<P> René wrote the song as a tribute to the annual springtime return of the cliff swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California . A glassed - off room in the mission was later designated in René 's honor , and displays the upright piano on which he composed the tune , the reception desk from his office , several copies of the song 's sheet music and other pieces of furniture , all donated by René 's family . </P>
<P> René wrote the song as a tribute to the annual springtime return of the cliff swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California . A glassed - off room in the mission was later designated in René 's honor , and displays the upright piano on which he composed the tune , the reception desk from his office , several copies of the song 's sheet music and other pieces of furniture , all donated by René 's family . </P>
when do the swallows go back to capistrano
when do the swallows go back to capistrano
springtime
springtime