About the song
“Don Williams’s soulful rendition of ‘Sing Me Back Home’ carries listeners on a poignant journey through the depths of memory and longing, underscored by the heartfelt songwriting of country music legend Merle Haggard. Originally penned and performed by Haggard himself, ‘Sing Me Back Home’ resonates with a timeless appeal that transcends generations.
Featured on Don Williams’s album ‘Visions’ released in 1977, ‘Sing Me Back Home’ became a standout track in his illustrious career. Known for his smooth baritone voice and understated delivery, Williams brings a sense of warmth and sincerity to the song, infusing each note with emotion and authenticity.
Merle Haggard’s masterful storytelling shines through in the lyrics, painting a vivid picture of a prison inmate’s final moments as he requests a fellow inmate to sing him his favorite song one last time before his impending execution. The haunting melody and evocative imagery evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and reflection, striking a chord with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Upon its release, ‘Sing Me Back Home’ garnered critical acclaim and solidified Don Williams’s reputation as one of country music’s most beloved artists. While it may not have achieved chart-topping success, its impact on fans and fellow musicians alike is undeniable, with many considering it a highlight of Williams’s extensive discography.
For fans of Don Williams and classic country music, ‘Sing Me Back Home’ remains a cherished gem, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling through song and the enduring legacy of two iconic artists in the genre.”
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Lyrics
The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom
I stood up to say goodbye like all the rest
And I heard him tell the warden just before he reached my cell
“Let my guitar playing friend do my request”
Let him sing me back home with a song I used to hear
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing me back home before I die
I recall last Sunday morning a choir from off the streets
Came to sing a few old gospel songs
And I heard him tell the singers, “There’s a song my mama sang
Could I hear it once before you move along?”
Sing me back home, the the song I used to hear
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing me back home before I die
Won’t you sing me back home, the the song I used to hear
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing me back home before I die
Sing me back home before I die