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Charles Esten Lyrics


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Sometimes, it feels like I'm so far away
Like everything I love has lost its place
When life gets the best of me
I just close my eyes and see

Fireflies dancing in the yard under the blanket of stars
The sound of their rusty, string guitar
Playing songs we know
And all that I have to do is think one little thought of you
And I'm back home, I'm right back home

Work so long and hard to chase your dreams
Wind up someplace you don't want to be
It's such a lonely road
Especially when you know

There's fireflies dancing in the yard under the blanket of stars
The sound of their rusty, string guitar
Playing songs we know
And all that I have to do is think one little thought of you
And I'm back home, I'm right back home





I'm back home
Yeah, I'm right back home

Overall Meaning

Charles Esten's song Back Home is a poignant reflection on the longing we all feel at some point to return to a place where we feel welcomed and loved. The lyrics evoke a sense of dislocation and alienation, as the singer feels a sense of distance from everything he loves. However, he finds solace in his memory of home, conjuring up the image of fireflies dancing in the yard under the blanket of stars, and the sound of a rustic guitar playing the familiar songs he knows so well. With just one little thought of home, he is able to transport himself back and feel a sense of belonging once again.


The repeated refrain of "I'm back home, I'm right back home" is a powerful expression of the desire we all have to feel that sense of belonging and rootedness, even when life takes us far from where we started. The final line of the song, "Yeah, I'm right back home," is especially significant, suggesting that the singer has not just imagined his way back home, but is actually physically there, perhaps suggesting a reconciliation with the past or a renewed commitment to his roots.


Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes, it feels like I'm so far away
At times, Charles Esten feels like he's very distant from his home.


Like everything I love has lost its place
He feels like the things he loves are not in their proper location anymore.


When life gets the best of me
Charles Esten feels overwhelmed by life at times.


I just close my eyes and see
During these times, he closes his eyes and imagines a different, preferable reality.


Fireflies dancing in the yard under the blanket of stars
In his imagination, Charles sees fireflies moving around in his yard as he looks up at the sky full of stars.


The sound of their rusty, string guitar
Charles hears the sound of an old guitar being played along with the fireflies.


Playing songs we know
The guitar is playing familiar, comforting songs.


And all that I have to do is think one little thought of you
By thinking of someone he loves, he is able to feel better and at home again.


And I'm back home, I'm right back home
Being reminded of the comforts of his loved ones, he feels like he's back in his home now.


Work so long and hard to chase your dreams
Charles Esten has worked very hard to pursue his dreams so far.


Wind up someplace you don't want to be
Unfortunately, he realizes that all this hard work has led him to a location he's not happy with.


It's such a lonely road
It is a very isolating and lonely path to have to endure.


Especially when you know
Particularly because he is aware of the comforts he is missing out on.


I'm back home
By thinking of his loved ones, Charles has come back to a state of comfort.


Yeah, I'm right back home
He has arrived back in his imagined 'home' and feels better for it.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOY YETTON, KYLE JACOBS, LEE BRICE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Belina Brito

This song is on repeat now. It's just so beautiful.

Bailey Zimmerman

Oh well, I try my best to give y’all the best and I hope you are good today?

Sasha Dube

I love Charles Esten so much!

Bailey Zimmerman

Oh well, I try my best to give y’all the best and I hope you are good today?

Toni Hunt

Love this song!

Bailey Zimmerman

Oh well, I try my best to give y’all the best and I hope you are good today?

SamieTrimble7

Beautiful Song. Literally cried my ass off. I miss South Dakota. The lyrics are perfect. ;)

Bailey Zimmerman

Oh well, I try my best to give y’all the best and I hope you are good today?

Eliseb1992

Great song !

Mark Roberts

Love this song..I play it at my gigs...when I sing it I think of the person I love but for reasons she can't/won't see it can be miles away or closer but that 1 person is what calls you home

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