My Father’s HouseEmmylou Harris

Last night I dreamed that I was a child
Out where the pines grow wild and tall
I was trying to make it home through the forest
Before the darkness falls

I heard the wind rustling through the trees
And ghostly voices rose from the fields
I ran with my heart pounding down that broken path
With the devil snapping at my heels

I broke through the trees and there in the night
My father's house stood shining hard and bright
The branches and brambles tore my clothes, scratched my arms
But I ran 'til I fell shaking in his arms

I awoke and I imagined hard things that pulled us apart
Now will never again, sir, tear us from each other's hearts
I got dressed and to that house, I did ride
From out on the road, I could see its windows shining in light

I walked up the steps and stood on the porch
A woman I didn't recognize came and spoke to me through a chained door
I told her my story and who I'd come for
She said, I'm sorry, but no one by that name lives here anymore

My father's house shines hard and bright
It stands like a beacon calling me in the night
Calling and calling, so cold and alone
Shining 'cross this dark highway where all our sins lie unatoned