This was inspired by James Taylor’s Carolina in my Mind. Realising that were was a lack of songs celebrating places in England, I decided to write one. I entered this for the UK Songwriting Contest and it reached the semifinals stage. I wonder if this is the time to confess that I was actually born a few miles over the Surrey border in Haslemere! I’ve always considered myself to be a Hampshire Hog, though. (Written and recorded May 2019).
Lyrics
I’m Hampshire-born and I’m Hampshire-bred
I’m strong in the arm; they say I’m thick in the head
Oh but I’m Hampshire through and through
I wouldn’t care if anyone knew
And my heart is tougher than an English oak
And anybody could tell you why
Though I say it with a tear in my eye
I know I’ll never get closer to heaven
Till the day I die.
If ever my wayward footsteps
Should lead me to far-off foreign shores
I know that my heart remains here
Among the green forest and purple moors
Cos I feel something calling me back
Way over there on the downland track.
Because I’m Hampshire-born and I’m Hampshire-bred
I’m strong in the arm; I may be thick in the head
Oh but I’m Hampshire through and through
I wouldn’t care if ev’ryone knew
And my mind is sharper than the Needles stack
And anybody could tell you why
Though I say it with a tear in my eye
I think I’ll never get closer to heaven
Till the day I die.
If ever I lose direction
I know I can find my way back home
I’ll follow the old straight track
To take me to England’s cornerstone
The salty tang of the Solent sea
The only perfume there ever need be
Yes I’m Hampshire-born and I’m Hampshire-bred
I’m strong in the arm; they say I’m thick in the head
Oh but I’m Hampshire through and through
I wouldn’t care if anyone knew
And my soul flies higher than the Spinnaker Tower
Anybody could tell you why
Well I say it with a tear in my eye
I know I’ll never get closer to heaven
Till the day I die.
I said I’ll never get closer to heaven
Till the day I die.