OOH WHO O WHO
OOH WHO O WHO O
SOMETIMES THE REASON FOR LIVING
WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR WITH A MEMORY
LOOK FOR THAT NEW BEGINNING
THERE IN FRONT OF YOU SO EASY TO REACH
I REMEMBER WALKS IN BELLEVUE PARK
THE BIG PARADE THAT MADE THE DAY FOR ALL THE YOUNG AT HEART
I REMEMBER AUTUMN AT THE FAIR
CRISMON LEAVES SWEPT BY THE BREEZE THEY DANCED ALL THROUGH THE AIR
CHORUS
GOING HOME, NORTHERN SHORES
YOU CALL AND INVITE ME, YOUR JUST WHAT MY HEART NEEDS
GOING HOME THE FEELING SO STRONG
I SHOULDN’T HAVE GONE NOW, IT’S BEEN FAR TOO LONG NOW
CHRISTMAS PICTURES, SNOW TOP EVERGREENS
ALGOMA LIGHTS ON WINTER NIGHTS LIKE DIAMONDS HOW THEY GLEAM
NATURE ANSWERS THE WELCOME CALL OF SPRING
SHIPS ARE SAILING THROUGH THE LOCKS THE WAVES BEGIN TO SING
CHORUS 2X FADE
Julia had moved from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor to find a better life and only found emptiness. She resolved to come home and try once again to find love, meaning and purpose. God was gracious to the both of us, for we met for the first time at the airport, got married within six months and later found the Lord, which is really the spiritual message of this song. The memory that brought Julia home were those early family years where love abounded. God has given us, the family unit, to be a loving retreat from the world, and where its parents teach their children God’s ways Dt 6:6,7,8. Most of us, at some point, rebel and become prodigals, but God is gracious and merciful and when we come to our senses Lk 15:17, He instills in us a hope of a new beginning. Julia found hers and you can find yours. Turn to God and He will remind you of all the good things that He has provided for you in the past, and the many blessings that He wants to bestow on you in the future. So, as Julia sings “Going home, the feeling, is oh so strong,” experience for yourself that new beginning that will never end Ps 23:6.
While meditating on Julia’s words I saw spiritual truth in her words.
Verse 1:
SOMETIMES THE REASON FOR LIVING
WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR WITH A MEMORY
LOOK FOR THAT NEW BEGINNING
THERE IN FRONT OF YOU SO EASY TO REACH
In this verse, it as the recognition that the purpose and meaning of life often become clear when we encounter moments of reflection and nostalgia. It’s a call to embrace new beginnings, which are readily available to us, especially when we turn to God.
Verse 2:
I REMEMBER WALKS IN BELLEVUE PARK
THE BIG PARADE THAT MADE THE DAY FOR ALL THE YOUNG AT HEART
I REMEMBER AUTUMN AT THE FAIR
CRIMSON LEAVES SWEPT BY THE BREEZE THEY DANCED ALL THROUGH THE AIR
These lines symbolize cherished memories from the past. The “walks in Bellevue Park” which is for many of Sault Ste. Marie’s residents their relaxing retreat that represent moments of refreshment and joy. The “big parade” representing Community Day were moments of celebration and unity. “Autumn at the fair” referring to the Algoma Fall Festival represents the changing seasons of life. All these memories can be seen as gifts from God, reminding us of His presence in our lives.
A closer look at the lyric: CRIMSON LEAVES SWEPT BY THE BREEZE,
THEY DANCED ALL THROUGH THE AIR.
The crimson leaves falling and being swept by the breeze can be seen as a metaphor for the shedding of our old, sinful selves through the redemptive work of Jesus’ blood. The Holy Spirit is depicted as the gentle breeze that carries us into a new spiritual life, much like the leaves dancing through the air. This transformation leads to a life of praise and worship, as we are renewed by God’s grace.
Chorus:
GOING HOME, NORTHERN SHORES
YOU CALL AND INVITE ME, YOU’RE JUST WHAT MY HEART NEEDS
GOING HOME, THE FEELING SO STRONG
I SHOULDN’T HAVE GONE NOW, IT’S BEEN FAR TOO LONG NOW
The chorus can be reimagined as a spiritual journey. “Going home” reflects a return to our spiritual roots, where God invites us with open arms. Just as the leaves are carried by the breeze, believers are carried by the Holy Spirit into a closer communion with God, symbolized by the “northern shores” representing a place of divine authority and presence Isa 14:13 KJV.
Here we find spiritual renewal, highlighting the transformative power of faith and God’s redemptive grace. The feeling of longing and regret for not having gone earlier suggests the importance of responding to God’s call promptly.
Verse 3:
CHRISTMAS PICTURES, SNOW TOP EVERGREENS
ALGOMA LIGHTS ON WINTER NIGHTS LIKE DIAMONDS HOW THEY GLEAM
NATURE ANSWERS THE WELCOME CALL OF SPRING
SHIPS ARE SAILING THROUGH THE LOCKS, THE WAVES BEGIN TO SING
These lines represent the changing seasons of life and the cyclical nature of God’s creation. Christmas pictures and snow top evergreens reflect the joy and beauty of Christ’s birth. The “Algoma lights” symbolize God’s guidance in the darkest times. Nature’s response to spring’s welcome call signifies renewal and rebirth, much like our spiritual renewal. “Ships sailing through the locks” symbolize our journey through life’s challenges with God’s guidance.
In my reinterpretation, “Going Home” becomes a spiritual journey of rediscovering God’s presence and grace through memories, seasons of life, and a deep longing to return to a closer relationship with Him. It reflects the idea that God calls us back to Him, offering new beginnings and a renewed sense of purpose.