About the song
Background:
- Written by Paul Simon during his early music career in England, possibly in 1964 or 1965.
- The exact location is debated, with claims of Widnes or Warrington railway stations being the birthplace of the song.
- Simon himself has described it as a snapshot of his experiences at that time, filled with feelings of homesickness and uncertainty about his music.
- Released as a single in 1966 and became a hit, following their breakthrough song “The Sound of Silence.”
Themes:
- Homesickness: The central theme is the longing for home and the comfort it brings. Lyrics like “I wish I was homeward bound” and “Home, where my thought’s escaping” express this desire.
- Disillusionment with the musician’s life: The song hints at the loneliness and routine of touring, contrasting it with the warmth of home. Lines like “Tonight I’ll sing my songs again, I’ll play the game and pretend” suggest a lack of fulfillment.
- Self-doubt: The lyrics “All my words come back to me in shades of mediocrity” show a young artist questioning his work.
- Yearning for connection: “I need someone to comfort me” expresses a desire for emotional support, highlighting the isolating aspects of being on the road.
Overall, Homeward Bound captures the bittersweet experience of chasing dreams while grappling with loneliness and the desire for home.
Video
Lyrics
I’m sittin’ in the railway stationGot a ticket to my destinationOn a tour of one-night standsMy suitcase and guitar in handAnd every stop is neatly plannedFor a poet and a one-man band
Homeward boundI wish I wasHomeward boundHome where my thought’s escapin’Home where my music’s playin’Home where my love lies waitin’Silently for me
Every day’s an endless streamOf cigarettes and magazinesAnd each town looks the same to meThe movies and the factoriesAnd every stranger’s face I seeReminds me that I long to be
Homeward boundI wish I wasHomeward boundHome where my thought’s escapin’Home where my music’s playin’Home where my love lies waitin’Silently for me
Tonight I’ll sing my songs againI’ll play the game and pretendBut all my words come back to meIn shades of mediocrityLike emptiness in harmonyI need someone to comfort me
Homeward boundI wish I wasHomeward boundHome where my thought’s escapin’Home where my music’s playin’Home where my love lies waitin’Silently for meSilently for me