Included on Big Swing Face (album) .. 2002.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (keyboards, vocals); Michael Baker (drums); David Bendeth (drum fills); J.V. Collier (bass); J.T. Thomas (organ); Bonnie Bonaparte (drums); Floyd Hill (backing vocals).
No Home Training meaning of the song
The song “No Home Training” by Bruce paints a vivid picture of a character named “Poppy” who is marked by his unruly behaviour and lack of conventional discipline, or “home training”. The song blends humour, social commentary, and cultural references, often using a light-hearted tone to reflect on deeper themes of upbringing, societal expectations, and individuality. The term “no home training” refers to someone who behaves inappropriately or lacks manners, often implying that their family did not teach them proper etiquette or discipline.
The concept of “no home training”
The phrase “no home training” is central to the song, describing someone who lacks basic manners or socially accepted behaviour. In this context, Poppy is a person whose chaotic and carefree behaviour is viewed negatively by others, especially his mother, who gives him a “low rating.” This may suggest that Poppy’s family, particularly his mother, feels embarrassed or frustrated by his inability to conform to social norms.
Poppy’s behaviour is described as “triflin’,” a word often used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to mean someone who is lazy, irresponsible, or not taking life seriously. Poppy’s “energy draining” personality, coupled with his lack of social grace, is a burden to those around him. Despite these flaws, there’s a sense that Poppy’s friends and community still enjoy his company, as reflected in the line “That’s why we like to hang with him.”
Country life and individualism
The song opens with a setting “up in the country, back in the sticks,” indicating a rural environment. The idea of living in the country, far from urban life, evokes images of a more rugged, independent lifestyle. In this environment, Poppy’s behaviour could be seen as a reflection of the freedom and lack of rigid social structures often associated with rural life. There’s a sense that people in this setting are more tolerant of eccentricity, even if Poppy’s actions are considered inappropriate by conventional standards.
The references to “cabbage greens” and “drinking out the whole jug” add to the rustic, down-to-earth feel of the song. These details reinforce the image of Poppy as someone who lives life on his own terms, indifferent to social norms.
Humour and social commentary
While No Home Training carries an air of humour, there is also an underlying social commentary on how people are judged based on their upbringing and behaviour. Poppy’s carefree attitude and lack of social polish draw both amusement and disapproval from those around him. The song hints at the tension between individuality and societal expectations—Poppy is criticised for his behaviour but also embraced by those who enjoy his free-spirited nature.
The line “Mama gives such a low rating” suggests that parental judgment plays a significant role in how Poppy is perceived. It points to the idea that parents are often blamed or held accountable for their children’s behaviour, especially when that behaviour deviates from societal norms. The song could be reflecting on how individuals are shaped by their environment and upbringing, for better or worse.
Musical aspirations and escape
In the final verse, Bruce shifts to a personal narrative, describing himself playing in a “soul band” in Carver Gardens. The scene of five brothers in a small room “no bigger than a bathroom” conjures a gritty, working-class environment, where music offers a form of escape or self-expression. The line “People say I’m crazy ’cause I’m coming here to blow” speaks to the idea of pursuing one’s passion, even in the face of doubt or ridicule. Music, in this context, is a way of breaking free from the limitations of one’s upbringing or environment.
The song’s humorous tone continues with the story of a girl whose pregnancy duration is in question—first described as four months, then corrected to nine months. This confusion adds to the chaotic, haphazard nature of the world Bruce is describing. It’s a world where things don’t always make sense, and people, like Poppy, navigate life on their own terms, sometimes making questionable decisions along the way.
Final thoughts
“No Home Training” by Bruce Hornsby explores the character of Poppy, a man who defies conventional expectations with his unruly, carefree behaviour. The song blends humour with social commentary, reflecting on how people are judged by their upbringing and how they fit—or don’t fit—into society’s norms. Poppy’s lack of “home training” represents his failure to conform to manners and discipline, yet his individualism and free spirit make him appealing to those around him. The song touches on themes of rural life, societal expectations, and the idea of breaking free through music, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking look at the tension between individuality and social convention.