I don’t remember exactly when or where I first heard this song, but for over a year now, I’ve found myself humming or singing it randomly. The melody and the way the words flow are almost addicting, and I can’t seem to shake the opening tune from my mind.
This song was written in 1941 during World War II. Vera Lynn’s recording played a significant role in catapulting it to worldwide fame. The lyrics were penned by Nat Burton, an American songwriter who, ironically, had never been within 3,000 miles of the White Cliffs of Dover. He made the mistake of mentioning bluebirds over the cliffs—bluebirds aren’t native to England, though certain blue barn swallows can be found in the area. Walter Kent composed the music for the lyrics. Kent wrote many songs, but one of my favorites of his is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
The version of “The White Cliffs of Dover” attached below was recorded for Vera Lynn’s 1962 album Hits of the Blitz, featuring Tony Osborne and His Orchestra. Vera Lynn’s original recording of the song, accompanied by Mantovani and His Orchestra, was released in 1942. You can listen to that version here.
The song was inspired by the fierce battles between Nazi Germany and England during WWII, particularly the aerial combat between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. These dogfights took place over southern England, including the cliffs of Dover. The Germans were unable to fully destroy Britain’s air defenses, marking one of England’s first major victories in the war.
The song reflects a hopeful vision of a time when peace and freedom would return to the skies, cliffs, and homes of England. I imagine wounded soldiers huddling in bunkers or sheltering on rooftops, tuning in to their radios and finding encouragement and hope in this powerful and uplifting song.
I hope you enjoy this great tune!
Song: “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”
Artist: Vera Lynn
Album: Hits of the Blitz
Year: 1942 & 1962
There’ll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see
There’ll be love and laughter
And peace ever after
Tomorrow
When the world is free
The shepherd will tend his sheep
The valley will bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again
Recent Posts
- Empty Saddles · Burl Ives (1961)This song takes me back to a hike on Mt. Whitney with my friend Jordan. We were tackling the tough trail,… Read more: Empty Saddles · Burl Ives (1961)
- Cheap Seats · Alabama (1993)Alabama’s “Cheap Seats” feels like summer, and these past few days in San Diego reminds us that it’s coming soon. This… Read more: Cheap Seats · Alabama (1993)
- On The Sunny Side Of The Street · Aloysio De Oliveira (1957)I came across Aloysio de Oliveira’s name a few years ago while watching the old Disney film Saludos Amigos with my… Read more: On The Sunny Side Of The Street · Aloysio De Oliveira (1957)
- Help Me · Joni Mitchell (1974)The past few nights, I have been painting my kitchen. I’m not the fastest painter, but it has been peaceful in… Read more: Help Me · Joni Mitchell (1974)
- the 1 · Taylor Swift (2020)You might not expect to see a Taylor Swift song on this blog, but this is what’s been on my stereo… Read more: the 1 · Taylor Swift (2020)
My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post (hopefully) one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 You can just wait for the next one. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes.
Subscribe below to get some great tunes in your inbox each day. Or maybe forward to a friend you think would love the song. Hope you enjoy!
Sanchez Song Of The Day 