About the Song
Tom Jones, the powerful Welsh vocalist known for his soulful voice and electrifying performances, delivered a poignant ballad in 1966 titled “Green Green Grass of Home.” This song transcends mere geographical location, becoming an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the pang of homesickness or the yearning for simpler times.
“Green Green Grass of Home” opens with a melancholic yet relatable line: “When I was young I left my home.” This simple statement sets the stage for a journey of reflection, contrasting the narrator’s present reality with the idyllic memories of his childhood home. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this cherished place, using imagery like the “green, green grass of home” and the “old familiar street” to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to capture the universality of homesickness. Tom Jones doesn’t dwell on specifics; instead, he focuses on the emotions we all recognize – the comfort of familiar surroundings, the warmth of loved ones, and the carefree days of youth. Lines like “Now I’m here in Texas, dry and dusty” highlight the stark contrast between the narrator’s current situation and the cherished memories of home.
The song isn’t simply a lament about what’s lost. The chorus, “Oh, I’m goin’ back to the green, green grass of home,” expresses a resolute determination to return to that place of solace and belonging. Tom Jones imbues the chorus with a powerful yearning, his voice resonating with the deep-seated desire to reconnect with one’s roots.
“Green Green Grass of Home” isn’t just about a physical location; it’s about a sense of belonging, a yearning for a time when life felt simpler and more carefree. The song reminds us that home is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a feeling, a sense of security, and a place where we are truly ourselves. This timeless quality is what has ensured the song’s enduring popularity, resonating with listeners across generations and backgrounds.
So, the next time you hear the opening notes of “Green Green Grass of Home,” take a moment to reflect on your own cherished memories, the places that hold a special place in your heart, and the enduring power of home.
Video
Lyrics: Green Green Grass Of Home
The old home town looks the same
As I step down from the train,
And there to meet me is my Mama and Papa.Down the road I look and there runs Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.Yes, they’ll all come to meet me,
Arms reaching, smiling sweetly.
It’s good to touch the green, green, grass of home.The old house is still standing,
Though the paint is cracked and dry,
And there’s that old oak tree that I used to play on.Down the lane I walk with my sweet Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.Then I awake and look around me
At four grey walls that surround me,
And I realize: yes, I was only dreaming.For there’s a guard and there’s a sad old padre.
On and on, we’ll walk at daybreak.
Again I’ll touch the green, green grass of home.Yes, they’ll all come to see me
In the shade of that old oak tree
As they lay me neath the green, green grass of home.