Home Thoughts From Abroad

Album: Home Thoughts (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Home Thoughts From Abroad is a well known short work by the famous Victorian poet Robert Browning (1812-89). This self-penned song shares the title and nothing else, beginning with the spectacularly unhumorous tautology "I could be a millionaire if I had the money." It's difficult to believe this was written by an English teacher.

    "You know, Home Thoughts From Abroad is such a beautiful poem"

    He got that right at least. Ward's dubious contribution to our English heritage was released as the B-side of his biggest hit, "Gaye." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 5

  • John From Chicago from Chicago, Illinois UsaHome Thoughts From Abroad is #24 on BBC Radio 2's top 100 songs "Sold on Songs"
  • Mick from BostonThis too was a song from my youth in the 70s and 80s. I thought it was awful then - would always turn it off the radio when it came on. Now I find it amazingly beautiful.
  • Terry. from SurreyThat first comment perfectly illustrates the difference between a pedant with no soul and a very sensitive person beautifully expressing his painful feelings and emotions, and not without a little wry humour. I think it’s a beautiful song , well constructed and sung with great feeling.
  • Kevin From Dublin from DublinA fine Singer Songwriter is C.T. Ward. Sound track to my growing up in 70s 80s.
  • Jarvis from London, UkThe first comment is a bit mean-spirited and unimaginative, with all due respect. The song is about someone trying to write to his ex and see if they can get back together, and clearly can't think of how to go about it - making mundane conversation about the house, seeing if she still feels the same, etc. Hence he starts with a lame tautology, and it becomes clear he is scratching around before finally admitting "I miss you, I really do". The English singer Rumer did a great version of the song recently, incidentally.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.