Homeward Bound
Eleanor Tomlinson Lyrics
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Got a ticket for my destination
On a tour of one-night stands, my suitcase and guitar in hand
And every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one-man band
Homeward bound
I wish I was
Homeward bound
Home where my thought's escaping
Home where my love lies waiting
Silently for me
Every day's an endless stream
Of cigarettes and magazines
And each town looks the same to me, the movies and the factories
And every stranger's face I see reminds me that I long to be
Homeward bound
I wish I was
Homeward bound
Home where my thought's escaping
Home where my music's playing
Home where my love lies waiting
Silently for me
Tonight I'll sing my songs again
I'll play the game and pretend
But all my words come back to me in shades of mediocrity
Like emptiness in harmony I need someone to comfort me
Homeward bound
I wish I was
Homeward bound
Home where my thought's escaping
Home where my music's playing
Home where my love lies waiting
Silently for me
Silently for me
Silently for me
The lyrics of Eleanor Tomlinson's "Homeward Bound" depict a weary traveler yearning for the comforts of home. The song speaks to the idea that while the thrill of traveling to new places and meeting new people can be exciting, there is also a deep desire for the familiar and the sense of belonging that comes with being home. The singer spends their time in train stations and performance venues, constantly moving from one place to another with only their suitcase and guitar for company.
The repetition of the phrase "homeward bound" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the singer's ultimate goal - to return to the place where their thoughts, music, and love are waiting for them. The contrast between the monotony of daily life on tour with the longing for the warmth of home adds depth to the song. The singer recognizes the emptiness of their life on the road, describing it as an "endless stream of cigarettes and magazines" and commenting on the sameness of each town they pass through. Despite the excitement and glamour of performing, there is a sense of isolation that creeps in, prompting the singer to wish for the comfort and solace that only home can provide.
Overall, the lyrics of "Homeward Bound" showcase the universal desire for a sense of belonging and the longing for the familiarity and comfort of home. It speaks to the idea that no matter where we go or what we accomplish, there will always be a part of us that yearns for the place where we truly belong.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sitting in a railway station
I am physically present in a railway station
Got a ticket for my destination
I have a ticket for my intended location
On a tour of one-night stands, my suitcase and guitar in hand
I am on a tour of one-night performances, with a suitcase and guitar
And every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one-man band
Every stop is immaculately planned out for a single performer and their art
Homeward bound
I desire to return to my home
I wish I was
I long to be
Home where my thought's escaping
I want to return to a place where I can relax mentally
Home where my music's playing
I miss being in a comfortable space where I can enjoy my music
Home where my love lies waiting
I yearn to be with the person I love who is awaiting my return
Every day's an endless stream
Each day feels like an endless flow
Of cigarettes and magazines
Filled with cigarettes and reading material
And each town looks the same to me, the movies and the factories
Every town blends together in my mind, with shared features of theaters and factories
And every stranger's face I see reminds me that I long to be
Every unfamiliar face I see makes me yearn for a place of familiarity
Tonight I'll sing my songs again
On this night, I will perform my songs once more
I'll play the game and pretend
I will go through the motions and pretend everything is okay
But all my words come back to me in shades of mediocrity
Everything I say feels unremarkable
Like emptiness in harmony I need someone to comfort me
My performances feel empty and lonely, and I desire comfort
Silently for me
My home, my thoughts, my music, and my love all wait for my return in silence
Writer(s): Paul Simon
Contributed by Mateo J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.