Why do we say "Home, sweet home"?

Meaning:

An expression of delight/contentment on returning home after an absence

Background:

"Home, Sweet Home" is a song from the opera Clari, or the Maid of Milan which was first performed at Covent Garden, London in 1823. The lyrics were written by American actor and playwright John Howard Payne (1791-1852).

Popularized during the late 19th century it became an anthem for soldiers during the American Civil War.

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble there's no place like home!
A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,
Which, seek through the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere.
Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home!
There's no place like home!
There's no place like home!  
 
An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain;
Oh, give me my lowly thatch'd cottage again!
The birds singing gaily that came at my call;
Give me them with the peace of mind clearer than all.
Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home!
There's no place like home!
There's no place like home!

More expressions and their source

Challenge yourself with BookBrowse Wordplays