Johnny Boy
Homebound Sacrifice: Johnny Boy's Journey Through Sacrifice and Longing
Lyrics
there's a bridge by the river and it's waiting for you
There's a bridge near a river, waiting for you.
been waiting for you all of your life
It has been waiting for you throughout your life.
a fork up in the road in a mile or two
There's a choice to be made in a mile or two on your journey.
a gunner's got you in his sights
There's imminent danger or threat targeting you.
where are you now, where are you now?
Questioning your whereabouts currently.
look at you now, look at you now
Reflecting on your current state or condition.
and there's a candle burning in your room tonight
A candle is lit in your room tonight.
your sister waits there with her eyes closed tight
Your sister is waiting there, hopeful yet anxious.
wishin' you were comin' home, Johnny boy
Wishing for your return, Johnny boy.
a Gold Star mother with tears in her eyes
A mother who lost a son in war is tearful.
one more brother left to sacrifice
Another brother might be sacrificed or lost.
won't you come marchin' home, Johnny boy
Pleading for you to come home marching, Johnny boy.
and you were straight out of school, and you needed a job
You finished school and sought employment.
the man told you just where to go
An employer directed you where to work.
he said 'we'll take you 'round the world and the pay's not bad'
The job promised global travel with decent pay.
that was all you really wanted to know
That was all you wanted to know or seek.
where are you now, where are you now?
Asking about your current location or situation.
look at you now, look at you now
Observing your current circumstances or state.
and Sandy's still waitin' for the phone to ring
Sandy remains hopeful for your call, keeping reminders of your past.
she never stopped takin' out your high school things
She holds onto memories from your high school days.
she never stopped makin' plans Johnny boy
She continues to plan for your future return, Johnny boy.
she walks to the mailbox everyday
She walks to check the mailbox daily.
but nothin' ever comes so she walks away
Disheartened by the absence of your correspondence.
thinkin' 'bout you out in the sand, Johnny boy
Thinking of you in a distant and challenging place, Johnny boy.
Johnny boy
Reiterating your name, emphasizing the call.
a Gold Star mama with tears in her eyes
A mother who lost a child in war is tearful again.
one more baby left to sacrifice
Another loved one might be sacrificed or lost.
when you gonna come back home, Johnny boy?
When will you return home, Johnny boy?
yeah when you gonna come back home, Johnny boy?
Repeatedly questioning your return.
yeah won't you come marching home, Johnny boy?
Urging you to come home marching, Johnny boy.
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