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Uriah Heep – Come Away Melinda Lyrics: Anti-War Reflection and Emotional Rock Storytelling

“Come Away Melinda” is a deeply emotional song performed by Uriah Heep, best known for its powerful anti-war message and poignant lyrical narrative. Originally written by Fred Hellerman and Fran Minkoff, the song gained renewed impact through Uriah Heep’s interpretation on their debut album Very ’Eavy… Very ’Umble (1970).

The lyrics are presented as a dialogue between a father and his daughter, Melinda, as they walk through a world scarred by war and destruction. Through simple yet devastating imagery, the song reflects on loss, innocence, and the long-lasting consequences of human conflict. Its emotional strength lies in understatement, allowing the story itself to deliver the message.

Musically, Uriah Heep transforms the folk origins of the song into a dramatic rock ballad, blending gentle passages with rising intensity. The arrangement features expressive vocals, subtle guitar work, and atmospheric keyboards that gradually build emotional weight without overwhelming the narrative.

“Come Away Melinda” stands out in Uriah Heep’s catalog as a moment of social consciousness and human vulnerability, proving the band’s ability to convey profound themes beyond fantasy or hard rock power. It remains one of the most moving performances in their early discography and a timeless statement against the horrors of war.

Come Away Melinda

Daddy, daddy, come and look
See what I have found
A little ways away from here
While digging in the ground

Come away Melinda
Come in and close the door
It’s nothing, just a picture-book
They had before the war

Daddy, daddy, come and see
Daddy, come and look
Why, there’s four or five
Little Melinda girls
Inside my picture book

Come away Melinda
Come in and close the door
There were lots of little girls like you
Before they had the war

Oh Daddy, daddy, come and see
Daddy, hurry do
Why, there’s someone
In a pretty dress
She’s all grown up like you
Won’t you tell me why

Come away Melinda
Come in and close the door
That someone is your Mummy
You had before the war

Daddy, daddy, tell me if you can
Why can’t things be
The way they were
Before the war began

Come away Melinda
Come in and close the door
The answer lies in yesterday
Before they had the war

Album …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble

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