Hi folks: I've just had a phone call from a "Mudcatter" in OR who's introduced me to this website.
First off ... I am honored in your interest in The Going Home Song. Secondly, it was fun to see how the thread developed and to note the folk process in action via the internet! I still play the Stan Francis 12-string that was mentioned ( always known as Bertha ! ).... STILL sing the song when the times's right but usually on 6-string. For me the song wrote itself in basically one session ( which is unusual for me but magic when it happens )...and actually fullfilled an ambition of mine which was to have a song pass into the tradition and to hear it sung WITHOUT people knowing where it came from or who wrote it.....in other words, through the oral tradition. So the song was at least 15 years old before it was recorded... and then in Polish. The version on "WINDJAMMER DAYS" was done in '93 with Pam Taylor and David Dodson on 2nd guitar. I think the song works because of it's familiarity, repeat lines, and the opportunity for harmony. So the variations are out there to the extent that I'm happy to put down the version as she was conceived !


In the night sky you can hear the geese cry
when it's time for the going home song.
The gull on the shore's sailing homeward once more
for it's time for the going home song.

Travellers the wide world all over
may your star follow you through the night.
With the storm-clouds at bay at the end of the day....
then it's time for the going home...
time we were getting home....
time for the going home song.

2/ The fox on the dune's looking out for the moon.....
(repeat refrain)
   The shephards an' dogs wend their way with the flocks... etc.,

3/ There'll be peace once a'gin over valley and glen..when it's..etc etc.,
When the mist from the sea spins it's own mystery.. then it's..


                                       Keep Mudcattin', Peace, Jim.