Phil Keaggy's “The Journey Home” has become one of my favorite breaths. There are no words of encouragement or wisdom in “Journey.” It's an instrumental. That doesn't stop me from finding much needed serenity and peace. When I listen to it, I can hear a story of a journey. There is a distinct beginning, middle, and end to this song. You can hear and feel the travel in the melody.
Most famous stories of quest are fraught with danger and conflict. “The Journey Home” doesn't feel that way. This is a tranquil, reflective voyage that ends at home. There's no tension in the music but there is such a beautiful release. You can feel the warmth and exhilaration at journey's end. It's not the obstacles faced and overcome that make this journey special. It's the destination. It's home.
“The Journey Home” is a story without words and when I hear it my mind grows quiet and I can breathe again. It doesn't simplify my life or tell me what to do when I feel lost and so far away from home, but it reminds me there is always a way back to it and I feel my heart swell with thankfulness as the stress melts from my mind.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I haven't listened to the original Master & Musician in ages, and I'm trying to remember if I've ever even heard Phantasmagorical all the way through. I've listened to a ton of Phil Keaggy (seriously, 2000 pounds at least!), but I may have completely missed this one!
I shall fix this, and soon. Thanks, Josh.
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thought of you when I published this, Phillip. I knew you were a fan. I have my 30th anniversary edition of M&M on the shelf but I have to confess to having listened to its "sequel" a fair number more times. I really love some of these songs and this is my favorite of the bunch. You definitely want to check this one out.