Mercy Bound

Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez

Late last night I awoke in a dream

To the sound of a voice that was almost a scream

Oh oh oh

From out of the city and out of the street

Out where the wind hits the cold concrete

Oh oh oh



It's cold outside

Darkness your enemy

No place to hide

The voice said this to me

In your doorways I have shivered

In your alleys I have gone to ground

But I will be delivered

Someday I will be mercy bound



I dreamed again it was west L.A.

On a crowded street on a hot summer day

She was alone

Three months late and beginning to show

In a midriff blouse she would soon outgrow

She had no one to call

And no way home

And in my mind

I knew I'd seen myself

But in our blindness

It always seems like someone else

There I was a rag a bone

A remnant in your lost and found

I was for once truly alone

Longing to be mercy bound



And I knew that I would wander as child in the forest

Till they found me

And I called out to them but I could not penetrate the silence

All around me



And when I wake I know you'll comfort me

And I won't sleep again for an eternity

But others lie awake at night

In desperation more profound

And the coming of the morning light

Will not see them mercy bound



And some will never dream again

From sleeping on the ground

Just longing to belong

And dying to be mercy bound

Oh please don't stop your dreaming

Someday we'll all be mercy bound

Mercy Bound

Joan Baez's 'Mercy Bound' stands as a testament to her enduring commitment to acoustic folk and social consciousness. Recorded in the classic style that defined her career, the track features her signature clear vocals and gentle guitar accompaniment, characteristic of her work from the 1960s and beyond. The song reflects the era's focus on spiritual themes and humanitarian concerns, a hallmark of Baez's repertoire alongside iconic tracks like 'Guantanamera' and 'Wings'. As a solo artist, she often presented such material in intimate settings, emphasizing the raw emotion and simplicity of the melody. This recording captures the essence of her contribution to American folk music, where personal storytelling intersects with broader cultural movements. The song remains a cherished example of her discography, showcasing her ability to convey deep sentiment through minimal instrumentation and her distinctive vocal tone.