Going Back To My Roots (Original Version) Lyrics
Richie Havens
Lyrics
Zippin' up my boots,
Goin' back to my roots,
Yeah,
Take the place of my birth,
Back down to earth,
I've been standin' in the rain,
Drenched and soaked with pain,
Tired of short time benefits,
And bein' exposed to the elements,
I'm homeward bound,
Got my head turned around,
Zippin' up my boots,
Goin' back to my roots,
Yeah,
To the place of my birth,
Back down to earth,
Ain't talkin' 'bout no roots in the land,
Talkin' 'bout the roots in the man,
I feel my spirit gettin' old,
It's time to recharge my soul,
I'm zippin' up my boots,
Goin' back to my roots,
Yeah,
To the place of my birth,
Back down to earth,
Zippin' up my boots,
Goin' back to my roots,
To the place of my birth,
Back down to earth
Song & Lyrics Facts
Richie Havens' "Going Back to My Roots" was released in 1977 on his album, Connections. Written by Lamont Dozier and Richie Havens, the song is a soulful anthem about returning home and starting anew.
Lyrics like "I'm going back to my roots/ I'm gonna start all over again" evoke feelings of hope and redemption. The original version features Havens singing with just an acoustic guitar accompaniment. His band, including bassist Doug Lubahn and drummer Steve Scales, join him for the chorus. The song has been covered numerous times since its release, but Havens' raw emotion and powerful delivery make it hard to beat the original.