Released: February 12, 1973

Songwriter: Dolly Parton

[Intro]
Sweet Rachel Ann, sweet Rachel Ann
When are you ever coming home?

[Verse 1]
Sweet Rachel Ann, we've waited here through many seasons now
We've waited here but you have not returned
When you left you promised us that you'd return someday
We miss you and our love for you still burns

[Verse 2]
Our little girl who longed to see the world beyond these hills
Sweet Rachel Ann, you felt you had to go
The autumn wind again has blown the last leaves from the trees
Making room for winter's ice and snow

[Chorus]
Sweet Rachel Ann, sweet Rachel Ann
Oh, how we miss you since you've gone
Sweet Rachel Ann, sweet Rachel Ann
When are you ever coming home?

[Verse 3]
Spring had kissed the earth again
Wait what's that I see? Is it someone running up the path?
Oh, wait a minute - could it be? Rachel is that you?
Sweet Rachel Ann, have you come home at last?

[Verse 4]
Rachel I hardly recognize you now
You look so tired and thin
Sweet Rachel Ann, you're different than before
And that world that lies beyond these hills
Well it's hurt you, Rachel Ann
But now you're home and nothing's gonna ever hurt you
Not anymore

[Chorus]
Sweet Rachel Ann, sweet Rachel Ann
Our love will make you good as new again
Sweet Rachel Ann, sweet Rachel Ann
At last you have come home, sweet Rachel Ann
Rachel Ann