About the song
“Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel. Now that’s a song that evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, wouldn’t you agree? Released in 1966, it became a signature tune for the folk-rock duo and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Penned by Paul Simon, the song’s origins are shrouded in a bit of romantic mystery. Some say it was written while waiting for a train at a station in northwest England, the rhythm mimicking the clickety-clack of the tracks. Regardless of its birthplace, “Homeward Bound” perfectly captures the yearning for home felt by a traveling musician.
The song appears on two of Simon & Garfunkel’s albums. In the US, it found its home on “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” a collection of folk-tinged gems. However, across the pond, it was included as the B-side to their breakthrough hit, “The Sound of Silence,” on the album “Sounds of Silence.”
“Homeward Bound” may not have reached the dizzying heights of “The Sound of Silence” on the charts, but it resonated deeply with listeners. Its melancholic melody and Simon’s introspective lyrics, which paint a picture of a life on the road – the endless cigarette breaks, the monotonous scenery, the longing for love and familiarity – struck a chord with a generation. It peaked at a respectable number six on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place in American pop culture.
More than just a catchy tune, “Homeward Bound” has become an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the pang of homesickness. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we travel, there’s always a place that calls to us, a place where our hearts truly reside.