Les Brown and His Band of Renown had been performing the song, but were unable to record it because of the 1942–44 musicians' strike.

[1] The song's release coincided with the end of the Second World War in Europe and became the unofficial homecoming theme for many veterans.

The song describes someone about to take a train to a place to which they have a great emotional attachment, and their mounting anticipation while wondering why they ever roamed away.

[1] Ringo Starr would later cover the song as the titular track from his 1970 debut solo album, following the break-up of The Beatles.

Rod Stewart covered the song on his album Swing Fever (2024).