White Cliffs of Dover

Russell Watson, Vera Lynn

About White Cliffs of Dover

"(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover" is a popular World War II song composed in 1941 by Walter Kent to lyrics by Nat Burton. Made famous in Vera Lynn's 1942 version, it was one of Lynn's best-known recordings and among the most popular World War II tunes.


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there'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see

I'll never forget the people I met
Braving those angry skies
I remember well as the shadows fell
The light of hope in their eyes

And though I'm far away
I still can hear them say
Bombs up...
But when the dawn comes up

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

there'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see

there'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see...

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Vera Lynn

Dame Vera Lynn, DBE (born Vera Margaret Welch on 20 March 1917) is an English singer, songwriter and actress whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during World War II. more »

4 fans

Written by: Nat Burton, Walter Kent

Lyrics © GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origins
"The White Cliffs of Dover" is a popular World War II song made famous by British singer Vera Lynn. It was composed in 1941 by Walter Kent to lyrics by Nat Burton.
Lyrics' meaning
The song's lyrics evoke a longing for peace, projecting a vision of a future where soldiers return home safely, the world is at peace, and the white cliffs of Dover have "blue birds over" them once again. This symbolizes freedom from fear and the return of joy.
Symbol of Hope
During World War II, this song was a great source of comfort and hope to many British citizens and soldiers. Its words promised a peaceful future, providing emotional support during a difficult time.
Popularity
Vera Lynn's recording of the song became one of her best-known recordings and is among the most famous World War II tunes.
Geographical Mistake
Ironically, the song has a geographical error in its lyrics. The song refers to bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover but bluebirds are not native to the UK, they're actually indigenous to North America. This lyrical error was due to the songwriters, Burton and Kent, being American and not familiar with British bird species.
Vera Lynn's Recognition
Because of this song and several others, Vera Lynn was given the nickname "The Forces' Sweetheart". Her music made her one of the most popular and enduring entertainers of the war years.
Cover Versions
"The White Cliffs of Dover" has been covered by countless artists in decades since its release, including Ray Conniff, The Righteous Brothers, The Blue Jays, Connie Francis, and Kubix among others.
In Popular Culture
The song has appeared in numerous movies, television shows, and video games, further cementing its status as an iconic piece of World War II music. It was used in films like "The Blue Bird" (1940) and "Atonement" (2007).
Vera Lynn's Death
Vera Lynn passed away in June 2020 at the age of 103. Upon her death, her version of "The White Cliffs of Dover" saw a resurgence in popularity as a way to honor her contribution to British music and her role as a symbol of hope during the war.
Vera Lynn's Legacy
In 2020, a charity single was released as a tribute to Vera Lynn a few days after her death. The song was a cover of "The White Cliffs of Dover" by the socially distanced choir of NHS workers known as the "Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir".

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    "White Cliffs of Dover Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/36505046/Vera+Lynn/White+Cliffs+of+Dover>.

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