Some music fans are only just realising the Tom Jones song ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ isn’t actually about Wales(Image: Nick England, Getty Images)
It’s difficult not to join in with “Green, Green Grass of Home” whenever it plays on the radio. After all, it’s sentimental, evokes thoughts of home and is performed by none other than our very own Tom Jones. However, despite being popularised by the Pontypridd-born vocalist – who celebrates his 86th birthday today (June 7) – many people aren’t aware Tom isn’t actually singing about Wales.
It’s understandable to assume otherwise, but Tom wasn’t in fact the original performer of the hit. The sentimental melody was actually penned by Claude “Curly” Putman Jr, and initially recorded by vocalist Johnny Darrell in 1965.
The country number was first popularised by Porter Wagoner when he released his rendition during the same year, and it reached number 4 in the country chart. It was also recorded by Bobby Bare and Jerry Lee Lewis before Tom learnt the song.
Then, in 1966, the Welsh icon secured a number one hit with the track, and it’s been cherished by generations ever since. After all, it genuinely does evoke thoughts of home.
Even today, people perform the song regularly with footage of Tom delivering it over the years continually appearing on social media. However for years you may have been singing it without truly understanding what it’s about.
In the song, the vocalist is portrayed returning to his childhood home for what seems to be the first occasion since he was young. He then alights from the train to encounter his parents, alongside his sweetheart, Mary. The lyrics describe him being greeted with “arms reaching, smiling sweetly”. He subsequently reminisces about his youth, recalling significant memories, acknowledging “it’s good to touch the green, green grass of home”.
However, rather abruptly, the vocalist shifts perspective and recognises it was merely a dream. He’s actually imprisoned, and he’s shortly to face his execution.
As the track continues, he observes a guard and “a sad old padre” who will escort him to his execution at dawn. Following this, it’s suggested he will return to the “green, green grass of home”.
Given it was penned by Nashville songwriter Curly Putman, it’s also evident the “green, green grass” bears no connection to Wales whatsoever. Many of us perform it as though it does – perhaps simply because we can identify with the opening section of the song – or because Tom was the artist who popularised it.
Nevertheless, it’s apparent that audiences still adore the melody, as thousands watch footage of the Welsh legend performing the classic even now at the age of 84.
More than 80,000 viewers watched one specific video, and thousands contributed to express their opinions. Even after all these years, the track remains cherished by many.
One individual commented: “Love this song. No one can sing it like Tom Jones.” Another stated: “Oh, those beautiful Welsh tones, I just get lost in them. Warmest wishes to you Tom.”
A third responded: “You sound as good today as you did in the sixties Tom!” A fourth also remarked: “Wow, beautiful – one of my favourite songs.”
