When I was just a boy
The devil took my hand
Took me from my home
He made me a man
So, don’t talk to me about sympathy now
‘Cause you can’t dance if you
Take a chance on your rosary
I’m going down, down, down, down, down
On the homebound train
It’s been a millions years
That I been gone
I been everywhere, now I’m heading home
Been a lot of girls, but
There’s a woman I know
Said don’t take no plane
Better take a train
‘Cause I like it real slow
All the way back home
On the homebound train
I’m going down, down, down, down, down
On the homebound train
I’m on my way
I’m heading home
To be with my baby
Where I belong
Coming down the tracks now
See, I done my time
I’m going back now
To that home of mine
Well, here I come baby
Here I come baby
Here I come baby
All the way back home
On that homebound train
I’m going down, down, down, down, down
On that homebound train
Finding Redemption on the Rails
“Homebound Train” by Bon Jovi delivers a gritty, soul-searching narrative of a man reflecting on his journey away from innocence and his longing return home. The lyrics open with the protagonist being led astray, forced to grow up too fast, and experiencing the hardships of life. As he rides the metaphoric homebound train, the song explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the comfort of returning to familiar love. The repeated refrain of “down, down, down” mirrors both a descent and a determined journey back to where he belongs, highlighting the emotional weight of coming home after a long absence.
Song Credits
Artist: Bon Jovi
Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
Release Year: 1988
Label: Mercury Records