Return Me
by Emily Barker
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about
The meaning of "home" is a recurring theme in my songwriting. I found myself writing about it again in the midst of what felt like a watershed moment last year when the world's media turned its attention to the climate crisis.
I started, once again, to ask myself if it is time at last to return to my first home – by the Blackwood River where I grew up and where my family still live. It's a question that seems to have no answer, despite the number of songs I have dedicated to it.
This year everyone's life has taken another, unexpected existential turn – I've talked to friends who have found themselves asking similar questions and perhaps struggling to put a finger on where that safe place is that they would return to if they could.
For me, it's not just a physical place, it's also a moment in time – ‘home’ is my childhood: naïve and splashing in the river after school on hot, summer afternoons where crickets clicked a casual tempo and life felt immortal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have those memories, like a luxurious soft blanket I can wrap myself in when the worries mount up.
I hope you are safe and well, and that this song can give you pause for thought and help connect you with your own safe place, wherever that may be.
I started, once again, to ask myself if it is time at last to return to my first home – by the Blackwood River where I grew up and where my family still live. It's a question that seems to have no answer, despite the number of songs I have dedicated to it.
This year everyone's life has taken another, unexpected existential turn – I've talked to friends who have found themselves asking similar questions and perhaps struggling to put a finger on where that safe place is that they would return to if they could.
For me, it's not just a physical place, it's also a moment in time – ‘home’ is my childhood: naïve and splashing in the river after school on hot, summer afternoons where crickets clicked a casual tempo and life felt immortal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have those memories, like a luxurious soft blanket I can wrap myself in when the worries mount up.
I hope you are safe and well, and that this song can give you pause for thought and help connect you with your own safe place, wherever that may be.
lyrics
RETURN ME
(words: Emily Barker; music: Emily Barker and Ted Barnes)
Return me to where my eyes first glimpsed
Sun-kissed folds of your Blackwood lips
I’ve been gone so long
Time is moving on
Come with me to another land
Our skin can thin together hand in hand
I’ve been gone so long
Tell me will you come?
The hues of your summer haunt my way
I feel the path we’ve known begin to stray
Chosen journey many selves ago
Turned to me with a mind of its own
Am I following?
Knowing where I’ve been?
I’ve loved this movement every coast to coast
Fell for others but I love you most
I’ve been gone so long
Tell me will you come?
The hues of your summer haunt my way
I feel the path we’ve known begin to stray
So come with me to another shore
We can learn a new way to mourn
Are you following?
Knowing where you’ve been?
(words: Emily Barker; music: Emily Barker and Ted Barnes)
Return me to where my eyes first glimpsed
Sun-kissed folds of your Blackwood lips
I’ve been gone so long
Time is moving on
Come with me to another land
Our skin can thin together hand in hand
I’ve been gone so long
Tell me will you come?
The hues of your summer haunt my way
I feel the path we’ve known begin to stray
Chosen journey many selves ago
Turned to me with a mind of its own
Am I following?
Knowing where I’ve been?
I’ve loved this movement every coast to coast
Fell for others but I love you most
I’ve been gone so long
Tell me will you come?
The hues of your summer haunt my way
I feel the path we’ve known begin to stray
So come with me to another shore
We can learn a new way to mourn
Are you following?
Knowing where you’ve been?
credits
released June 5, 2020
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Emily Barker UK
Emily Barker is the award-winning songwriter and performer of the theme to BBC TV’s Wallander starring Kenneth Branagh. Her music is a blend of roots influences from country to English folk via 60s pop.
shows
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Mar 03Nannup, WA
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Mar 24Yackandandah, VIC
discography
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Oct 2022 -
Jan 2022 -
Apr 2021 -
Dec 2020
contact / help
Emily Barker recommends:
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Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds
by Various ArtistsI was honoured to be invited by Merlyn Driver to contribute a track to this wonderful project. All proceeds go to support the RSPB and its work.
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RELAY (Vol. 1) for Music Venue Trust #SaveOurVenues
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Two favourites here: Cactus Tree, for the bitter-sweet mature folk (hey, it's Joni, guys!), and Hit The Ground Running for my old die-hard inner garage rocker!
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Light The Boats - Album 2013
by Gill Sandellsupported by 12 fans who also own “Return Me”
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Caught Up On A Feeling
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Halcyon Days
by Kevin FargeA vibrant vision of "Central Americana" from the Costa Rica-based artist, blending heartland devotionals with playful Tropicália grooves.
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