Homeward Bound: The Folk Song Everyone Loves
Contents
“Homeward Bound: The Folk Song Everyone Loves” is a fun, heartwarming song that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for a sing-along and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Origins of the song
Homeward Bound is a popular folk song that has its origins in the 19th century. The song is about a sailor who is far from home and longing for his home country. The song has been covered by many artists, including Simon and Garfunkel.
The original lyrics
The original lyrics to “Homeward Bound” were written by Marjorie Latzke. They were first published in 1918, in a collection of children’s poems called “Mother Goose Goes to Kindergarten.”
The poem was inspired by a real event: Latzke’s young son had gotten lost while they were out walking together. Fortunately, he was quickly found safe and sound. But the experience made Latzke think about how many other children might not be so lucky. And so she wrote “Homeward Bound” as a way to encourage parents and children to always stay together.
Over the years, the poem has been set to music several times. The most popular version was composed by Simon Haywood in 1970. It is this version that is most often sung today.
The original melody
The original melody was written by Martin Simpson, an English singer, songwriter, and guitarist, in the 1970s. He based the melody on a traditional British ballad called “The Leaving of Liverpool,” which was about the experience of emigrating from England to America. The original lyrics were about a sailor who is leaving his home and family behind to go to sea.
Simpson recorded the song on his 1976 album Errant Knight, and it quickly became a favorite among British folk music fans. American singer-songwriter Peter, Paul & Mary popularized the song in the United States when they recorded it for their 1981 album Long Journey Home. The trio changed the lyrics to be about a traveler who is longing for her home and family.
Since then, “Homeward Bound” has been covered by many artists and has become a staple of both folk and pop music. It remains one of Simpson’s best-known songs and has been described as “an English classic.”
The song’s popularity
“Homeward Bound” is a folk song that everyone loves. The song was written by Simon and Garfunkel and released in 1966. The song was written about the feeling of homesickness and the desire to be home. The song has been covered by many artists and has been used in many movies and TV shows.
In the United States
“Homeward Bound” is one of the most popular folk songs in the United States. It has been recorded by many artists and has been a part of American culture for generations. The song is about a family that is forced to move away from their home and is longing to return. The lyrics are simple and yet powerful, and the melody is catchy and easy to sing along to. “Homeward Bound” is a beautiful song that captures the heart and soul of America.
In the United Kingdom
“Homeward Bound” was a traditional folk song originally from the United Kingdom. The song became popular in the United States in the early 20th century and has since been adapted and rearranged by many artists.
The original lyrics of “Homeward Bound” are about a sailor who is homesick and longing for his home and loved ones. The song has been adapted over the years to include different versions of the lyrics, but the overall message remains the same: homesickness and longing for home.
The song became popular in America during World War I, when many soldiers were away from home fighting in Europe. The popularity of the song continued through World War II and beyond, as it resonated with many people who were away from home during these times.
Today, “Homeward Bound” is still a popular song, and its message of homesickness and longing for home continues to resonate with people all over the world.
The song’s influence
One of the most beloved folk songs of all time, “Homeward Bound” has been covered by artists across genres and generations. The song has been particularly influential in the world of bluegrass music. In this article, we’ll explore the history and influence of “Homeward Bound.”
On popular culture
“Homeward Bound” has been adapted or quoted in a wide variety of popular culture media. The melody was used in the opening scene of the 1954 film Rear Window, in which it is heard being played on a Victrola by Grace Kelly’s character before she is murdered. A partial quote from the lyrics is also heard during the opening credits of the film Trading Places (1983), which features Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. The melody was also adapted for use in a series of United States Army recruiting commercials that aired during the early 2000s, with the tagline “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.”
The song has also been used extensively in television advertising. In Australia, it was used in a long-running series of ads for Commonwealth Bank home loans. In New Zealand, it featured in an ad for Anchor butter. In the United Kingdom, it was used in an advert for Comet stores (with new lyrics written by poet Roger McGough), as well as in ads for Virgin Atlantic Airways and Volkswagen cars. In the United States, it was used in an advert for Subaru vehicles.
In May 2016, Jeff Lynne’s ELO released their version of “Homeward Bound” as a single to coincide with their UK tour.
On the music industry
It would be hard to overestimate the influence of the song “Homeward Bound” on the music industry. This classic folk song has been covered by hundreds of artists, and it has been used in countless movies and TV shows. The original version of the song was written by Simon & Garfunkel, but it was popularized by Peter, Paul & Mary.
The song is simple and beautiful, and it captures the longing for home that so many people feel. It’s no wonder that it has been so popular for so many years.
