Today is probably just another ordinary day for most of us. But in my mind’s eye this morning, as I was navigating the traffic to work (because I missed the bus and had to take the car) I suddenly thought of thousands of military personnel who are waking up on an uncomfortable cot somewhere; to heat and sand and homesickness. I don’t know why this particular thought came into my head at this particular moment. I do not have any close relatives or friends serving right now. But someone else does. My heart was filled with sadness, and then an overpowering gratitude for all those who are quietly sacrificing and serving. My heart reaches out to the millions more who are missing someone this morning, and aching to have them back in their arms safely again.
All I can say to you is thank you. Thank you for doing what you are doing so that I can worry about mundane things like whether the truck in front of me is going to let me merge – or whether my computer is going to boot up faster – or whether I can finish my project deadline – or what I’m going to cook for dinner.
This flash presentation was created by Todd Clegg of GCS Distributing. The song “Homeward Bound” is performed by the BYU Singers from their album ‘The Pilgrim’s Journey Home‘. Thank you so much for letting us pass it on! – MoSop
Homeward Bound Lyrics by Marta Keen Thompson
“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,
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 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.
Related articles
- Homeward bound! (becketadventures.wordpress.com)
Latter-day Soprano 
This post is lovely and poignant. I have two brothers and a brother-in-law who have gone to Iraq and Afghanistan. By the grace of God all have returned safely. My sister and her husband had very small children when he went over. How my heart broke for those little ones as they watched their father leave, not even understanding why. He came home briefly mid-tour, and his poor little girl would not let him out of her sight. She was frantic when he disappeared again one morning. God bless those who protect our freedoms—and their families.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for a beautiful song. I heard this for the first time last Sunday morning by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their weekly broadcast and could not get it out of my mind. It seems to speak to my very soul. I just had to know the words. Thank you again!
LikeLike
This is a beautiful song, and I was simply wondering if anyone may know what type of folk song this is. (i.e. English, Irish, French) You see, I plan on singing this in a music festival, and this song is in my folk song book, but it does not specify where it is from. If anyone knows Where it is from please leave the information here so I may see. Thank you.
LikeLike
Hi Sarah,
In answer to your question: The words and music for “Homeward Bound” were written by Marta Keen Thompson and published in 1991 by Alfred Choral. The arrangement being performed in the attached video is the original, by Jay Althouse. This song is classified as a “Modern American Folk Song”. Mrs. Keen Thompson has very successfully captured the classic European folk tune style, which makes the tune seem truly timeless. You may be interested in listening to another, more recent choral/ orchestral arrangement by Mack Wilberg. It is found on the CD entitled “Love Is Spoken Here“ and was used in this Memorial Day YouTube Video. Notice that Mr. Wilberg incorporated a traditional Irish penny-whistle.
You have chosen a beautiful song to perform. Best of luck on your music festival!
LikeLike
This song reminds me of those loved ones who have passed on to the other side. I think of my sweet daughter Alyssa who is in heaven waiting for me.
LikeLike
Thanks for commenting Monica. She IS waiting for you! ♡
LikeLike
I agree with Monica. I love this song!
LikeLike
What is it about this beautiful song, with its amazing lyrics and tune, make me want to cry and be so joyful at the same time? This truly is a treasure work of sound and emotion for all souls!
LikeLike
It really made think of the men who didn’t made it home & pray for the family’s
LikeLike
This is such a lovely post and a very delicate/beautiful song piece. my close friend that graduated last year did this piece for our County Contest and got a gold and went on to state! I plan on doing this song as well for this years County Contest as a solo, it’s powerful and challenge but it has so much meaning. Thank you for posting the lyrics and wonderful post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Madi – good luck on your County Contest solo!
LikeLike
12/16/16
Good Afternoon Folks At Mormon Soprano,
I am a combat veteran (D Company, 1/501st Airborne Infantry Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division …) from nearly 50 years ago in Vietnam. Last winter, I discovered this beautiful piece of music and it was truly a wonderful blessing for me. It touches me so very deeply each time I hear it and contemplate its words.
Back in February of this year, I was assembling the sacred music and readings and all the of other items associated with a Catholic Mass of Remembrance to be celebrated in my memory. You see, I am now dealing with two cancers and diabetes all connected to exposure to Agent Orange way back in my days of Vietnam. As such, my time here on earth may very well be limited.
I have included Marta’s beautiful song as arranged by James Althouse in the sacred music array for my funeral. It will be presented to those who attend by the Choir of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut near the conclusion of the Mass.
Sincerely,
David A. Lamenzo
MAPLE EDGE HEREFORD FARM
Bloomfield, CT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello David, thank you for sharing your personal story and most of all thank you for your selfless service to our country. I’m glad this music brings you peace. God Bless you!
LikeLike