Home Town

Joe Jackson

About Home Town

"Home Town" is a song by the British new wave musician Joe Jackson released on Jackson's 1986 album, Big World. Written as an ode to his home of Portsmouth, "Home Town" was later released as the follow-up to his politically-charged single, "Right and Wrong". Despite its lack of chart success, the song has since attracted positive critical reception.


Year:
2001
3:11
34 

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Of all the stupid things I could have thought 
This was the worst 
I started to believe 
That I was born at seventeen 

And all the stupid things 
The letters and the broken verse 
Stayed hidden at the bottom of the drawer 
They'd always been 

And now I plough through piles 
Of bills, receipts and credit cards 
And tickets and the Daily News 
And sometimes I just . . .

want to go back to my home town 
Though I know it'll never be the same 
Back to my home town 
'Cause it's been so long 

And I'm wondering if it's still there 
We think we're pretty smart 
Us city slickers get around 
And when the going's rough 

We kill the pain and relocate 
We're never married 
Never faithful not to any town 
But we never leave the past behind 

We just accumulate 
So sometimes when the music stops 
I seem to hear a distant sound 
Of waves and seagulls

Football crowds and church bells 
And I . . .
want to go back to my home town 
Though I know it'll never be the same 

Back to my home town 
'Cause it's been so long 
And I'm wondering if it's still there 
Back to my home town 

Though I know it'll never be the same 
Back to my home town 
'Cause it's been so long 
And I'm wondering if it's still there

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Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson (born David Ian Jackson, 11 August 1954) is an English musician and singer-songwriter now living in Berlin, whose five Grammy Award nominations span from 1979 to 2001. He is probably best known for the 1979 hit song and first single "Is She Really Going Out with Him?", which still gets extensive US FM radio airplay; for his 1982 hit, "Steppin' Out"; and for his 1984 success with "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)". He was popular for his pop/rock and New Wave music early on before moving to more eclectic, though less commercially successful, pop/jazz/classical hybrids. more »

2 fans

Written by: MICHAEL CARR, JIMMY KENNEDY

Lyrics © Konic Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre
The song "Home Town" by Joe Jackson belongs to the New Wave and Pop/Rock genre.
Album
It is taken from the album "Big World" which was released in 1986.
Live Recording
The album "Big World" was recorded live in front of an audience that was asked not to applaud or make noise. This makes "Home Town" a live track.
Unique Concept
The concept of "Big World" album was unique as it was a three-sided double album. The fourth side, which contained no music, had a message from Jackson explaining why the additional space existed.
Songwriting
Joe Jackson is known for his poignant and thought-provoking lyrics. "Home Town", like many of his songs, is a socio-political commentary enacted through the medium of popular music.
Musical Style
In "Home Town", Joe Jackson's signature blend of rock, jazz, and classic pop is evident. His piano skills also shine through in this song.
Critical Acclaim
Though not a major hit, "Home Town" is often praised for its melodic structure and insightful lyrics.
Nostalgic Theme
The song, as suggested by its title, revolves around the theme of nostalgia and longing for one's home town.
Instruments
The song features a rich instrumentation including piano, bass guitar, lead guitar, and drums.
Jackson's Vocal Performance
In "Home Town", Jackson's vocals tend to swing between tender verses and a more powerful, emotional chorus, showcasing his vocal versatility.
Pretty Women Theme
The song was used in the soundtrack of film "Pretty Women," which further increased its popularity.
Jackson’s British Origin
Joe Jackson's British origin reflects in the lyrics as it’s believed to evoke his feelings about his hometown, Portsmouth, England.

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