Green, Green Grass of Home, written by Curly Putman, tells the story of a condemned man who dreams of returning home, to the green, green grass of his home, but in reality, he is waking up not at home but in a prison cell, on the morning of his execution. The song was popularized by Tom Jones in 1966 and reflects themes of regret and redemption.
Key: D
D
The old home town looks the same
G
D
as I step down from the train
A
And there to meet me is my mama and papa
D
Down the road I look and there runs Mary,
G
hair of gold and lips like cherries.
D
A
D
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
D
G
Yes,they'll all come to meet me arms a-reaching, smiling sweetly;
D
A
D
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
D
G
D
The old house is still standing, though the paint is cracked and dry,
A
And there's that old oak tree that I used to play on
D
Down the lane I walk and with my sweet Mary,
G
hair of gold and lips like cherries.
D
A
D
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
D
And then suddenly I awake and look around me
G
D
at the four gray walls that surround me
A
and I realize that I was only dreaming.
D
For there's a guard and there's a sad old padre
G
Arm and arm we'll walk at daybreak
D
A
D
again I'll touch the green, green grass of home
D
G
Yes, they'll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree;
D
A
G
D
As they lay me 'neath the green, green grass of home.