Tom Jones's hit song 'Green, Green Grass of Home' isn't actually about Wales
It's hard not to sing along to the "Green, Green Grass of Home" whenever it comes on the radio.
After all, it's nostalgic, makes you think of home and is sung by none other than our very own Tom Jones. But, even though it was made popular by the Pontypridd-born singer, many people don't realise Tom isn't actually singing about Wales.
It's easy to think it is, but Tom wasn't actually the first person to perform the hit. The nostalgic tune was actually written by Claude "Curly" Putman Jr, and first recorded by singer Johnny Darrell in 1965.
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The country song was first made popular by Porter Wagoner when he released a version during the same year, and it got to number 4 in the country chart. It was also recorded by Bobby Bare and Jerry Lee Lewis before Tom learnt the song.
Then, in 1966, the Welsh legend bagged a number one hit with the song, and it's been loved by generations ever since. After all, it really does make you think of home.
Even now, people sing the song all the time with clips of Tom performing it over the years constantly cropping up on social media. But for years you may have been singing it without actually realising what it's about.
In the song, the singer is depicted to return to his childhood home for what appears to be the first time since he was young. He then steps down from the train to see his parents, along with his sweetheart, Mary.
It's said they meet him with "arms reaching, smiling sweetly". He then thinks back to his childhood, and reflects on memorable moments, admitting "it's good to touch the green, green grass of home".
But, quite suddenly, the singer switches and realises it was all a dream. He's actually in prison, and he's soon to face his execution.
As the song goes on, he sees a guard and "a sad old padre" who will accompany him to his execution at daybreak. After this, it's implied he will return to the "green, green grass of home".
As it was written by Nashville songwriter Curly Putman, it's also clear the "green, green grass" has no relation to Wales at all. Many of us sing it like it does - perhaps just because we can relate to the first half of the song - or because Tom was the person who made it popular.
None the less, it's clear that people still love the tune, as thousands watch videos of the Welsh icon belting out the hit even now at the age of 84.
Over 80,000 people viewed one particular video, and thousands chimed in to share their thoughts. Even after all these years, the song is still loved by many.
One person said: "Love this song. No one can sing it like Tom Jones." Another added: "Oh, those beautiful Welsh tones, I just get lost in them. Warmest wishes to you Tom."
A third replied: "You sound as good today as you did in the sixties Tom!" Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "Wow, beautiful - one of my favourite songs."
