Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Representative Work for the 2007 Pegasus. Note- this is NOT a 2007 Nominated Song.

Homecoming

Words and music by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Copyright ©1996, recorded on Urban Tapestry's "Sushi and High Tea" CD
Based on the short story "The Rocket Man" by Ray Bradbury
Used by permission

My mother looks into the sky, I think she hears him coming
but the stars are blinding her so she cannot see
"Help me keep him home this time," she says to me.
"He's coming home."

My father walks into the house, we laugh in his embrace
The scent of fire and stardust cling to his hands and face
Already we are waiting for a sign
Will he stay this time?

CHORUS (strummed):
I hear the stars, they are calling tonight
Listen, can't you hear them?
I hear the stars, they are calling tonight
Calling me home
Calling me home.

He takes us to the carnival and swimming in the ocean
We picnic in the mountains, our faces to the sun
Each moment is a gift I take with me
A memory.

My father sits beside me, his laughter ringing true
"What's it like in space?" I ask as I always do
His eyes grow distant and he smiles, but mom...
she looks away.

BRIDGE:
Before my father leaves, he takes me aside
He says, "The next I come back, I won't be leaving
Tell your mother that I love you both and I am
coming home."

CHORUS

In the fading sunset, the message comes next day
His ship fell into the sun, a blaze of gold and gray
I try to tell Mom but she turns away...
and goes inside.

My mother looks into the sky, I think she hears him coming
but the stars are blinding her so she cannot see
The winds are cold, I hear them whisper to me
"He's coming home."

CHORUS (twice)