The Meaning Behind The Song: Home On The Range by Traditional
The iconic American folk song, “Home On The Range,” is a beloved anthem of the western United States. Its lyrics paint a picturesque view of the great plains and embody the spirit of the frontier. But what is the meaning behind this classic tune? Let’s explore the history and symbolism of “Home On The Range.”
The History of “Home On The Range”
“Home On The Range” has a cloudy origin story, with various artists and locations claiming credit for the tune. According to some scholars, the song was composed in the early 1870s by Dr. Brewster Higley, a Kansas doctor-turned-farmer. Higley wrote the lyrics to express his homesickness for his native state of Indiana, while living in Smith County, Kansas. His friend, Daniel Kelley, is said to have set the words to music.
However, others argue that the song’s roots go back even further, and that Higley merely adapted an existing tune. Furthermore, there are versions of the song that differ enough from Higley’s lyrics to suggest they may have had a separate origin.
Regardless of its exact origins, “Home On The Range” became popular within the cowboy community in the late 19th century. It was sung around campfires and on cattle drives, and eventually became associated with the broader American west.
The Significance of The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are simple, yet poignant. The first verse sets the scene for a pastoral idyll:
“Oh give me a home
Where the buffalo roam
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard
A discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.”
The imagery of the wide open range, with its abundance of wildlife and clear skies, speaks to the beauty and freedom of the west. It’s worth noting that this image is a romanticized one, given the harsh realities of frontier life, and the environmental damage wrought by cattle ranching.
The chorus carries the theme of homesickness:
“Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard
A discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.”
Here, the idea of finding a home on the range where one can be at peace and thrive carries great emotional weight. The emphasis on “seldom is heard a discouraging word” suggests a desire for a peaceful haven, free from the negativity and strife of modern society.
The second and third verses further develop the theme of nostalgia for a simpler time:
“How often at night
When the heavens are bright
With the light from the glittering stars
Have I stood here amazed
And asked as I gazed
If their glory exceeds that of ours.”
“Oh I love those wild flowers
In this dear land of ours
The curlew I love to hear scream
And I love the white rocks
And the antelope flocks
That graze on the mountain-tops green.”
Here, the speaker expresses a reverence for nature, and a longing for a world that has been lost to progress and agriculture. The mention of the stars in the sky underscores the sense of smallness and humility that comes from being surrounded by the vastness of the west.
The Legacy of “Home On The Range”
Over time, “Home On The Range” has become a cultural touchstone for the American west. It has been covered by countless artists, and serves as a symbol of the region’s rugged individualism and pioneering spirit.
In 1947, it was declared the state song of Kansas, in recognition of Dr. Brewster Higley’s contribution to its creation. It was later adopted as the official song of the American west in 1953.
Today, “Home On The Range” remains a beloved piece of American folklore, and continues to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for the wide open plains of the west.
FAQs About “Home On The Range”
1. Who wrote “Home On The Range”?
The origins of the song are disputed, but it’s most commonly attributed to Dr. Brewster Higley, a Kansas farmer who wrote the lyrics in the early 1870s. Some historians believe that Higley may have borrowed the tune from an existing folk song.
2. What does the chorus of “Home On The Range” mean?
The chorus expresses a longing for a peaceful home in the west where the speaker will be surrounded by beauty and free from negativity. The lyric “where seldom is heard a discouraging word” emphasizes the desire for a place that’s free from discomfort.
3. What kind of life did cowboys lead during the time the song was written?
Cowboys were responsible for herding and caring for cattle, often on long drives across the plains. They lived in tough conditions, braving harsh weather, dangerous animals, and limited access to resources. Many cowboys sang songs like “Home On The Range” around the campfire to pass the time and boost morale.
4. Why was “Home On The Range” chosen as the state song of Kansas?
In 1947, the Kansas legislature declared “Home On The Range” the official state song, in recognition of its Kansas roots. Though the song’s exact origins are unclear, it was associated with Kansas in its earliest days, and is believed to have been co-written by a Kansas doctor named Brewster Higley.
5. What is the meaning behind the song’s second verse?
The second verse of “Home On The Range” expresses wonder and admiration for the natural world of the west, particularly the stars in the sky. It evokes a sense of awe at the vastness and beauty of the world, and a sense of smallness in comparison.
6. What is the legacy of “Home On The Range”?
“Home On The Range” has become synonymous with the American west, and serves as a touchstone for the region’s culture and values. It remains a beloved folk song, and has been covered by countless artists over the years. Many people associate the song with a romanticized image of the west, and its lyrics continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and homesickness.
7. Was “Home On The Range” popular during its time?
While it’s difficult to trace the exact popularity of “Home On The Range” in its early days, it’s believed to have been a popular tune among cowboys and settlers in the west. The song’s simple, catchy melody and relatable lyrics likely contributed to its widespread appeal.
8. Why do people associate “Home On The Range” with the American west?
“Home On The Range” is associated with the west because of its lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of the plains and the kind of life that was associated with them. The song’s origin story, as well as its adoption as Kansas’ state song and the western region’s official song, have further solidified its link to the area.
9. What does the song’s name mean?
The term “home on the range” refers to the idea of finding a peaceful, secluded place to call home, away from the trappings of modern life. The phrase has become synonymous with the west and its pioneering spirit.
10. What kind of instruments are typically used to play “Home On The Range”?
The song is typically performed with string instruments like the guitar and the banjo, as well as the harmonica. However, it’s been covered by a wide variety of musicians over the years, and has been adapted into various genres.
11. Why is “Home On The Range” still relevant today?
“Home On The Range” remains relevant today because of its ability to capture the essence of the American west and the dreams that it embodies. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for a simpler, more peaceful life, which remains relevant in our complex and hectic world.
12. What are some other popular songs about the west?
Some other classic songs about the American west include “Ghost Riders In The Sky” by Johnny Cash, “El Paso” by Marty Robbins, and “Rawhide” by Frankie Laine.
