Homeward Bound, (arr. Jay Althouse) - Score & Sound

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Homeward Bound
Words and Music by Marta Keen Arranged by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-7845
Voicing: SATB
Series: Choral Designs
Also available: SAB, SSA, TBB, 2-Part, Concert Band
One of the most popular and widely performed choral selections of our time. This heartfelt piece is elegant in its simplicity and has become the anthem for many soldiers returning home. May optionally be performed with the new concert band scoring by Brant Karrick.
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[@abigailchaney2966]

All the seniors in choir sing this song every year as a tradition as their goodbye song to everyone else. It’s very emotional. And I remember coming to high school and getting to know this tradition. I’m now a senior and will be singing it soon. The tears are already being held back

[@aquapixie7196]

That's so cool in my choir were singing it as freshmen and it's being conducted by a senior

[@robbieramsdell]

I’m singing it with a group for solo ensemble and it’s my last time because I’m a senior 😔

[@KeaunaAbner]

We do the same thing and this year we are also taking it to solo essomble.

[@saintseanw]

I sang this song with my choir before I graduated. I miss my choir so much 😢 my teacher was amazing and I was in choir for 4 years

[@dhdbbdbdbbsbzbxhfndigliful7367]

I sang this in 7th grade

[@emilyannthevioletghost715]

I remember singing this for a solo contest when I was in 8th grade. My middle school years were the best years I've seen so far

[@hazelroberts7792]

Same I have to do this for solo

[@emilyannthevioletghost715]

@@hazelroberts7792 good luck! Hope it works out for ya

[@katherine5138]

Im in 8th grade and studying this for a solo haha 😄

[@sakuraminetta3102]

Did u win?

[@emilyannthevioletghost715]

@@sakuraminetta3102 pretty much, yeah. Participants got ranks 1, 2, or 3. I got 1

[@brittanymarie1944]

i sang this with my favorite class of fellow singers for the last time ever and our director called it our goodbye song and now it makes me very emotional and i love this song so much

[@amazongaming988]

same

[@CrippleRickk]

I have this as a solo for contest wish me luck 🤞

[@annawerner6714]

I love the sang

[@talynlong659]

In the quiet misty morning When the moon has gone to bed, When the sparrows stop their singing And the sky is clear and red, When the summer's ceased its gleaming When the corn is past its prime, When adventure's lost its meaning - I'll be homeward bound in time Bind me not to the pasture Chain me not to the plow Set me free to find my calling And I'll return to you somehow If you find it's me you're missing If you're hoping I'll return, To your thoughts I'll soon be listening, And in the road I'll stop and turn Then the wind will set me racing As my journey nears its end And the path I'll be retracing When I'm homeward bound again Bind me not to the pasture Chain me not to the plow Set me free to find my calling And I'll return to you somehow (softly) In the quiet misty morning When the moon has gone to bed, When the sparrows stop their singing I'll be homeward bound again.

[@bobburnitt5389]

Great Song, great Lyrics, the best song I ever heard. Marta Keen gets credit for writing the song, but I am having trouble finding the "origin". The "Homeward Bound" title seems to repeat a number of times on different work. One thing I read says it first appeared in 1917, another is "Simon and Garfunkel" (not the same song) Marta Keen was teaching school in Las Vegas and has an impressive musical education, do you know the history and did Marta Keen originate this song?? BB

[@kittyprincess4204]

@@bobburnitt5389 It was originally a slave song is what my choir/band director told us when we perfeormed it when I was a freshman in 2014. "Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow." I assume you can guess what they meant there, and "Set me free to find my calling, and I'll return to you somehow." Meaning, they would find a way back to their friends and families, even if it meant crossing the oceans again to return to their home countries. That's the best way I know how to explain it. The American civil war ended in 1865, and with it, slavery in America, so this song is from anywhere as early as 1775 all the way to 1865. so a 90 year gap. On the topic of Marta Keen And Paul Simon. They definitely didn't 'write' this song, just incorrect wording on that end. They did their own renditions. It says on Wikipedia that this was a WWI song that soldiers sang coming home, but it isn't the same song. Online there is not much record of this song, other that videos on KZbin that credit Jay Althouse for using his rendition of the lyrics and piano accompaniment, such as this one. I loved performing this song when I was in choir. I was especially proud of getting the end solo. I loved getting the chance to honor this song. I hope this helped you!!!

[@marcusorta714]

@@kittyprincess4204 I was also under the impression that this song was a slave song. I sang this sometime during my time in high school and that is also what my choral director told us. However I have just spent the past hour researching the origin, and I have found anything but that as an idea. Marta Keen, the original composer, states that she wrote it about people who must leave to find their calling but whom you trust to return. This fits with the lyrics and not at all with the idea of slavery, imo. It made so much sense in high school and I dont know why. "BIND ME NOT" and "CHAIN ME NOT" were so incredibly emotional and powerful, but with the context that "ill return to you somehow," it almost certainly seems like the interpretation should be the former of Keen's and not the latter of the choral directors. Still, it baffles me that I can find no record of anyone mentioning relevance to slave songs and their perspectives. I'd love it if someone could come in and explain.

[@kittyprincess4204]

@@marcusorta714, like I said before. She definitely didn’t write the original song. But she wrote her own rendition. That’s what her version is about. But the original one is a slave song. Unfortunately I do think it’s been lost in the internet age. Which I have no clue on how lol. Bind me not and chain me not, meaning to the plow and fields and being enslaved. I’ll return to you somehow, meaning I’ll return to you, my family back home. Could mean Cuban, African, wherever they were originally from.

[@Kat-td9xv]

Sang this with my choir during graduation. It made so many people cry.

[@marktheultimatespongebobge1980]

I definitely need sing this at my graduation

[@nup5]

Our HS choir did. They sang after the diplomas were handed out ....need I say more

[@katherine5138]

When u had to sing at my graduation i was SOBBING it was bad -_- Buz i sang through despite looking like a clown

[@memesofthepast7322]

Im singing this song for solo and ensemble i wish my choir could do this its so beautiful 😭

[@angelasibrian8680]

Same!

[@RSStarfire]

Reece O hope it goes well! I sang this for last year’s and I miss it so much!

[@youbitch8961]

Just a suggestion, you should listen to lunar Lalabye it's a really good song in my opinion. ☺

[@RSStarfire]

bellawella* D that’s a great song! Sang it for UIL last year :)

[@kathrynjuetten3220]

Gl and hope you sing awesome

[@spinel1008]

Im singing this in choir and when the teacher showed us i cried because it reminds me of an old friend

[@amazongaming988]

same

[@RSStarfire]

Sang this for a solo about a year ago. I’m absolutely obsessed with this song!

[@angelasibrian8680]

I'm doing it for a solo soon

[@RSStarfire]

Angela Sibrian Good luck! I’d definitely recommend working on dynamics if you haven’t already been. It transforms the song! :)

[@abbeyjane4149]

RSStarfire can u please message me on insta @abbeyywilliamson

[@RSStarfire]

Abbey Williamson 👌 my user is the same, just with an underscore

[@cherridragon3541]

Singing this for a solo. I’m excited for it

[@supremeshannon1_]

Same

[@kaitieg4974]

So 2020 is messed up, so we’re doing virtual learning and I’m singing this in choir and we’re making a virtual choir song with this song and I’m kinda excited

[@kenzie9698]

same!

[@imhungry1071]

I got the tenor solo in the beginning. This very helpful.

[@hannahs5512]

I’m singing this for solo and ensemble this Saturday

[@lexipatel9593]

I am in my choirs class and we decided to preform this in a concert. One day when we were still learning the song my class and teacher was just joking about who soulless we all are and basically being really edgey. We then ran what we knew and my teacher was on the verge of tears. It was a good day

[@slenderbaby7816]

This song brings back so many memories, this is the first song I ever sang in a choir. It's only been 5 years since then but it feels like forever ago. This is and will remain one of my favorite songs of all time

[@jamesfrans4625]

I sang this song more than five years ago to my now wife. I forgot the song until tonight. We've both came so far and i love her so much

[@kathrynjuetten3220]

Singing this for solo ensemble this year it is very beautiful song. :)

[@rachelmarie7621]

amy the wolfcat so am I!!!! I was. Singing amazing grace but I switched

[@hannahflannagan2769]

My fav

[@sillygoose1003]

an oldie but a goldie. this is undoubtedly one of my favorite choir songs of all time.

[@evessketchbook]

This is my favorite song I did in all four years of highschool choir. It’s so so beautiful. I’m glad I found a version of it on KZbin.

[@mariahazcueta3621]

I get to have a full circle moment next month with this month. The first song I ever sang in 9th grade was this. 15 years after graduation I get to be in the alumni choir back with everything I said I would do…and maybe a little more.

[@bjornskarsgard3222]

8 people don't know good music. I sang this in choir, and it is a very beautiful song

[@manghostee]

Just finished singing this song with my other senior choir members at graduation. I haven’t cried at all this year, but as I was standing up there singing, it was the closest I’ve gotten to.

[@LexiCooksStuff]

Im hoping to get the solo for this song, its so pretty!

[@thegamingflutist482]

Same

[@Memer9456]

did this in 7th or 8th, still my favorite choir song i’ve ever sang

[@approductions3836]

I have a message for anyone seeing this JESUS CHRIST IS KING!!!! GOD BLESS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!

[@ashtonskelly8779]

We sang this in our choir this year. I’m a bass and I had the opening solo and I also switched from the baritone part to the piano bass part in some sections. My favorite part is the second to last part going from Bb2 to Eb2 it sounds amazing and I live it.

[@diskitu]

My choir did this song about 5 years ago when I was in 6th grade and I love it, trying to convince my teacher to let us sing it again😩

[@marktheultimatespongebobge1980]

This song is the one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard

[@juhlpattni7575]

i sang this song in 6th grade with my choir class of 4 people. i heard someone singing it as a piece for solo and ensemble and it brought back all the memories of my old director. had to listen to it again, absolutely love this song with all my heart

[@jazzbermu2009]

Love this song!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@spongebobsquarepants1723]

This is my choir song

[@kaylaance2327]

@@spongebobsquarepants1723 Me too just started Leaning it and I love it. 😊

[@Lisa-bx9ml]

Graduation 2002. I still get sentimental! 😢😢😢

[@livinglikelarry3555]

Lisa I’m singing it for my graduation on the 26th

[@CBFJoseGazza]

This song is so beautiful!!!!

[@willowOwO]

i remember singing this as a kid in choir :) one of my first memories of truly loving music. this song and credo by mark hayes (?) will always hold a very special place in my heart.

[@GenLirema]

We used this as a graduation song in my school every year. All the Seniors girls would sing the first solo while all the Senior guys sang the second c’:

[@Crayonmuncher9060]

This song is deeply attached to some memories from around the same time we did this is hs choir and it hits different

[@AriOrSomething]

My brother sang this at my grandma's funeral. I don't have many clear memories of her because we lived pretty far from each other, but I still miss her

[@starjump2151]

Im singing this as a duet w my best friend for contest next week JDBSJDJSHDD

[@harvardrocks4246]

We are doing this with our entire choir family 5-12 grade. I can't wait. Update I got sick and couldn't go 🙃😭

[@Salty_Potato]

I’ve had this song stuck in my head, I remember singing this in 6th grade and I’m so glad I finally found it

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

This is this years senior song. I’m a junior and it’s already making me sad. I’ve been on this journey since seventh grade. I’m not ready for this to end

[@natalieg2976]

This song actually gave me tears. We’re marching to this song actually, so the lyrics are just beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[@tromboneman2468]

Amazing Song!

[@alexisbunch8193]

this is gonna be my funeral song

[@W3ird_c00ki]

I got to sing this in seventh grade. Truly magical.

[@KarishmaKhoja97]

I love this song. We're singing this for our college choir concert this spring

[@kaokaiyo]

Singing this for spring concert next Wednesday!! I'm so excited!

[@Vega.24]

I'm singing this as a duet with my bestfriend tomorrow

[@Thisaboutlife]

I sung this for a solo song and I won I’m literally in tears right now

[@jazynava2777]

Inquire songs for like 3 years already and I'm still learning the songs

[@universeiswatching5914]

😭 oh god this song is traumatic!!! Practiced this song for a solo in 8th grade and never done it cause of anxiety

[@CatGaming021]

Im literally doing a concert soon and this is the song we are doing so I'm practicing right now

[@xxxadri._.vibesxxx6943]

I’m singing this in my chior class

[@dollfacedlo]

Adri_vlogs ! Same

[@y0urlocaltheatrekid295]

I remember singing the opening solo for this song...it was an amazing song, and I felt really good singing it. I think that may have been my first solo, (in...5th or 6th grade? Maybe even 4th) and since then I've done more solos and have gone to All County twice. Plus had the lead role in musical! For me, this song will always hold a place in my heart, as a stepping stone for my choir and theater times. I am now a little less than 2 years away from graduating high school and want to pursue a career in acting! (But on film and TV...Broadway seems nice too but...yeah)

[@jamesharnish4120]

Beautiful blend of beautiful voices!

[@dozenredrosez]

were singing this for our concert this year with all the chorus and i love it

[@elimyjackson826]

im singing this tomorrow! i cant remeber the words!!!!!

[@bellapenn5072]

in my choir class we are doing a small group ensemble of girls for contest and we might be adding it into our spring concert if we have it and we are all so excited.

[@jhopebeats3847]

I have to sing this and Elijah for regionals!!!

[@mr_devilish]

My choir class is using this song for our online concert! It's so beautiful :)

[@lachlanbatson1415]

We sang this for our spring concert and I loved it so much!!!

[@ariannaadkins1896]

Doing this song for a solo/ensaumble contenst and this is very helpful wish me luck!! ❤

[@thanatosdeinos9639]

I've sang this song for choir (so fun) and now I'm singing it for a solo competition-

[@andreashepard9258]

Supposed to sing this for my last middle school choir concert but I never got to

[@carmeneli]

My choir song or music

[@rentalitalian3337]

I got the solo for this song and I’m pretty happy

[@jordenrayner1687]

I know I sang this at some point.... but I cannot for the life of me remember what choir I did this in. I've been in 3 😭

[@fideletomlinson8080]

We sang this last year at UIW

[@yupitsmariah9944]

Singing this for choir

[@harley3037]

I sang this for a Solo a couple years ago and it remains one of my best memories from Choir.

[@cheyannedavison8613]

I'm singing this for a duet for a state solo ensemble

[@idontexist745]

I’m in 8th grade right now and I have choir so I’m basically studying this song currently

[@judithjimenez8396]

Y’all I sang this song in 9th grade and I moved to two other schools since then. I am now a senior in high school and I have to sing this song again 😂

[@Leah-nu6lu]

i am in 8th grade and the beging is my solo for my chior concert

[@paperbackwriter66]

We're doing this song in chorus Edit on 6/25/21: Wow time has flown by so fast

[@lyssalove6938]

I’m auditioning for the beginning solo of this song tomorrow

[@rosadiazbf]

i got the solo for this. concert is tomorrow. gonna sob

[@Halodare117]

Some friends and i sang this for regional choir

[@Kate-do7ov]

what other song does this sound like omg it’s driving me craaaazy

[@Therealcg88]

Today I did this for LGPE

[@levitreiber4141]

Check out our arrangement of Homeward Bound by the wind symphony and choir by Chaska High School

[@galactictoast4940]

Sang this with my chorus class as a farewell for some seniors graduating and some even cried *while* singing at the *performance*. Hell, listening to the opening verse put me in near medical shock. Fuck I miss highschool

[@lizzieswinarski6143]

High school graduation song for me

[@user-sb3hq8oi7y]

Senior solo at last by Etta James

[@lexialove1crafter260]

Singing this for solo lol

[@supremeshannon1_]

Same

[@Monochromagic_Official]

Lol I have to do this song alone if I wanna pass my Choir class

[@spacemess9176]

I am practicing for my solo I’m very nervous 😬

[@rehpicllib4745]

Has anyone found an SAB version of this? I can’t find anything on KZbin.

[@jazynava2777]

Wind cuándo buenos

[@gamingthrill5809]

Yo I got the solo for this song let’s go

[@josejosejosethe3rd155]

All the girls be like: I sang this in 8th grade Me: I sang this as a tenor solo and fucking killed even though I sang bass for my choir

[@daphnekat889]

Oof i has the first solo in this when we did it in the fall i was not good cri

[@arcticcoolair-conpteltd8719]

I am sing this song

[@tahu033]

i like this song but the violin part is flippin hard

[@jazynava2777]

What school valor middle school or French people middle School

[@poobusstankus]

*Ignore this* 0:49

[@Robertthegamer-ij6kp]

I can sing this

[@spinel1008]

ι ℓσνє тнιѕ ѕσηg ωє я ѕιηgιηg ιт ιη ¢нισя

[@owengamer6410]

🥹🥹🥹

[@tedbabbitt7108]

I hate how she riffs in the beginning solo

[@donttagmeinyourreply1304]

Why?

[@Q.Anderson]

Who riffs and what timestamp?