Home Thoughts From Abroad by Clifford T. Ward

Album: Home Thoughts (1973)

License This Song

lyrics

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

More Songfacts:

Watching The WheelsJohn Lennon

In the late '70s, John Lennon slowed his roll, becoming a househusband who baked bread and took care of his young son Sean. This inspired his song "Watching The Wheels," where he discovers the benefits of taking it easy.

Last NightGood Charlotte

Good Charlotte's video for "Last Night" reconstructs the TV show "Family Double Dare," complete with host Marc Summers.

I'll WaitVan Halen

Michael McDonald co-wrote the Van Halen song "I'll Wait."

StrongerKanye West

A 2011 Gold's Gym poll found "Stronger" by Kanye West the best song to work out to. Second place was the Rocky theme.

The Rubberband ManThe Spinners

"The Rubberband Man" is a "short, fat guy" with rhythm and grace. Spinners producer Thom Bell wrote it to boost the self-esteem of his rotund son.

My GenerationThe Who

Pete Townshend wrote the lyrics for "My Generation" by The Who during a train ride from London to Southampton on his 20th birthday when he was thinking about "trying to find a place in society."