Song of My Returning - Phil Ochs

The wild geese are dancing in the ripples of the morn

My wanderlust is formed

I’ve got to follow them wherever they may lead

For I am just a sailor on a ship across the land

Let me hold your hand

To bid farewell so i can knuckle to my knees

But I’ll be back again no matter where I go

For it’s only love that frees the fire for burning

Then I’ll take you in my arms and tell you all I know

As I sing the early song of my returning

The weary world is waiting for ambition to be played

Now young and not afraid

I’ve got to challenge every chalice that I know

My eager ears are listening for the singing of the sign

Deeper are the lines

Upon the face that finds reflections in the road

Yes, I’ll be back again no matter where I go

For it’s only love that frees the fire for burning

Then I’ll take you in my arms and tell you all I know

As I sing the changing song of my returning

My drifting days prepare me to do battle with the night

A phantom of the fight

I’ve got conquer all the courage of my fears

The answer lies in limbo (?) and the harvest will be hard

But sacred are the scars

That leave their mark on the fast disolving years

Yes, I’ll be back again no matter where I go

For it’s only love that frees the fire for burning

Then I’ll take you in my arms and tell you all I know

As I sing the growing song of my returning

Time must have her victory

It’s that I’ve always known

But I won or lost alone

And when a voice calls out «there's someone you must meet»

With every strength remaining

I will suffer one more scene

I’ll gather all my dreams

And with my final breath

I’ll lay them at your feet

Yes, I’ll be back again no matter where I go

For it’s only love that frees the fire for burning

Then I’ll take you in my arms and tell you all I know

As I sing the final song of my returning