Dame Vera Lynn death: The full lyrics and story behind the popular wartime anthem ‘We’ll Meet Again’

British singer died on 18 June, aged 103

Forces’ sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has died aged 103.

On Thursday, the singer’s family shared a statement announcing the news, saying: “Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”

Dame Vera’s songs were hugely popular during the Second World War including “The White Cliffs Of Dover”, “There’ll Always Be An England” and “I’ll Be Seeing You”, which were released to help raise spirits during the Blitz.

However, she was perhaps best known for the song “We’ll Meet Again”, which gave separated families during the war hope that they would soon be together.

The song experienced a resurgence in popularity this year as families became divided once more due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In May, the Queen quoted the famous melody during a speech in which she called on the nation to stay positive throughout the crisis.

“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return,” the Queen said. “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”

The song was also used to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a nationwide singalong of the wartime anthem.

Here is everything you need to know about “We’ll Meet Again”, from the full lyrics to why the song is so important.

What are the lyrics to “We’ll Meet Again”?

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

‘Till the blue skies chase

Those dark clouds far away

And I will just say hello

To the folks that you know

Tell them you won’t be long

They’ll be happy to know

That, as I saw you go

You were 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

And I will just say hello

To the folks that you know

Tell them you won’t be long

They’ll be happy to know

That, as I saw you go

You were 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

Dame Vera Lynn serves cups of tea to servicemen in 1942 (Getty)

Who wrote the song?

Originally released in 1939, “We’ll Meet Again” was composed by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, and sung by Dame Vera Lynn.

Why was the song so important during the Second World War?

The song found its fame during the Second World War, as it resonated with soldiers who had to leave their families and fight for Britain.

Thanks to its moving melody and uplifting lyrics, “We’ll Meet Again” was played on the radio during wartime broadcasts, which were designed to provide public information and boost morale after bombing raids.