Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Joshua come back home to the island
everyone dance in the street.
Joshua come back home to the island
happiness be complete.
Mothers will talk again to their sons,
happy to forgive the wandering ones.
Ras Timothy, James and John spread the story on.

Joshua been gone too long,
princes of the island say.
Cries of pain and sorrow,
'cause there's no good work today.
Joshua say he come soon,
bring good work to everyone,
dance together at sundown,
got pride in the work we done.

Crowds to flock together
singin' about the land.
Joyful congregation come dancing in the sand
No more to look to Babylon,
Kingdom come right here:
joyful celebration make the slaver shake with fear.

Joshua come back home to the island
everyone dance in the street.
Joshua come back home to the island
happiness be complete.
Mothers will talk again to their sons,
happy to forgive the wandering ones.
Ras Timothy, James and John spread the story on.

Joshua talk to the angels,
watch the sun on the western sea,
silent contemplation 'hind the plan to make us free.
Joshua pay a dime a clam,
charge a dime for a dozen eggs
plenty money left for rum to add power to our dancing legs
plenty money left for rum to add power to our dancing legs

Joshua come back home to the island
everyone dance in the street.
Joshua come back home to the island
happiness be complete.
Mothers will talk again to their sons,
happy to forgive the wandering ones.
Ras Timothy, James and John spread the story on.
Ras Timothy, James and John spread the story on.
Ras Timothy, James and John spread the story on.