(Takes time to load but well worth that time)
In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer’s ceased its gleaming,
When the corn is past its prime,
When adventure’s lost its meaning,
I’ll be homeward bound in time.
Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.
If you find it’s me you're missing, if you’re hoping I’ll return.
To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning, and in the road I’ll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I’ll be retracing when I’m homeward bound again.
Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.
In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing,
I’ll be homeward bound again.-Music and Lyrics by Marta Keen
With thanks to Gerard at American Digest for the link.
My Grandfather just passed away last week. My uncle had this song on his mp3 player and listened to it on the plane ride here. when my father made a slide show presentation this song was the beautiful and hauntingly comforting melody that played during the show. thank you for posting the lyrics so that I can see what was being said in the song. the words sound simple but are very profound to me and my family. We know that Papa is "home" now. Thanks once again for posting these lyrics.
Posted by: Corinne | Monday, September 21, 2009 at 03:40 AM
I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but I feel to write, and so I do.
As I sit here on an early Saturday morning and read these lyrics and listen to the song (Mormon Tabernacle Choir version) I cannot help but see past the literal meaning of the horse in a pasture. It's about so much more. As my small children come to me and tell me they love me, especially when my daughter's deep blue piercing eyes gaze into mine, I see the day coming all to soon when they will leave my home. I hear them telling me to let them go and find out who they are and what their purpose is. I know that day will inevitably come. I see in these lyrics my prayer, my hope, that they will in spirit and mind always come home; that they will hold fast to that which I have tried to teach them. With the recent passing of my father, I see in these wonderful lyrics my heart turning to him, and to my mother, who gave so much of themselves to me and to my brother. Ultimately, in these lyrics, my mind's eye turns to a long-forgotten conversation. A conversation that I feel happened, though I have no proof, no tangible evidence, no record, other than that which is somehow etched into my soul. A conversation I must have had with my Eternal Father, who sent me here to find MY calling. And as I see that conversation, I feel remnants of the embrace He must have given me. I feel the tears from His eyes on my neck as He slowly releasd His hold on me, hoping I would return to Him. Thank you, Marta Keen for these wonderful words.
Posted by: Pikov Andropov | Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Beautifully put Mr. Andropov... thanks.
Posted by: Rick | Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 12:59 PM
The Air Force Academy Catholic Choir sang a version to this, some of the words are just slightly different (i.e. when the sparrow is softly singing and the sky is clear and bright) but it is still absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Taylor B. | Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 07:31 PM
The Air Force Academy Catholic Choir sang a version to this, some of the words are just slightly different (i.e. when the sparrow is softly singing and the sky is clear and bright) but it is still absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Taylor B. | Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 07:31 PM
I have sang this song for solo ensemble (choir) it is one of the best songs I have heard and ever learned through out my choir experience
Posted by: Isabella | Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Singing this at OMEA solo competition (:
I love this song, sang it in choir. It's just amazing.
Posted by: Caitlyn D | Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 07:18 PM
Have the CD by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This song never fails to touch the deepest parts of my soul.
Posted by: Nancy Hiatt | Sunday, November 07, 2010 at 09:16 AM
I'm going into the Air Force and have to say that this song has given me a hope to come back home to all of my loved ones. If anybody has any loved ones in combat right now, I want you to know that when I get there, I'll bring as many of them home as I can.
Posted by: Chris Snodgrass | Tuesday, November 09, 2010 at 10:14 AM
This is an amazing song we are doing this at our last concert. It's our way of saying goodbye to our senior class. During rehersal alone I have noticed several members of our choir that are seniors, including myself, tear up during practice. I love this song! It is wonderful!
Posted by: Jessica | Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 09:09 AM