G
C
F
Bm
E
E7
Am
D7
Am7
D
Homeward Bound
Simon and Garfunkel
The original recording of "Homeward Bound" features gentle acoustic guitar, capturing a reflective and folky mood. Its steady rhythm and open chords make it approachable for beginners.
Chords and Progression
The song uses mostly open chords: G, C, F, Bm, E, E7, Am, Am7, D, and D7. The only barre chord is F, which can be challenging; try using the easier Fmaj7 (xx3210) if needed. Bm can be played as a simple partial barre (x24432), or substitute Bm7 (x20202) for an easier option.
Strumming Pattern
A basic strumming pattern is D-DU-UDU (D=down, U=up). Keep it light and steady, accenting the first beat for a folky feel. Listen to the original for dynamics—verses are softer, choruses slightly fuller.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Practice moving between G, C, and F, as these transitions occur often. For Am to Am7, just lift your ring finger. Pay attention to D7 and D changes—keep your index finger anchored for efficiency. During the intro and outro, let chords ring to match the reflective mood.
General Advice
Start slow, focusing on clean chord changes. Use a capo on the 2nd fret if you want to play along with the original. Most importantly, keep your strumming relaxed and let the melody guide your dynamics.
Intro
G C G F C C C G
Verse 1I'mG sittin' in the railway station got aBm ticket to my destinati-E on.E MmmmmE7 .
Am On a tour of one-night stands myF suitcase and guitar in hand,
AndG ev'ry stop is neatly planned for a poet and aD7 one man ban-G d.
ChorusHomewardC bound, I wish IG was. HomewardC bound.
G Home, where myAm thought's escaAm7 pingG home, where myAm music's playAm7 ingG home,
Where myAm love lies waitAm7 in'D silently forG me.
Verse 2EveryG day is an endless stream ofBm cigarettes and magazi-E nes.E MmmmmE7 .
AndAm each town looks the same to me theF movies and the factories,
AndG ev'ry stranger's face I see reminds me that ID7 long toG be.
ChorusHomewardC bound, I wish IG was. HomewardC bound.
G Home, where myAm thought's escaAm7 pingG home, where myAm music's playAm7 ingG home,
Where myAm love lies waitAm7 in'D silently forG me.
Verse 3TonightG I'll sing my songs again I'llBm play the game and preE tend.E MmmmmE7 .
ButAm all my words come back to me inF shades of mediocrity,
LikeG emptiness in harmony I need someone toD7 comfortG me.
ChorusHomewardC bound, I wish IG was. HomewardC bound.
G Home, where myAm thought's escaAm7 pingG home, where myAm music's playAm7 ingG home,
Where myAm love lies waitAm7 in'D silently forG me.D Silently forG me.
OutroG C G F C C C G