“Green, Green Grass of Home” is more than a song—it’s an emotional voyage that sweeps you into the heart of longing and bittersweet remembrance. Written by Curly Putman in 1965, this timeless ballad has been embraced by many legendary voices, including Tom Jones, Porter Wagoner, and Johnny Cash. But what makes it so unforgettable? It’s the way it tells a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The song begins with a gentle, almost dreamlike melody, as the narrator returns to his roots, describing the familiar sights and the loving arms of family. There’s an aching beauty in these opening moments, a warmth that feels like coming home after a long, hard journey. The imagery of the “green, green grass” serves as a poignant symbol of comfort, peace, and the passage of time.
Then, the twist hits you like a thunderclap. What seemed like a joyous homecoming is revealed to be a dream—a fleeting escape from the harsh reality of a prison cell. The narrator is facing execution, and the green, green grass of home becomes a haunting metaphor for the eternal rest awaiting him in the churchyard. It’s this gut-wrenching contrast between hope and despair that gives the song its emotional power.
What’s incredible about “Green, Green Grass of Home” is how it resonates differently with each listener. For some, it’s a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. For others, it’s a meditation on life’s fleeting moments and the inevitability of saying goodbye. The song feels like a conversation with your soul—gentle yet profoundly moving.
Tom Jones’ version, released in 1966, brought the song global fame, with his rich, soulful voice capturing every ounce of its emotional depth. His performance turned it into an anthem of longing, a track that still feels fresh decades later. No matter who sings it, the song remains a masterclass in storytelling through music
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Lyrics
It’s good to touch the 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 mamma and pappa
And 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 a-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
And down the lane I walk with my why sweet 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 a-reaching, smiling sweetly
It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home
Then I awake, and look around
At the grey walls that surround
And I realize that I was o-only dreaming
For there’s a guard and a there’s a sad old padre
Arm in arm 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