My Father's House -- Bruce Springsteen

Last night I dreamed that I was a child out where the pines grow wild and tall 
I was trying to make it home through the forest before the darkness falls 
I heard the wind rustling through the trees and ghostly voices rose from the fields 
I ran with my heart pounding down that broken path with the devil snappin at my heels 

I broke through the trees and there in he night My fathers house stood shining hard 
and bright the branches and brambles tore my clothes and scratched my arms 
But I ran till I fell shaking in his arms  I awoke and I imagined the hard things that
pulled us apart  Will never again sir tear us from each others hearts 
I got dressed and to that house I did ride from out on the road I could see its windows shining in light  

I walked up the steps and stood on the porch a woman I didnt recognize came and 
spoke to me through a chained door  I told her my story and who Id come for 
She said "Im sorry son but no one by that name lives here anymore" 
My fathers house shines hard and bright it stands like a beacon calling me in the
night  Calling and calling so cold and alone  Shining cross this dark highway
where our sins lie unatoned


Springsteen wrote this based on childhood memories of his family, and his distant relationship with his father. Other songs where Springsteen alludes to his father include "Factory," "Independence Day," and "Adam Raised A Cain."    (songfacts)