"Who Says You Can't Go Home" was released as the second single in North America in the first quarter of 2006 and reached the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 , peaking at number 23. The song reached number five in the United Kingdom, becoming the band's second top-ten single from the album.
Who Says You Can't Go Home
Bon Jovi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was looking for something I couldn't replace
I was running away from the only thing I've ever known
Like a blind dog without a bone
I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone
I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold
I been there, done that
Saving dimes, spending too much time on the telephone
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't go home?
There's only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't go back?
I been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I wanna go
Who says you can't go home?
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
I went as far as I could
I tried to find a new face
There isn't one of these lines that I would erase
I lived a million miles of memories on that road
With every step I take, I know that I'm not alone
You take the home from the boy
But not the boy from his home
These are my streets, the only life I've ever known
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't go home?
There's only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't go back?
Been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I wanna go
Who says you can't go home?
It doesn't matter where you are
It doesn't matter where you go
If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road
Take it in
Take it with you when you go
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't go back?
Been all around the world and as a matter of fact
There's only one place left I wanna go
Who says you can't go home?
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Who says you can't go home?
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Who says you can't go home?
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Who says you can't go home?
The song "Who Says You Can't Go Home" by Bon Jovi is all about finding a place to belong, a place to call home. The lyrics talk about the singer's journey of trying to leave his hometown, but ultimately realizing that home is where the heart is. He describes the feelings of being lost, searching for something that he couldn't replace. He sought purpose by exploring the world, but eventually realized that the only place he truly felt at home was his hometown.
The first verse describes his experience of feeling lost and directionless. He ran from his hometown, searching for a different life, but he found himself feeling like a "gypsy lost in the twilight zone." He even hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold, trying to find something worth staying for. But despite all these attempts, he can't seem to shake the feeling that something is missing.
However, as the chorus states, he eventually realizes that he can go home. The singer embraces his roots and finds solace in his hometown. He speaks of the importance of being able to return home no matter how far you go. He recognizes that his hometown is the only place where he is truly understood and accepted. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the importance of home and belonging.
Overall, the lyrics of "Who Says You Can't Go Home" are about finding a place to belong and recognizing the value of your roots, even if life takes you far away.
Line by Line Meaning
I spent twenty years trying to get out of this place
I spent a lot of time trying to leave my hometown
I was looking for something I couldn't replace
I was searching for something that I couldn't find anywhere else
I was running away from the only thing I've ever known
I was trying to escape from my roots and my upbringing
Like a blind dog without a bone
I was lost and didn't have a clear direction to go in
I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone
I felt like a wanderer, lost in an unfamiliar world
I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold
I took a chance and ended up finding something really great
But I ain't looking back on the seeds I've sown
I'm not dwelling on my past mistakes or decisions
Saving dimes, spending too much time on the telephone
I was focused on saving money but spent too much time talking instead of taking action
Who says you can't go home?
Who says you can't return to your roots and find comfort in the familiar?
There's only one place they call me one of their own
There's only one place where I truly feel like I belong
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
I may have traveled far and wide, but I'll always be a hometown boy at heart
I been all around the world and as a matter of fact
I've traveled extensively and as a result, I've gained a lot of experience and perspective
I went as far as I could
I pushed myself to the limits and explored as much as I could
I tried to find a new face
I sought out new experiences and challenges to help me grow
There isn't one of these lines that I would erase
I'm proud of my journey thus far and wouldn't change a thing
I lived a million miles of memories on that road
I've had a lot of experiences and made a lot of memories during my travels
With every step I take, I know that I'm not alone
Even when I'm far from home, I carry my past with me and it gives me strength
You take the home from the boy
Even though I've left my hometown, it's still a part of me
But not the boy from his home
My roots and upbringing will always be a part of who I am
It doesn't matter where you are
Your location doesn't define who you are or where you're going
It doesn't matter where you go
You can find your way no matter where you end up
If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road
Whether you're far away or close to your destination, you can always make progress
Take it in
Embrace your surroundings and make the most of your experiences
Take it with you when you go
Carry your memories and experiences with you as you continue on your journey
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Everything will be okay in the end
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: RICHARD SAMBORA, JON BON JOVI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deborahfarooq3492
I love this song . Grew up with his music. Still listening in 2024.. God bless Bon Jovi with years of singing. Add the years to his life .. 😊🎉❤
@karriburkhart4367
Me too! Loved him when he had big/long hair in the 80's, and love him still, now that he's all gray. His smile and voice transcends time. 🥰☺️
@jayslack41
Jennifer nettles is the best female voice in the last 30 years
@celticsapphire586
Jon and Jennifer's voices blend beautifully, they sound really good together.
@paulanthonyburrell1966
For sure 👍
@michaelwainscott2633
Jennifer is very hot!
@conservativeguitarsingerjs7937
But no voice will ever blend like richies did. That’s unreal.
@amelmatt5641
Not to mention Jennifer’s sexy af
@josiahjduarte2315
I Agree
@maryk6302
I'm about to turn 75 and never listen to Bon Jovi! Then I came upon Hallelujah, then Do What You Can, now You Can't Go Home! I'm now a fan! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!