Thomas Patrick Connor was a British lyricist and songwriter, credited with several hit songs over his long career. He wrote several of the most popular non-religious Christmas songs, including "The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot", "I'm Sending a Letter to Santa Claus", and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", as well as the lyrics for such popular songs as "Lili Marlene" and "The Biggest Aspidistra in the World".
Connor c. 1980
"Lili Marleen" is a German love song that became popular during World War II throughout Europe and the Mediterranean among both Axis and Allied troops. Written in 1915 as a poem, the song was published in 1937 and was first recorded by Lale Andersen in 1939 as "Das Mädchen unter der Laterne". The song is also well known on a version performed by Marlene Dietrich.
Lili Marleen
A "Lili Marleen" and Lale Andersen memorial in Langeoog, Germany
Image: Wasserturm Langeoog
Image: Lilli Marlene 1939