old man returning

I am an old man returning

to the secrets of my youth

back when my soul was burning

and I could see the truth

I am an old man returning

to the land of my home

it's the sweetest place I have ever known

I live inside my memories

today is not my friend

I cannot do what I please

I see hope growing thin

I live inside my memories

I cry sometimes and laugh

thinking about when I walked a straighter path

          oh, Lord, take me back

          when life was never wrong

          to the hometown of my childhood

          back where I belong

now I live in silence

I spend my days in fear

life has shown its violence

the end is drawing near 

now I live in silence

my future now has passed

I used to believe life would always last

I am an old man returning

to the scene of my youth

back when my soul was burning

and I could see the truth

I am an old man returning

to the land of my home

it's the sweetest place I have ever known