Green Green Grass of Home - Tom Jones

Green Green Grass of Home - Lyrics and Story

• Without doubt, the Tom Jones version of this song, Green, Green Grass of Home, made it famous in the UK and worldwide. 
• The song was written by Claude "Curly" Putman Jr.
• It was first performed by Johnny Darrell in 1965.
• Tom Jones recorded and released his version in 1966.
• It became a number one bestselling song on the UK singles chart on 1^st December that year.

Green, Green, Grass of Home Lyrics 

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

Green, Green, Grass of Home Background and History

Claude "Curly" Putman Jr originally wrote the song. It was first performed by Johnny Darrell in 1965 but was then made popular by Porter Wagoner in that year. It was also performed by Jerry Lee Lewis. Tom Jones' version sold over 1 million copies worldwide and his version was a number one or in the top ten singles charts of countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Norway and the USA, to name a few!

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 was he who made the song truly world famous.