Lyrics for Green Green Grass of Home

Green, Green Grass of Home – Song History, Meaning & Cultural Legacy

Green, Green Grass of Home is one of the most enduring songs in popular music history, a poignant and evocative ballad that has touched generations of listeners around the world. Its themes of home, memory, and longing continue to resonate decades after its original release.

About the Song

Originally written by Claude “Curly” Putman Jr., Green, Green Grass of Home was first recorded in 1965 by American country singer Johnny Darrell. Within a year, the song was covered by several artists, gaining attention across the UK and USA. The version that truly brought international fame to the song was recorded by Welsh superstar Tom Jones in 1966. His performance transformed the ballad into a global hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and securing top positions in countries including Australia, Canada, Norway and the United States.

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Lyrics for Green, Green, Grass of Home

The old hometown 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 realise, 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

Inspiration Behind the Song

“Green, Green Grass of Home” tells the heartfelt story of a prisoner longing for freedom and the comfort of home. Throughout the lyrics, he dreams of returning to the familiar green fields of his youth. In a touching twist, we learn that his homecoming will only happen after his execution, when he’s laid to rest beneath that same green grass.

Meaning and Interpretation

Over the years, “Green, Green Grass of Home” has been interpreted in many ways. Some hear it as a nostalgic tribute to the warmth and safety of home, while others see it as a reflection on the power and pain of memory.

At its heart, the song is a moving exploration of what it means to be human: our deep attachment to the past, our yearning for simpler times, and the bittersweet truth that we can never truly return to them.

The Song's Legacy

The words to Green Green Grass of Home have become a cultural touchstone and the song has been covered by countless artists over the years. Its themes of love, loss, and the passage of time continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, and it remains one of the most beloved songs of the 20th century. It is arguable that of all of the singers of this song, it is Tom Jones who made the song, Green, Green Grass of Home, truly famous!

Conclusion

Tom Jones did not compose the song, the Green, Green Grass of Home, but few will doubt that it was he who made the song truly world famous.

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