Lyrics
There's a light in the window, the table's spread in splendor
Someone's standing by the open door
I can see the crystal river, Lord I must be near forever
Lord, I've never been this homesick before
Let's see the bright light shine, it's just about home time
And I can see my Father standing at the door
This world's been a wilderness, I'm ready for deliverance
Oh Lord, I've never been this homesick before
I can see the family gather, sweet faces stand so familiar
No one's old or feeble anymore, and though this lonesome heart is crying
I think I'll spread my wings for flying
Lord, I've never been this homesick before
Let's see the bright light shine, it's just about home time
And I can see my Father, He's standing at the door
This world's been a wilderness, I'm ready for deliverance
Oh Lord, I've never been this homesick before
Let's see the bright light shine, it's just about home time
And I can see my Father, He's standing at the door
This world's been a wilderness, I'm ready for deliverance
Oh Lord, I've never been this homesick before
Oh Lord, I've never been this homesick before
Oh Lord, I've never been this homesick before, this homesick before
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before” expresses a longing for heaven through familiar images of homecoming. A lighted window, a prepared table, an open door, and gathered family turn eternity into a place of welcome rather than an abstraction. The crystal river and the Father at the door deepen that expectation, while the description of the present world as a wilderness gives the chorus its emotional tension. Homesickness becomes a confession that earthly hardship is not the believer’s final destination.
The song’s hope includes restoration as well as reunion. Familiar faces are no longer aged or weak, and sorrow gives way to deliverance. Revelation 22:1 provides a clear biblical parallel for the crystal river, while Revelation 21:3-4 describes God dwelling with his people where death, mourning, and pain have ended. The imagery remains direct and pastoral, framing heaven as life in God’s presence. Repetition in the closing lines intensifies the desire for that promised home and its freedom from frailty.
Related Scripture
- Revelation 22:1 John’s vision includes the river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne.
- Revelation 21:3-4 The passage describes God dwelling with his people beyond death, mourning, and pain.