When I'm Called Home
Abbey Lincoln · Other Songs - Abbey Lincoln
I will bring a book
That tells of strange and funny turns
And of the heart it took
To keep on living in a world
That never was my own
A world of haunted memories
Of other worlds unknown.
I'll tell them of the trouble here
When they call me home.
When I'm called home
I will sing a song
And tell them of a beggar's life
Where everything goes wrong
Where everybody's hopes and dreams
Are shattering by the wind.
I'll tell them of a ghostly world
Of us and they and him.
I'll tell them how the shadows fall
When they call me home.
When I'm called home
I will tell the stars
Of the battles that were lost
In a world of wars.
I will tell the rivers
Of the children lost at sea
Of a how a soul is bartered
And what it costs a spirit free.
Hallelujah tell a story, oh,
When they call me home.
When I'm Called Home
Abbey Lincoln's 'When I'm Called Home' stands as a defining example of her soulful vocal prowess within the electric blues and gospel traditions of the 1960s. Recorded during her prolific period, the track showcases her distinctive contralto voice, characterized by a raw, emotive delivery that blends spiritual yearning with rhythmic intensity. As a solo artist, Lincoln often collaborated with prominent musicians, yet her ability to convey deep personal narrative through her voice remains central to her legacy. The song reflects the era's fusion of church-inspired melodies and secular jazz influences, capturing the essence of the soul movement. It remains a testament to her capacity to transform simple lyrical themes into powerful, resonant performances that continue to influence modern R&B and neo-soul artists.