Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again (1939)

Born in 1917, this English singer, songwriter, and actress was extremely popular during the era of the second world war. During that time, she toured the world giving concerts to the Allied troops and earned herself the nickname “The Forces’ Sweetheart”. After the war, she remained popular as a singer and television actress. Her last public performance was in 1995 at Buckingham Palace, commemorating the 50th anniversary of VE-Day. She’s still alive and will be celebrating her 95th birthday on March 20th, 2012.

Written by Ross Parker and Hugh Charles, this song was made famous by Vera Lynn. To boost the Allied troops morale, the song was sent out to over twenty underground Wartime radio stations owned by the BBC for broadcasting. It has been covered by The Byrds, Johnny Cash, and is referenced in “Vera” on The Wall by Pink Floyd.



Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again (1939)

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Lyrics:

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
‘til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away

So will you please say ‘hello’
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
'til the blue skies
Drive the dark clouds far away

So will you please say ‘hello’
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra - In the Mood (1939)

He was the most popular bandleader there was in the late 1930s and early ’40s, the era of swing. He led his orchestra to achieving great amounts of success with songs like “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “At Last,” “(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and his largest hit heard below. On December 15th, 1944, he was on his way to entertain American troops in France, during World War II, when his plane disappeared in the bad weather over the English Channel. He was pronounced missing in action and presumably died that day.

This song is the epitome of big band and swing music. Despite being released in 1939, it wasn’t until 1940 that it held the number one spot for thirteen weeks. You may also recognize the opening of this song from being sampled by The Beatles in 1967. At three minutes and three seconds in, on their song "All You Need Is Love," you can hear the start of this song.



Glenn Miller and His Orchestra - In the Mood (1939)

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Lyrics:

(instrumental)