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"On My Way Home" is a song by Irish new-age artist Enya. It was released as the second and final single from her fourth studio album, The Memory Of Trees (1995). The song achieved minor success, reaching #26 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1996, but in Brazil, it was a top 5 hit, reaching number four. According to Enya, the song is about "those wonderful memories and fond moments that you have when you're on your way home", and wished to present a positive feel in the chorus. The song contains samples from two other Enya songs, "Book Of Days" and "Orinoco Flow".[1]

Background[]

Liner Notes[]

The journey home. A clear, fresh evening, quiet, restful. Thoughts are comforting, memories are warm and sweet. The air is so still reflection comes easy. A gentle snow may cocoon us and can deaden the night sounds, The mind can dwell on the good things in life as, with each step, one joyful thought begets another. The journey home is filled with the anticipation and excitement of arrival – family, friends, those we love. The solitary path has more room for wishes, in that stillness, in that night, going home.

Notes by Roma Ryan
The Memory Of Trees Promotional Box, 1995

Quotes About The Song[]

Enya: It was written as one piece, but the chorus did change from the arrangement. Sometimes if it’s too subtle a chorus, it’s not dramatic enough. ‘On My Way Home’ is about all those wonderful memories and fond moments that you have when you’re on your way home. I know it’s that way for me, and we’re trying to get across that very positive feeling in the chorus.
Enya & The Memory Of Trees, Gavin, 1996
enyabookofdays.com

Lyrics[]

I have been given
One moment from heaven
As I am walking
Surrounded by night

Stars high above me
Make a wish under moonlight

On my way home
I remember
Only good days
I'm on my way home
I can remember
Every new day

I move in silence
With each step taken
Snow falling round me
Like angels in flight

Far in the distance
Is my wish under moonlight

On my way home
I remember
Only good days
On my way home
I remember
All the best days

I'm on my way home
I can remember
Every new day

On my way home
I remember
Only good days

On my way home
I remember
Only good days

Scans[]

Tracklist[]

  1. "On My Way Home" 5:09
  2. Eclipse" 1:34
  3. "I May Not Awaken" 4:25

Limit Edition Digipack[]

  1. "On My Way Home" (Single Remix) 3:37
  2. "Morning Glory" 2:28
  3. "I May Not Awaken" 4:25
  4. Eclipse" 1:34

Music Video[]

The video directed by Rob Dickins uses an edit of the song that was not released separately. The scene with the lanterns was inspired by John Singer Sargent’s painting ‘Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose’. Sargent described the painting in a letter: "I am trying to paint a charming thing I saw the other evening. Two little girls in a garden at twilight lighting paper lanterns among the flowers from rose-tree to rose-tree. I shall be a long time about it if I don’t give up in despair." Eight screencaps from the video are printed in the limited digipack version of the single.

Critical Reception[]

Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as a "sweeping excursion into soothing new-age pop." He added, "Enya's dreamy, angelic voice is sewn into a quasi-classical arrangement of strings and acoustic guitars. Her performance ultimately grounds the song, as the music takes flight and winds through countless highs and lows. An excellent way to ring in the holiday season without resorting to "Jingle Bells" too soon." Mike Joyce from The Washington Post felt that "On My Way Home" "boasts a thoroughly engaging chorus and closes the album on a cheerful note."

Charts[]

Weekly chart performance for "On My Way Home"
Chart (1996-1997) Peak position
Australia (ARIA) 151
Brazil (UPI) 4
Italy (Musica e dischi) 22
UK Singles (OCC) 26

Trivia[]

References[]

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