclover1234]

My mother loved Bing Crosby and this was one of her favorite songs he sang. It's easy to see why. Memories, memories. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@marleneamry4258]

Another wonderful interpretation of this lovely song, is by Dick Haymes!

[@DibbyLibby]

Amen! Love jazz, Bing, Cole Porter, Gershwin.. I was born too late!!

[@gabrielcharly6593]

Great song. First time I heard this song was watching a documentary about World War II. It was amazing and very exciting to see the effort and courage that U.S. soldiers in that war. It was also a little sad to see how some did not return, in short, the human losses of the war. I think I almost start to mourn, and I'm not American

[@jackierenee8799]

All of the songs he sings are good, they have meaning to them, they're heartfelt, heartwarming, he's sings from the heart and soul. I grew up with the music of Bing Crosby, my late Father always played his music.

[@noeliadavila3160]

I've feel hundred versions of love in this song and still have room for more. Can't say that about songs of today. Not even disco music at the Playboy Club in Century City in the 70's, or was it 75? Beautiful song.

[@lydiajones1449]

Love this song - so atmospheric! My Mum used to sing this. Thanks for posting.

[@themonaghans]

Just wonderful. Thank you for posting.

[@johnpatrick5307]

He did a live version during the war, with orchestra - it was better still. It was recorded - someone should find it!

[@1945Jill]

I used to hate this sort of music - the music of my parents' generation. But oh, how much happier, healthier, saner and all round intelligent it sounds not compared to stuff like rap and hiphop. Go Bing!

[@norb1937]

Very true. Music today is for mental cases and drug addicts.

[@lanenorris5308]

"Judge and you will be judged," dude. Just saying. You can't generalize over half of the population.

[@jackmilton5874]

ur dumb lol

[@hategreed1]

ALL of the popular music, at least what's produced in the U.S., now, is absolute silly crap. The generations producing it have no talent. In other countries though, there is still talent. Look over the pond. Ireland. England. Sweden. Germany.

[@Royal_Fortune]

hategreed1 then you clearly haven’t looked hard enough. Countries are more prone to promote one genre of music or another. You’re only seeing things at a surface level. Also, keeping an open mind may keep you from harboring nasty prejudices against entire countries. Just saying, it’s out there and there is an immense amount of talent not just in other parts of the world but the US as well and it wouldn’t be fair to discredit the talented bands in the US just because some industry garbage monopolizes the radio stations.

[@josiahpagel2665]

Lovely song.I love it.it's very nice.😘😘

[@TedWms521]

Crosby's recording reached No. 1 on the Billboard list in the week of July 8, 1944, a month after D-Day. The title was used as the nickname of at least two heavy bombers. The title is a prayer. .

[@JohnPiperBoots]

Thanks. My family rich in military service - Iwo Jima, Battle of the Buldge, Pearl Harbor CBI etc and my Dad always said they do not make music like they use to and he is absolutely correct. This era is when men were men and ladies were ladies. This song cries out the bonds of love between them (& mothers grieving hearts for them etc) and sacrifices made so we have FREEDOM today. Teach your children well and they will remember and pass the MUCH needed TRUTH about war sacrifices. Semper Fidelis

[@harryhagan5937]

Very well said. God bless. The subsequent generations have been so disappointing, to say the least.

[@pattysfam4]

Sorry for your loss. What a legacy of love he's leaving

[@robmusser1144]

My mom & dad's song. My dad awaits her for a dance in the heavenly ballroom.

[@marthamclaughlin7010]

fabulous

[@hategreed1]

Perfection. Thank you.

[@stefandobre5837]

Just wonderful

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

Amen; a very sad amen. The saddest part of all that is not just that they have lost this, but they have not a clue that they have lost it.

[@johnsmith-eh3de]

This brings back memories of my childhood in Liverpool during the war.

[@StevenTorrey]

A good rendition. Simple, unadorned.

[@rosejahel876]

So beautiful

[@bobertkc1219]

as Merle Haggard said, we were all influenced by Bing. This man started out in the 20's, and his influence lasted up into the late 70's. That's when a voice had a resonant That was beautiful to your ear. As a sax, as a piano, now what have you got? Lights, screaming into the mike, nothing that is pleasant to your ear. Fuck the sounds of today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@spiffynid]

One of the reasons that series is one of my favs: the music is *amazing*.

[@Stan4Harana]

I'll Be Seeing You Lyrics Cathedral bells were tolling And our hearts sang on Was it the spell of Paris Or the April dawn Who knows if we shall meet again But when the morning chimes ring sweet again I’ll be seeing you; In all the old, familiar places; That this heart of mine embraces; All day through. In that small cafe; The park across the way; The children’s carousel; The chestnut tree; The wishing well. I’ll be seeing you; In every lovely, summer’s day; And everything that's bright and glee; I’ll always think of you that way; I’ll find you in the morning sun; And when the night is new; I’ll be looking at the moon; But I'll be seeing you.

[@Earl99965]

Beautiful! Had to give my Crosby collection to my kids, but thanks to these postings, am building it back into my computer! Thanks so very much. Earl Zwicker

[@rachelnbrien]

Beautiful

[@MrMottamichel]

The big Bing Crosby. Genial

[@themonaghans]

So many of them reflect the uncertainty people felt over their loved ones who were fighting in the war, which is depressing.

[@qsnapflash]

I wish this was the kind of music people listened to these days. I think I was born in the wrong era...

[@kundaike1]

jeez almost every song from back then just makes me depressed

[@forensicsciencefan5645]

Not crazy about the music, but his vocal performance of this song, is hands down the best.. Puts Bublé to shame imho.

[@shirleyjennings5787]

Awesome!

[@jancharlesgray899]

A wonderful job---and this is why Bing Crosby is part of the Jolson-Crosby-Sinatra-Presley Foursome.

[@dylanmcgaharn5676]

Jan Charles Gray and the sinatra-dean martin-bing Crosby trio

[@thesimmist]

actually, the majority of pubescent teenagers and young adults (like myself) who have played fallout 3 have voluntarily spent hours listening to music from this era. That is a lot more people then you would think.

[@TheAslan1975]

This was one of Johnny Carson's favorite songs.

[@geetarnut]

beauty is self evident,, and this song,,,,,,, well,,,,,,, it's just that!

[@yvonneking1929]

This song brings back Happy Memories of Dances I went to in Tidworth in the WW2 there was big American Base there and on Saturday nights they would send trucks into town(Andover) to take girls to dance it was so lovely just like the films you see about the war . Romance was the thing then & though some girls got into trouble most of us were quite innocent and just looking for Romance & the soldiers were just missing home and loved to show you pictures of family & friends back in States.Oh Happ

[@justojramodia2022]

Papa Toto i miss you so ......

[@chuckschafer942]

A VERY DEAR FRIENDS FUNERAL WASGETTING BURRIED AND I COULD NOT ATTEND THE FUNERAL I HEARD THIS SONG I COULD SEE HIM AT HIS DESK SITTING AT HIS KITCHEN TABLEAND COUNTLESS OTHER THINGS WHEN I HEAR THIS SONG I STILL THINK OF JAKE PEARCE

[@rextony22]

i came here because i heard this song on beavis and butt head back in 1996 when it offically ended. great song

[@rextony22]

i hope big band swing makes a come back

[@-Jumbus]

I do too but this isn't swing haha. It's gorgeous, but this is pop music from that era. Check out Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie for some proper swing bands! :)

[@slayer04031974]

It's a Ballad love song in the Big band/swing era. A slow dance song..

[@carmonamanuel23]

nice version

[@songanddanceman100]

Wistful and blue. Goodstuff.

[@dalebaker9109]

I like this song, of course I like Bing, but unlike a lot of people, I see good in his stuff, and the lot more, modern stuff, it's just being open minded. I also love classical and opera.

[@channelingusllcix3512]

Record date February 17, 1944, the same day American Marines land on Eniwetok Island in the Marshall Islands battling the Japanese. The battle lasted 6 days, killed 73 Americans and 3,380 Japanese (this island is later subjected to 42 nuclear weapons tests a decade later, when my father was stationed there in the 50s. In the 70's they tried to clean the island of plutonium. Parts of the atoll are still highly radioactive today)

[@elizabethstetler8044]

Even this crooner wasn't a nice papa to his kids, his voice is fantastic

[@fasbc]

Bing was wonderful. Before Frank there was Bing. Sinatra was inspired to be a singer by hearing Bing.

[@Kungamuck]

I think many of us were - for sure !

[@Crnicelad]

You might be mistaken my dear ... people still do listen to this kind of music.

[@ralphbohn5671]

Mark L.earns I love to listen to this music and the big bands I was born in 42 but all that music back in those days was just beautiful that kind of music make calm people down the world is moving too fast think about it

[@AllanCampo]

Thanks to videogames I discovered this kind of music.

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

I understand about moving on, and the need for change, etc. But with respect, I must disagree about "crap." There is very little crap of that era known today because there was very little crap to begin with. Music in those days had complex, sophisticated melodies and lyrics that not only could be clearly heard, but had genuine rhyme and meaning. Yes, we had an occasional Mairzy Doats, but even they had complexities. Today? Three notes repeated, one obscene phrase shouted, and a drum machine.

[@johnjensen4984]

I'll be seeing LIBERACE 👌👏

[@steplumpkin5432]

BING! BING! BING!

[@OtsoLehtinen612]

Упомянута в книге "The bastard brigade" Sam Kean.

[@valentinkuzmin9810]

Этот певец стоит у меня на 2 м месте после френка синатры

[@alvaroovalle312]

Jesus likes this song 😁

[@abk2k3aaronkauflin83]

rip opportunity 😭

[@alvaroovalle312]

Mary and Joseph are living in Chile

[@geraldwalton8865]

one of his no one hits 38 all toll

[@irenemccann7032]

Can anyone be able to tell me who sang this song at the Christmas Eve dance in the movie I'll be Home For Christmas, with Half Holbrook?

[@maricyferr5411]

Songs with lyrics that praise women - how horrifying they must sound for the present generation!

[@gguribya]

내가 너를 본다. 니가 나를 본다. 이 순간이 좋다.

[@robertfeliciano1985]

Is there any way in the world that you have ,or know where I can get a video of the 1940/1944 Sinatra /Dorsey Big Band version. I saw it on television more than 40 years ago and it's my absolute favorite version of this song.Thank you.

[@spgtenor]

No, I'm afraid qsnapflash is not mistaken. Very, very few young people listen to this kind of music. In fact, most young people don't listen to any music at all, (by music I mean something with a melody, some harmonies, rhythm - not just a droning beat) most young people listen to rap. It's really pretty sad, our species has regressed quite a bit. Rudeness, ignorance, in your face, the louder the better - from T.V. to what's on the radio - politeness, refinement and nuance are of a bygone era.

[@JohnPiperBoots]

Agree 1000%n :)

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

to Henrik Magnuson - it would help me understand your opinion if I knew more about the basis of it. Are you a contemporary of the music we are talking about war is it coming to you from personal experience during the time period or is your knowledge of the music that was popular before, say Elvis?

[@Piledriver86]

Like I said, Im not a fan of most popular music of today, but I honestly dont think that most of what was made back then was all that great either. Just because it was more complex doesnt mean it was better. Quality is quality.

[@apocyldoomer]

I never liked Big Band Music, until, I had XM, now, I LOVE it, although, I no longer have XM, Big Band and Swing are my go to favorite, when, I am in the mood. America was a stronger nation back than, NOW, we are weak, thanks to the bums with their droopy pants and 21 inch rims, never shall they now history since the schools are full of Commies...shit..never mind, you know the rest.

[@rayne182]

"Misery" anyone?

[@Smokyieus]

Me too, born too late!

[@muzafferelbeyli2756]

Hilarious voice

[@jovialrhymemaster]

why I oughta...

[@Piledriver86]

It really wasnt that fun back then, getting the glamorous glimpses of the past does nothing to show what every day life was like.

[@alvaroovalle312]

ADAM and Eve are living in Chile

[@samkaplan1702]

Would you allow me to quote your remarks in an essay I'm writing about the bombing campaign?

[@thies7831]

Yes... "I 'll be seeing you". And thanks for your contributions to my fat account, built on your sentiments. While your Mum was "Rosie, the Riveter" and your Dad was slugging it out in the mud, he and his mates, me and me mates were sitting here, seeing you toughing it out, while we were cashing in on the war effort. And still do. Your music producer. Ah, don't grumble... I donated 1% of my wealth to your local veterans' club. Correct this. I am not to sure, it could be even 0.1%. Just a dot in the wrong place. Ooops... (sorry)

[@gentgreg]

I think you were too.

[@nickparisi1688]

Greg Gent hi

[@patthecatman]

maybe he did, but stick with bing

[@songanddanceman100]

@Henrik Magnusson: You seem disgruntled. Please don't come and shoot up KZbin. Thank you.

[@captainmorgan757]

It's because of people such as Henrik Magnusson that the world is in the wretched shape that it is. Those type of people of incapable of comprehending a richer quality of life to live in the present and the richer quality of life was back when this song was recorded. These are dark souls and are in desperate need of our prayers.

[@Piledriver86]

I honestly dont get people's obsession with this. Yeah, there's a lot of great music from the 50s and 40s, but thats because they didnt bother saving the crap..What, would you want them to still record big band music in 2013? Things have to move on, otherwise it goes stagnant. Not that modern day music is amazing or anything, just saying, we only get the gems from the past, not the bad stuff, because no one remembers that.

[@Michael-hw5wk]

No you won't. I am not meeting with my "attorney," and I am NOT recognizing the "authority" of a kangaroo court. The only way you will be seeing me is if you locate the attorneys and media I am traveling out of state to meet.