Home on the Range
Sesame Street 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
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
The red man was pressed from this part of the west
It's not likely he'll ever return
To the banks of Red River where seldom if ever
His flickering campfires still burn
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
How often at night when the heavens are bright
I see the light of those flickering stars
Have I laid there amazed and asked as I gazed
If their glory exceeds that of love
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 a classic American folk song that celebrates the beauty and freedom of the American West. The opening verse, "Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, Where the deer and the antelope play, Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, And the skies are not cloudy all day," expresses a longing for a place of peace and tranquility, where nature is unspoiled and harsh words are rare. The singer wishes to be in a place where there is no discord or negativity, and where the sky is always clear and bright.
The second verse of the song, which describes the disappearance of the Native American people from the land, reflects a nostalgic sadness for the loss of a way of life and the beauty of the land that was once theirs. The singer acknowledges that the red man may never return and that his campfires no longer flicker along the Red River. This verse serves to highlight the contrast between the natural beauty of the land and the bitter history of conquest and colonization.
The final verse of the song is a contemplation of the beauty of the night sky, and a recognition that the natural world can inspire feelings of wonder and amazement. The singer suggests that the majesty of the stars may even surpass that of human love. This verse reinforces the theme of the song, which is a celebration of the beauty, freedom, and wonder of the American West.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam
I desire a place where I can live in harmony with nature and the creatures that inhabit it.
Where the deer and the antelope play
A place where I can observe the peaceful and playful nature of these animals.
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
In such an environment, there is little negativity or strife to be found.
And the skies are not cloudy all day
The weather is clear and pleasant most days, creating an idyllic atmosphere.
Home, home on the range
This idyllic location is what I consider to be my true home.
The red man was pressed from this part of the west
Native Americans were forced from this area, and their presence is sorely missed.
It's not likely he'll ever return
The past can never truly be reclaimed and attempts to do so are unlikely, if not impossible.
To the banks of Red River where seldom if ever
It is a sorrowful thought that the campfires of the past will never be seen again on this land.
His flickering campfires still burn
The memories of Native American culture and history still live on, even if the people and traditions do not.
How often at night when the heavens are bright
In moments of contemplation, I realize that some of the most beautiful aspects of life can be found in nature.
I see the light of those flickering stars
The stars in the night sky represent a sense of wonder and beauty.
Have I laid there amazed and asked as I gazed
In moments of introspection, I am struck by the awe-inspiring nature of the universe.
If their glory exceeds that of love
The beauty of natural phenomena is so awe-inspiring that it is hard to compare it to anything else in life.
Contributed by Caden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Megan
on Once Is Not Enough
I get it, it teaches kids you might not just have enough so you have to have more