Neil Young's ode to personal cannabis culitivation, "Homegrown," was iniitally released on his American Stars 'n Bars album in 1977. This electric version was actually preceded by an acoustic rendition recorded in 1975 that has never been released until now. It's part of Young's lost Homegrown album, which is available for the first time.
"It was little too personal," Young conceded about the album in '75. He said the songs scared him. "I'd be too embarassed to put them out," Young noted. "They're a little too real."
Homegrown consists of 12 songs. The band included Robbi Robertson, Levon Helm and Emmylou Harris.
By '75, Young had released seven albums. Harvest in 1972 hit the No. 1 spot.
Young now explains that the "heartache" from his breakup with actress Carrie Snodgrass prevented the release of Homegrown. "I just couldn't listen to it," he relates. "I wanted to move on. So I kept ot to myself hidden away in the vault, on the shelf, in the back of my mind. But I should have shared it."
The Original "Homegrown" (1975)
The "American Stars 'n Bars" Version (1977)
"Homegrown" Lyrics
Chorus
Homegrown's all right with me
Homegrown is the way it should be
Homegrown is a good thing
Plant that bell and let it ring
Verse
Sun comes up in the morning
And it shines that light around
One day without no warning
Things start jumping up
From the ground
Repeat chorus 2x
More Neil Young Stoner Songs
In 1975, Young penned several songs with marijuana in mind: "Roll Another Number (for the Road)" on Tonight's the Night and "We Don't Smoke It No More," a blues track on Homegrown.
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"Roll Another Number" Lyrics
Verse 1
It's too dark to put the keys in my ignition,
And the mornin' sun is yet to climb my hood ornament.
But before too long I might see those flashing red lights
Look out, mama, 'cause I'm comin' home tonight.
Chorus
Think I'll roll another number for the road,
I feel able to get under any load.
Though my feet aren't on the ground,
I been standin' on the sound
Of some open-hearted people goin' down.
Verse 2
I'm not goin' back to Woodstock for a while,
Though I long to hear that lonesome hippie smile.
I'm a million miles away from that helicopter day
No, I don't believe I'll be goin' back that way.
Repeat chorus
