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Atakoglu / El Negro / Jackson Lyrics
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They told us that the streets were paved with gold
And some of us believed 'em, left our home and came looking
But that was just another story they told
I got to get back and see my people
Someday and someway
My old Uncle Henry don't believe in those airplanes
Gave me piggy back rides down them dusty highways
When I came just up to his knees
I got to get back and see my people
Someday and someway
I never thought I'd be lost and start searching for warmth and a smile
I never thought I'd be running through the city streets like a newborn child
No, no, no
I never thought I'd be lost and start searching for warmth and a smile
I never thought I'd be running through the city streets like a newborn child
But here I am
And I got some people and I know that they love me
And I know just where to look this time
Collar greens and cornbread on my Sunday dinner
And don't you know that makes me think it's working out fine
When I get back to see my people
Someday and someway
Someday and someway
And someday, and someway
The song 'Back Home' by Atakoglu / El Negro / Jackson is a poignant reflection of the longing to return to one's roots and reconnect with loved ones. The lyrics paint a picture of disillusionment with city living and a yearning to go back home where the real meaning of life lies. The opening lines "There's been a whole lot said about your city living, They told us that the streets were paved with gold" suggest that the allure of city life might not be all that it's cracked up to be, and the grass is not always greener on the other side. The next line "And some of us believed 'em, left our home and came looking, But that was just another story they told" perfectly captures the sentiment of being let down by the false promises of a better life.
The second verse depicts a sense of nostalgia for the past and the people who have been left behind. The lines "My old Uncle Henry don't believe in those airplanes, Lord knows you sure been good to me" epitomize the sentiment of treasuring the simple things in life and the warmth of childhood memories. As the singer reminisces about Uncle Henry giving him piggyback rides down dusty highways, he realizes that he has to go back and see his people someday.
Throughout the song, the singer reflects on the unexpected twists and turns of life and the search for comfort and belonging. The lines "I never thought I'd be lost and start searching for warmth and a smile, I never thought I'd be running through the city streets like a newborn child" reveal the vulnerability of the human condition and the need for emotional connection.
Overall, 'Back Home' is a heartfelt and soulful song that speaks to the universal longing for connection, roots and a sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
There's been a whole lot said about your city living
People have said a lot about living in the city
They told us that the streets were paved with gold
They said the city was abundant with opportunity and success
And some of us believed 'em, left our home and came looking
Some of us took their word, left the familiar and searched for something more
But that was just another story they told
But it turned out to be just another false narrative
I got to get back and see my people
I have to go back and see my loved ones
Someday and someway
Eventually, somehow
My old Uncle Henry don't believe in those airplanes
My uncle is old-fashioned and distrusts modern technology
Lord knows you sure been good to me
God has been good to me
Gave me piggy back rides down them dusty highways
He carried me and made the rough journey easier
When I came just up to his knees
When I was still small and helpless
I never thought I'd be lost and start searching for warmth and a smile
I never thought I'd feel so alone and crave human connection
I never thought I'd be running through the city streets like a newborn child
I never thought I'd feel so free and alive in the city
But here I am
But this is my reality now
And I got some people and I know that they love me
I have found people who care for me
And I know just where to look this time
I know where to find what I'm looking for
Collar greens and cornbread on my Sunday dinner
Traditional Southern soul food that brings me comfort
And don't you know that makes me think it's working out fine
And that lets me know things are going well
When I get back to see my people
When I return to visit my loved ones
Someday and someway
Eventually, somehow
Someday and someway
Eventually, somehow
And someday, and someway
And eventually, somehow
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEPHEN LEE CROPPER, DONALD V. DUNN, AL JR. JACKSON, BOOKER T. JR. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind