GOING BACK HOME – THE RETURN

This title –  “GOING BACK HOME” is an adaptation from a reggae song written by Jimmy Cliff in 1970, entitled “Going Back West”, where “West” refers to his HOME country, Jamaica.

Some Ghanaians in the Diaspora can identify with the circumstances leading to the writing of this song, and its lyrics below. These circumstances, mainly arose from opportunities and alternatives, in relation to home and the Diaspora. This is the basis for a series of articles by MFR, with a goal to provide information, and to provoke those in the Diaspora to think of a possible RETURN from their SOJOURN, and for MFR to offer them help wherever we can.

Please READ the following Upcoming articles in the series:

  1. Current Conditions in Ghana on your RETURN
  2. How to prepare for and plan your RETURN to minimize difficulties
  3. Things you can do in Ghana when you RETURN
  4. How MFR can assist you in your efforts to RETURN
  5. Profiles of some RETURNEES 

For your enjoyment, Please reflect on the lyrics of the song below, also READ subsequent articles.

GOING BACK WEST

“I was born and raised in a ghetto

Talk with me and you’ll know

I wasn’t satisfied with living on the side

I started looking around for a possibility

But listen to my story, of what became of me

I met a businessman

Who said he got some friends back East
Said, “Why don’t you come along?
Well we could help you at least”
“Make you into a big star
By playing your guitar”
But the joke was on me
They left me flat to see

Going back West
Yes I know, I’ll make out alright
Going back West
Where my music’s playing all night
Going back West
Think I’ll do alright

Struggling for recognition, identity and respect
I got a lot of promises, they told me not to fret
Said, “We will stand by you
If the going gets rough”
But when I started sinking
They didn’t even bluff

Going back West …

‘Bout a year has come and gone
And left me standing here
Thinking how it could have been
‘Cause still I ain’t nowhere

They surely took me for a ride
Trampled on my pride
But I’ll hold my head up high
Got no more tears to cry

Going back West ….”

MFR

Please look out for our next article –   Conditions you will find in Ghana when you RETURN