Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Home On The Range
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
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Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Oh give me a land where the bright diamond sand
Flows leisurely down the stream
Where the graceful white swan goes gliding along
Like a maid in a heavenly dream
Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
Oh often at night, when the heavens are bright
Have I stood there amazed and asked as I gazed
From the light of the glittering stars
If their glory exceeds that of ours
Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
The song “Home On The Range” is an ode to the beauty of rural America, specifically the vast open spaces of the prairies where buffalo, deer, and antelope roam and the skies are expansive and clear. The lyrics speak to the desire for a simple life, free from the constraints of city living, where nature is abundant and one can find peace and solace. The line “Where seldom is heard a discouraging word” reflects this sentiment, suggesting a place where the stresses and negativity of modern life are not present.
As the song progresses, it continues to paint a picture of an idyllic landscape, with reference to the “bright diamond sand,” “graceful white swan,” and “glittering stars.” The harmony of nature is conveyed through the metaphor of the “maiden in a heavenly dream,” suggesting a spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world. The singer reflects on the majesty of the stars and wonders if their glory exceeds that of humanity, further emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.
Overall, “Home On The Range” can be seen as a celebration of the American West, where nature’s bounty and the open spaces of the prairie offer solace from the stresses of modern life. The song is a reminder of the beauty of the world around us and the need to appreciate and protect it.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam
I wish I had a peaceful home where buffalos live.
Where the deer and the antelope play
A place where deer and antelope happily interact.
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
A place where there is rarely any negativity or criticism heard.
And the skies are not cloudy all day
It's good to have clear skies throughout the day.
Home, home on the range
A reminder of a peaceful place to live.
Oh give me a land where the bright diamond sand
I want a place where the sand sparkles like diamonds.
Flows leisurely down the stream
The water must flow gently and slowly in the stream.
Where the graceful white swan goes gliding along
A place where a swan moves effortlessly and elegantly on the water.
Like a maid in a heavenly dream
The swan moves as if it's in a beautiful, fantasy dream sequence.
Oh often at night, when the heavens are bright
Sometimes I reflect on the beauty of the night sky.
Have I stood there amazed and asked as I gazed
I'm often in awe and wonder while gazing at the sky.
From the light of the glittering stars
The stars shine and sparkle brilliantly in the sky.
If their glory exceeds that of ours
I wonder if the stars' magnificence surpasses our own.
Home, home on the range
A peaceful reminder of a beautiful, natural paradise.
Where the deer and the antelope play
A reminder of the harmonious coexistence of different types of animals.
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
A reminder of a world without negativity.
And the skies are not cloudy all day
A peaceful place with no negativity, where the weather is always great.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TERRY RENDALL, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind