when i'm called home
Abbey Lincoln feat. Stan Getz Lyrics
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I will bring a book
That tells of strange and funny turns
And of the heart it took
To keep on living in a world
That never was my own
A world of haunted memories
Of other worlds unknown.
When they call me home.
When I'm called home
I will sing a song
And tell them of a beggar's life
Where everything goes wrong
Where everybody's hopes and dreams
Are shattering by the wind.
I'll tell them of a ghostly world
Of us and they and him.
I'll tell them how the shadows fall
When they call me home.
When I'm called home
I will tell the stars
Of the battles that were lost
In a world of wars.
I will tell the rivers
Of the children lost at sea
Of a how a soul is bartered
And what it costs a spirit free.
Hallelujah tell a story, oh,
When they call me home.
The lyrics of Abbey Lincoln and Stan Getz's song "When I'm Called Home" reflect the idea of preparing oneself for the inevitable journey to the afterlife. The singer is crafting a book that narrates the strange and funny turns of her life as well as the heart that it took to live in a world that was never her own. She paints a picture of a haunted world and describes the trouble present which she will talk about when she is finally called home.
The singer speaks of singing a song that captures the essence of a beggar's life where everything goes wrong, and everybody's hopes and dreams shatter in the wind. In this ghostly world, she will talk of "us and they and him," creating a haunting atmosphere. The imagery of shadows that fall when called home hints at a forthcoming darkness. Finally, she will address the stars, rivers, and souls of the past, remembering them in the book she will carry when she is called home. She will share stories of the battles lost, children lost at sea, and the cost of having a free spirit.
The song's lyrics portray life as an inexplicable journey through unknown worlds, with the only guarantee being death. The singer promises to carry stories of her struggles, pain, and happiness in life after death. The song is an important reminder to everyone that we ought to make our lives meaningful, touching the lives of others, and always being prepared to face the end.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm called home
At the time of my death, I'll be prepared to leave this world behind
I will bring a book
I'll have a written record of my unique experiences and adventures
That tells of strange and funny turns
My book will document the unexpected twists my life has taken
And of the heart it took
It will reveal the emotional strength required to endure a life filled with struggle and heartache
To keep on living in a world
Despite the many challenges I faced, I managed to stay alive and persevere
That never was my own
This world doesn't always feel like the right fit for my soul
A world of haunted memories
I've had to contend with difficult experiences that have left a lasting impression on me
Of other worlds unknown.
In addition to this world, I've also experienced diverse and mysterious alternate realms
I'll tell them of the trouble here
When I'm gone, I'll recount the difficulties and conflicts of this life to those who remain
When they call me home.
I'll be ready to accept my next journey when it's time for me to depart
When I'm called home
At that moment of transition, I'll have much to share
I will sing a song
I'll express the joy and sorrow of my existence through music
And tell them of a beggar's life
The song will describe the hardships and suffering of those who struggle to survive
Where everything goes wrong
The song will detail the constant struggles and obstacles faced by the marginalized
Where everybody's hopes and dreams
It's difficult for people to maintain their aspirations in such dire circumstances
Are shattering by the wind.
Hopes and dreams can be easily destroyed when fate is so capricious
I'll tell them of a ghostly world
I'll describe the eerie, ethereal aspects of life that often go unseen
Of us and they and him.
I'll explain the complex social dynamics and hierarchy of the world
I'll tell them how the shadows fall
I'll reveal how darkness and despair can take hold unexpectedly
When they call me home.
When I'm asked to leave this world, I'll be ready to go and share the story of my life
When I'm called home
In my final moments, I'll feel a sense of peace and restfulness
I will tell the stars
I'll share my memories and experiences with the wider universe
Of the battles that were lost
I'll describe the difficult times when things didn't work out as I'd hoped
In a world of wars.
It's a harsh and combative world, and I've had to fight to keep going
I will tell the rivers
I'll share my life story with the natural world, too
Of the children lost at sea
I'll remember those who've been lost, those who never had the chance to grow up
Of a how a soul is bartered
I'll shed light on how much we give up or trade in order to survive
And what it costs a spirit free.
The price of true freedom is high, and not everyone is willing or able to pay it
Hallelujah tell a story, oh,
I'll use the words and language of religious faith to share the story of my life
When they call me home.
When my time has come, I'll be at peace knowing my story will be remembered
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ABBEY LINCOLN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind