The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #141244   Message #3822176
Posted By: GUEST,cnd
22-Nov-16 - 08:49 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Turn Back, Turn Back (from Ralph Stanley)
Subject: LYR ADD: Turn Back (Stanley)
TURN BACK
(Trad)

We went down the road, we turned together
To the ocean shore and the village there
The road had been changed, and the people have wandered
The bells don't ring, there's no preaching there

CHORUS
Turn back, turn back, ye wayward pilgrim
Come back, come back, to the peaceful shore
Turn back, turn back, for the savior's waiting
To rescue you from the ranks of woe

My mind went back to the days of my childhood
When I went to church in the village there
The pews were full and the aisles were standing
The people who came to worship there

I'd like to go back to the days of my childhood
And go to church in the village there
To meet my friends and old acquaintance
And sing again in the village choir

CHORUS

First released on the album Let Me Rest On A Peaceful Mountain Hills Of Home, released 1975. The album was a tribute to the recently-passed Carter Stanley. The song is credited as "Arr. by Stanley," so I assume that means it's traditional.

https://www.discogs.com/Ralph-Stanley-Let-Me-Rest-On-A-Peaceful-Mountain-Hills-Of-Home/release/4387876

I transcribed the lyrics by ear from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKmHclUtgvc

Though for people who that video is blocked for (always seems like Canadians can't access those Youtube auto-generated vidoes), see here: https://youtu.be/Qtp_ROVsfkY?t=1175

I honestly really enjoy this album as a good example of gospel bluegrass playing, and recommend anyone who enjoys music like that to listen to it.