This time of year, I thought we'd hear
from Bing, the king of croon.
He brought us joy with Christmas cheer
mid Stardust widely strewn.
A comic strip inspired his name
when he was Young at Heart -
The Bingville Bugle's* role in fame
unknowingly would start.
Then music would become his fix,
Al Jolson paved the way.
With magic phonograph* at six,
he'd listen Night and Day.
Amor* would later set his goal
(to study law or sing?)
for jazz, his True Love, stirred his soul -
those stars aligned for Bing.
Don't Fence Me In would be his cry;
this man was learning fast
to Make Believe, reach for the sky
for Paradise to last.
So Out of Nowhere he would soar
from bands to solo show.
And fans would yearn to hear him more
on stage and radio.
Then films propelled him further still;
his roles fired great esteem.
In Road, the series, he would thrill
with Hope* - the comic team.
Der Bingle* would, in World War Two,
help boost the troops in song.
I Promise You would guide them through
their struggle ever strong.
And I'll be Home for Christmas shows
would echo far flung dreams.
His gift to all those GI Joes
surpassed all else,* it seems.
This Happy Prince would have it all
in business and career,
but problems nearer home would call,
arousing fret and fear.
In marriage, grim disharmony
would reach the very brink.
La Vie en Rose was not to be
when first wife took to drink.
His faith would strive to keep him strong
in matters of the heart.
Temptation, still, would come along
and test his will to part.
This showman, though, had Shine to bring
with Blue Skies, rarely grey.
Of Peace on Earth his song would ring
in hope, this festive day.
For, best of all, we know him for
his yuletide Reverie
and Christmas Greetings by the score
will claim his signat'ry.
Let it Snow and have a wonderful White Christmas, love from Bing
and me xx
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