Sing Me Back Home
Don Williams Lyrics


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The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom
I stood up to say good-bye like all the rest
And I heard him tell the warden just before he reached my cell
'Let my guitar playing friend do my request.' (Let him...)

Sing me back home with a song I used to hear
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing Me Back Home before I die

I recall last Sunday morning a choir from 'cross the street
Came to sing a few old gospel songs
And I heard him tell the singers 'There's a song my mama sang.
Can I hear once before we move along?'

Sing me back home, the song my mama sang
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing Me Back Home before I die





Sing Me Back Home before I die

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Don William's "Sing Me Back Home" describe a prisoner on death row who requests a final song before his execution. As the warden leads him down the hallway, the prisoner asks the singer, a fellow inmate and guitar player, to play his request. The prisoner longs to hear a familiar melody that brings back fond memories and transports him away from his grim situation. The singer obliges and sings the prisoner's chosen song, momentarily lifting him out of his despair.


The second verse takes place on a Sunday morning when a choir from across the street comes to sing gospel songs. The prisoner asks them to sing a song his mother used to sing, highlighting the enduring emotional power of music to connect us to our past and our loved ones. The request to "Sing Me Back Home before I die" emphasizes the prisoner's vulnerability and desperation as he faces the end of his life. By asking to hear songs that evoke memories of his past, he is seeking comfort and a sense of connection in his final moments.


Overall, the lyrics of "Sing Me Back Home" capture the emotional depth of the human experience, reminding us of the power of music to evoke memories, express emotions, and provide comfort in times of pain and loss.


Line by Line Meaning

The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom
The warden brought a prisoner down the hallway to face his inevitable punishment.


I stood up to say good-bye like all the rest
I, like everyone else, stood up to bid farewell to the prisoner.


And I heard him tell the warden just before he reached my cell
Right before he reached my cell, I overheard the prisoner asking the warden a favor.


'Let my guitar playing friend do my request.' (Let him...)
He asked the warden to allow his friend who plays the guitar to perform a song for him.


Sing me back home with a song I used to hear
Bring me back to a time past by playing a familiar tune.


Make my old memories come alive
Ignite my cherished memories and bring them to life once more.


Take me away and turn back the years
Let me escape to the good old days and reverse time.


Sing Me Back Home before I die
Recreate a beloved memory before I pass away.


I recall last Sunday morning a choir from 'cross the street
I remember a choir from across the street visiting on a Sunday morning.


Came to sing a few old gospel songs
They came to perform a few traditional gospel songs.


And I heard him tell the singers 'There's a song my mama sang.
He asked the choir if they knew a particular song that his mother used to sing.


Can I hear once before we move along?'
He asked if they could play it for him once before leaving.


Sing me back home, the song my mama sang
Play that very song his mother used to sing.


Sing Me Back Home before I die
Bring back that memory one last time before he passes away.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MERLE HAGGARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@stevemcfarland6238

Who's listening to this song in 2024 God bless you

@teijongnyamtonyamkanss6551

The taste of don.. music will never fullfill

@lansinpougangmei2662

Here

@terrypramchand1458

I'm a 34 yes old Indian guyanese yesterday I heard one of his song n I'm here today.

@teresamoran9793

A beautiful voice

@lynneburridge9082

Always before I fall asleep.

4 More Replies...

@chopsticksandtrains

I’m here. 2024. Will always love Don. Legend.

@DavidWayne-pg3mk

That's so lovely I really do love Don William as well, I will like us to know more about each if you don't mind, Where are you from and where do you live now??

@chopsticksandtrains

I'm a southern boy, but I'm currently living overseas - a traveling man! Glad to meet ya, David! Stay blessed!@@DavidWayne-pg3mk

@mathewurumbath7387

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