About the song
Background
- Songwriters: Jerry Akines, Johnnie Bellmon, Victor Drayton, Reginald Turner.
- Release: 1970 (some sources cite 1971) on Pickett’s album of the same name.
- Musical Style: Deep Southern soul, filled with Pickett’s signature raw, passionate vocals.
Lyrics and Themes
The song tells the story of a man returning to his lover and cautioning her against being fooled by appearances of happiness he may have found with another woman.
- Deception: The “green grass” symbolizes a false impression of happiness and fulfillment.
- Regret and Reconciliation: The man regrets leaving, admitting his mistake. He pleads for forgiveness and a second chance.
- The Power of Love: While acknowledging his past mistakes, the focus is on the enduring power of their love and the desire to rebuild their life.
Additional Notes
- Songwriting Team: The song was written by a team of Philadelphia-based songwriters, giving it a slightly different vibe than some of Pickett’s earlier material.
- Iconic Status: The song has become a beloved soul classic, known for its raw emotion and unforgettable chorus.
Video
Lyrics
Girl try to remember when we didn’t have no shoesWe stuck together just me and youIt took a long time to get what we got todayNow you wanna give it all up for another guy
Baby, I’m tellin’ you don’t letThe green grass fool youDon’t let it change your mind
It’s gonna be hard for me babyFeel my life all over‘Cause baby you got the love that I really need‘Cause if you leave, leave me this way, babyYou know what, I may not live to see a brand new day
Oh baby, don’t let, the green grass fool youDon’t let it change your mindYou know why, it may be greener on the other side, babyBut right in my arms is where you belongOh baby
Don’t let the green grass fool youDon’t let it change your mind, oh babyIt may be greener on the other side, babyBut right in my arms is where you belong, baby
Don’t let the green grass fool youDon’t let it change your mindIt may be greener on the other side, baby