Welsh Blankets
Green, Green, Grass of Home Lyrics
Green Green Grass of Home, Tom Jones
Green Green Grass of Home Lyrics, Composer and Performers
Without doubt, the Tom Jones version of this song, Green, Green Grass of Home, made this song famous, certainly in Wales but also in the UK and worldwide. Tom recorded and released his version in 1966 and it became a number one bestselling song on the UK singles chart on 1st December that year.
Claude " Curly" Putman - Original Composer, Green, Green Grass of Home
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!
Other Famous Welsh Songs
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
Written by Nashville songwriter Curly Putman, the words to Green, Green, Grass of Home tell the tale of a condemned prisoner who is longing to escape to the green, green grass of home. At the end of the song, it was revealed that the man is facing execution, and he will be coming home only to be buried.
Inspiration for the Song
According to Putman, part of the inspiration behind writing the words to Green, Green Grass of Home came after watching The Asphalt Jungle. The 1950 film noir directed by John Huston follows a group of men trying to carry out an ill-fated heist.
One of the characters, Dix Handley, got involved in the heist because of his longing to get out of the city and buy back the Kentucky horse farm he grew up on. However, by the end of the film, Dix found himself gravely wounded and is running from the law. In the final scene, he finally made it back to his old family farm – a rural idyll with rolling hills and a scenic white farmhouse – unfortunately, he died from his gunshot wound.
Interpretation
The words to Green, Green Grass of Home have been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some see it as a celebration of home and hearth, while others view it as a commentary on the prison of nostalgia and the impossibility of ever recapturing the past.
At its core, however, the song is a poignant meditation on the human condition, and the way that we are shaped by our memories and experiences. It speaks to the universal desire to return to a simpler time, but also to the knowledge that such a return is impossible.
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!
About Tom Jones
Sir Tom Jones, born Thomas John Woodward on June 7, 1940, in Pontypridd, Wales, is a renowned Welsh singer whose powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and eclectic musical style have made him a global icon. With a career spanning over six decades, Tom Jones has left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades for his contributions.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Growing up in a working-class family in Pontypridd, Tom Jones discovered his passion for music at an early age. Influenced by the records of American R&B artists like Little Richard and Elvis Presley, he began singing in local pubs and clubs. His distinctive voice and magnetic energy caught the attention of music industry insiders, leading him to sign a recording contract in the mid-1960s.
Breakthrough and International Stardom
- Tom Jones's breakthrough came with his hit single "It's Not Unusual" in 1965, which catapulted him to international fame. His dynamic performances, characterised by his unique blend of rock, pop, and soul, captured the hearts of audiences around the world. His follow-up hits, including "Green, Green Grass of Home", "What's New Pussycat?" and "Delilah," solidified his status as a pop sensation.
Versatility and Evolution
- One of the most remarkable aspects of Tom Jones's career is his ability to adapt and evolve his musical style. While his early career was marked by pop and rock influences, he seamlessly transitioned into other genres, including country, gospel, and even dance music. His collaboration with artists like the Stereophonics and Cerys Matthews demonstrated his willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries.
Las Vegas Residency and Comeback
- In the 1970s, Tom Jones embarked on a successful Las Vegas residency that further elevated his status as a live performer. His charismatic stage presence and powerful vocal performances drew sold-out crowds and cemented his reputation as an entertainer of the highest calibre. This residency marked a crucial chapter in his career and contributed to a resurgence in his popularity.
Legacy and Impact
- Tom Jones's impact on the music industry extends beyond his chart-topping hits. He has received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. His influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by his vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence.
Conclusion
- Tom Jones's journey from a small town in Wales to global stardom is a testament to his unparalleled talent, resilience, and adaptability. His enduring legacy as a musical icon continues to captivate audiences across generations, making him a true Welsh treasure and a beloved figure in the world of music.
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Last updated 4th September 2024
