Following Thursday night's rehearsal, as the four of us were riding home together, I mentioned how much I particularly loved one of the songs we're singing on Sunday called Homeward Bound, composed by Marta Keen Thompson. The others in the car agreed and then Willy asked "So what do you think is the meaning behind the lyrics?" Each of us then took turns in relaying our own interpretation of the words to the song, and I must say that it was a really interesting and insightful experience. So much so, that I wanted to share each person's interpretation for my blog post today.
Before doing that, I'll include the words below for reference, and also include them so that you, yourself (if you'd like), can come up with your own interpretation. While the composer and lyricist most likely had her own intended meaning, I think it's always worth taking the time to internalize the words yourself and sort of "make them your own." When that happens, they become a source of inspiration and strength along your personal journey of life.
LYRICS
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 listening, 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.
Interpretations
Ben: For me, this song is about me, as a father--working and toiling throughout the week--sometimes traveling far away from home, but always being able to eagerly return to my family and the ones I love.
Willy: This is about a father and son--a father who's a farmer and a son who is learning his father's trade but doesn't necessarily enjoy it. In fact, he wants to be free to find his own way in life and become who he is supposed to become.
Alan: Each of us is bound to the things of this earth--we're here to toil and work and be subject to this earthly experience and all that that entails. But one day, we'll be able to leave that behind and travel heavenward--taking all that we've learned with us.
Ryan: We all have our agency to pursue our own path in life. There might be norms and expectations that society or others set for us, but we have the opportunity to break free from those and find the calling in life we were meant to find.
A special thanks to my carpool brethren for letting me share their thoughts on this beautiful song. I appreciate their insights. One of the best parts about all of this was when I was singing Homeward Bound today. Instead of just my own lyrical meaning to ponder and express as part of my testimony, I now had three others!
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: Another version of Homeward Bound that I really like.
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