Sit Down Young Stranger

It's beautifully sung; the lyrics seem to imply that a young man has returned home from travel and school and has different notions about the world than those held by his parents. It's sympathetic to the son and to the parents; he's young and idealistic, they are work weary and practical. I struggle with the last several stanzas, particularly the last two lines. Any suggestions?

• This song is complicated but powerful. A young man has returned home after being gone for years. There is a three way conversation in the song. Then at the end, he recalls why he left home in the first place.

Son I'm standing' at the doorway–my head bowed in my hands Not knowing' where to sit–not knowing' where to stand. My father looms above me–for him there is no rest, My mother’s arms enfold me–and hold me to her breast

Mom They say you been out wandering'–they say you traveled far Sit down young stranger —and tell us who you are

Son The room has all gone misty. My thoughts are all in spin

Mon Sit down young stranger, and tell us where you been

Son Well, I've been up to the mountain; I've walked down by the sea I never questioned no one, and no one questioned me My love was given freely, and oft’ times was returned I never came to borrow, I only came to learn Sometimes it did get lonely, but it taught me how to cry And laughter came too easy, for life to pass me by I never had a dollar that I didn't earn with pride 'Cause I had a million daydreams to keep me satisfied

• (At this point–father snaps at son and the conversation begins to heat up. Each getting more frustrated with each exchange of words)

Dad And will you gather daydreams or will you gather wealth?

Son How can you find your fortune when you cannot find yourself? (My mother’s eyes grow misty–there's a tremblin' in her hand)

Mom Sit down young stranger–I do not understand

• (We learn here that he dropped out of school and dodged the draft) Dad And will you try and tell us–you’ve been too long at school? That knowledge is not needed– that power does not rule?
  That war is not the answer– that young men should not die? Sit down young stranger–I wait for your reply

• (the 2 are yelling now) Son The answer is not easy —for souls are not reborn

Dad To wear the crown of peace–you must wear the crown of thorns

Son If Jesus, had a reason–I'm sure He would not tell They treated Him so badly–How could He wish them well?

• (the room quickly empties leaving son alone thinking to himself) The parlor now is empty–there's nothin' left to say My father has departed–My mother’s gone to pray There's rockets in the meadows And ships out on the sea

• (at this point “John” recalls why he left home years ago)

      The answer’s in the forest–carved upon a tree 
      John loves Mary–does anyone love me?

• (Mary did not return his love and he never felt loved at home Again he realizes he does not belong there.)

This song is expressly about a draft dodger, come to do to Canada what he was unwilling to do the Vietnam. I hate those complacent, entitled cowards.