“Home on the Range” is a fun song to sing together. Older generations know it, and younger generations can catch on quickly.

I often include “Home on the Range” in singalongs grouped with other western-themed songs, such as “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” and “Back in the Saddle Again.” I’ve presented most of my in-person singalong shows at memory care homes in Texas, and I know it is a favorite here. I’m pretty sure though that the song is popular all around the country. It expresses universal longings for freedom and peace.

The song’s lyrics were written by Brewster M. Higley and the music is by Daniel E. Kelley. This song was published in 1874, but was probably written at least a year or two before that. It is in the public domain.

It has been recorded by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Slim Whitman, Gene Autry, Burl Ives, Connie Francis, Tori Amos, and many other wonderful singers. It has been called the “unofficial anthem” of the American West.

Our singalongs are designed to be fun for the whole family, including loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Singing together can help people living with dementia better connect with family and friends and their own joy-filled memories. All of our singalongs feature uplifting, positive, and widely known songs.

Here’s our singalong version of “Home on the Range.” Enjoy!

Lyrics to “Home on the Range”

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.

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
With the light from the glittering stars,
Have I stood there amazed and asked as I gazed,
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.

And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Karaoke Version of “Home on the Range”

Our friends at Karaoke Version offer a fun arrangement of “Home on the Range.” Please note: Songs & Smiles is part of the Karaoke Version Affiliate Community, so we will receive a small commission if you purchase through the link below.

Various file formats are available. For karaoke videos, we suggest switching from the colorful animated background to the black background. The colorful version is fun, and the designs synch to the beat of the music, but we find the neutral black backgrounds to be less distracting and easier to follow, especially for your audience members living with dementia.

Home on the Range 1800s Standards

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Shine on Harvest Moon

She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain

Or, check out our entire singalongs library or our YouTube channel.