The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
The way to my father's house when I was just a boy
Lay through fields of innocence near bubbling springs of joy
And when I'd lay me down to sleep
I'd pray the lord my soul to keep
The road was never very steep
On the way to my father's house
The way to my father's house when I turned seventeen
Wandered through inviting hills beside a tumbling stream
Sometimes in prayer upon my knees
I would feel a distant breeze
The road was winding now through trees
On the way to my father's house
The way to my father's house at the age of twenty-nine
Led over a mountain that I would seldom climb
Except in times of great despair when I'd be looking everywhere
And then one morning he was there
On the way to my father's house
And glory, what a refreshing story
I was so blind before he opened my eyes restoring me to
The way to my father's house at the age of thirty-one
Was a ride on a rainbow my new life had begun
And every evening I could look through the pages of his book
And recognize the paths I took on the way, on the way...
I go to my father's house in these troubled days
The spirit is moving in mysterious ways
Reminded when old doubts appear
That perfect love casts out all fear
In thanks I tend the garden here, on the way
On the way
On the way to my father's house
Lay through fields of innocence near bubbling springs of joy
And when I'd lay me down to sleep
I'd pray the lord my soul to keep
The road was never very steep
On the way to my father's house
The way to my father's house when I turned seventeen
Wandered through inviting hills beside a tumbling stream
Sometimes in prayer upon my knees
I would feel a distant breeze
The road was winding now through trees
On the way to my father's house
The way to my father's house at the age of twenty-nine
Led over a mountain that I would seldom climb
Except in times of great despair when I'd be looking everywhere
And then one morning he was there
On the way to my father's house
And glory, what a refreshing story
I was so blind before he opened my eyes restoring me to
The way to my father's house at the age of thirty-one
Was a ride on a rainbow my new life had begun
And every evening I could look through the pages of his book
And recognize the paths I took on the way, on the way...
I go to my father's house in these troubled days
The spirit is moving in mysterious ways
Reminded when old doubts appear
That perfect love casts out all fear
In thanks I tend the garden here, on the way
On the way
On the way to my father's house
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by Mellow_Harsher
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Only one member of the trio is still living and I highly doubt (due to his age and when the band was at its height) he receives any royalties, so here are the lyrics (as I try to make excuses for posting them:)
The way to my Father's house when I was just a boy Lay through fields of innocence near bubbling springs of joy And when I'd lay me down to sleep I'd pray the Lord my soul to keep The road was never very steep On the way to my Father's house.
The way to my Father's house when I turned seventeen Wandered through inviting hills beside a tumbling stream Sometimes in prayer upon my knees, I would feel a distant breeze The road was winding now through trees On the way to my Father's house.
The way to my Father's House at the age of twenty-nine Led over a mountain that I would seldom climb Except in times of great despair when I'd be looking everywhere And then one morning He was there, On the way to my Father's house And glory, what a refreshing story I was so blind before he opened my eyes restoring me to
The way to my Father's house at the age of thirty-one Was a ride on a rainbow my new life had begun And every evening I could look through the pages of his book And recognize the paths I took on the way, on the way...
I go to my Father's house in these troubled days The Spirit is moving in mysterious ways Reminded when old doubts appear That perfect Love casts out all fear In thanks I tend the garden here, on the way, On the way On the way to my Father's house
"Father" is capitalized in this track because it represents God. And on his way to Father's house means he is going to meet his maker, so to speak. He has "tended the garden" on earth for years and now it's time to return Home. The song takes you on the long journey known as life from birth through old age. And in old age, he no longer fears death. Beautiful song!