01. A House Is a Home
Ben & Ellen Harper Lyrics
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Even when the grass is overgrown in the yard
Even when the dog is too old to bark
And when you're sitting at the table trying not to starve
A house is a home even when there's ghosts
Even when you gotta run from the ones who love you most
Screen door's broken paint's peeling from the wood
A house is a home where the chores are never done
Where you spend your whole life running to and from
And if the life that you live is not the life you choose
Make your child a home and start anew
A house is a home
Even when we've up and gone
Even when you're there alone
A house is a home
The song "A House is A Home" by Ben and Ellen Harper is a reflection on the emotional significance of a house beyond its physical structure. The song suggests that a house is more than just the tangible bricks and walls, it is a place that holds our memories, emotions, and experiences, even in times of darkness and difficulty. The first verse speaks to the idea that a home can feel empty or neglected, but it still holds a sense of familiarity, even in challenging circumstances. The second verse highlights the idea that a home can also hold painful or traumatic memories but despite the pain, there is a sense of belonging, and even comfort in knowing that you have a place to call your own. The final verse emphasizes that even when we leave our homes behind, they continue to be an important part of our identity and the memories associated with them will always remain. Ultimately, the song encourages us to find comfort and belonging in the spaces we occupy, even when they are less than perfect.
Line by Line Meaning
A house is a home even when it's dark
A home is still your home no matter how dark or gloomy it seems
Even when the grass is overgrown in the yard
Even when the yard is overgrown, the house remains a comforting and safe place
Even when the dog is too old to bark
Even when a beloved pet has grown old and cannot bark, the home still holds joyful memories
And when you're sitting at the table trying not to starve
Even in times of hardship where food is scarce, a home gives shelter and comfort
A house is a home even when there's ghosts
Haunted or not, a home holds memories and emotions that make it special
Even when you gotta run from the ones who love you most
Even when you have to leave home because of circumstances, the love and comfort of that home persists
Screen door's broken paint's peeling from the wood
Even when a home is falling apart, it still holds special memories and love
Locals whisper when they gonna leave the neighborhood
Even when neighbors are gossiping or relocating, home remains a constant source of comfort
A house is a home where the chores are never done
A home is where there's always something to do, but it's also where one finds peace and rest after completing those tasks
Where you spend your whole life running to and from
A home is where we return to after a long day or a long life, where we find peace and respite
And if the life that you live is not the life you choose
Even if your life is not what you imagined, home is where you can reflect, heal, and start anew
Make your child a home and start anew
Create a loving and safe home for your children, and find comfort and stability in that home yourself
A house is a home even when we've up and gone
Even after we have left a home, it holds lasting memories and love
Even when you're there alone
Even when you're alone in a home, it still holds memories, comfort, and love
A house is a home
No matter the circumstances, a home remains a special and vital part of our lives
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BENJAMIN CHASE HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LeoSbrana
This song makes me cry. A great artist with his mother singing together this beautiful song... Very touching!
I love "childhood home".
Thank you!
@user-ij3vc9bp3n
You are beautiful, merci ❤❤❤
Missed DL tribute by ONE DAY. Still got to meet Jerry, and Ellen.......and...I'll be back some day...........this fine song sums it up.......
@arianasudamerica3801
So beautiful! And the instruments on the wall! Thank you for everything you do for local music!
@leodwinak
I visited the Folk Music Center decades ago.
While looking at the fascinating instruments a tall thin nlack kid came out of the back. I asked some dumb questions and he demonstrated playing guitar. I bought his first album years later. Always wondered about that day until I read his bio and made the connection. Amazing artist and family history.
@nathyshanty3550
Bravo Ben, your mother is so beautiful, as you are!!! excuse my bad englisch, but just wanted to thank you for this present, Nathalie
@firstlast5289
This made my day, week, year... my life!!! 😃
@belo1971
Awesome cd, awesome song, awesome moment to sing with your mom' !
@gliazelle2949
Great you and your Mom :-* :-* :-* i miss my mother and my home so much but i know there is some goodness outside and nothing is too late :-* :-* :-*
@kadzar
Amazing... with no words...