Thomas Gabriel singing original song “Long Way Home” live at The MuleHouse in Columbia, TN 1/6/24
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Long way home
I know it seems to be a common part of my story, but...
I had been in prison quite a while. I was playing guitar and writing ALOT of songs. One day I was told that there was a woman that came to the prison for a music class. While in the music class, if someone had a song, or a poem she would record it on a tape recorder if anyone was interested. And then if you gave her an address she would then send that tape to a family member or friend. That was something I was definitely interested in. So I signed up for the class. A few weeks later I got an approval to go. So I’m standing in line,In the rain, at a gate, with my guitar, and realized I had not picked out a song. I had many, and I knew many, but this had to be something profound. And while I’m having this dilemma in my head, the guy in front of me turns around and asks “aren’t you going home soon? Why don’t you just wait until you get home and play it in person?” And wanting to give a quick enough answer and get back to my thoughts, I replied that no, I wasn’t going home soon. I had to leave prison and go to county jail for two additional years and not to worry about when I sang what and when. And his reply to me was “man, that’s a long way home”. And that struck a chord in my head-long way home- I got a pen. And did the best writing I could do on my wet palms, hands, and arms to remember the lyrics that started to flow. And when I got to the class I was a mess of Ink, nerves, and thought. It was the first time I’d have a voice penetrate these walls. I was nervous. I recorded a rough version of “Long Way Home”. I was very proud. Which at that time was a rarity. I don’t know what ever happened to the tape I sent out. But that’s where it started.
I won’t listen to my heart
I need to ease my worried mind
Because there’s something here that I can’t see
And I’m getting used to always falling far behind
But being first never meant that much to me
It’s a long way home
So I’m leaving
Before I’m too far gone
To move from where I stand
It’s a long way home
Time to start heeding
The better angels that are half of who I am
I won’t listen to the radio
Man it hurts me
A certain song can drop me in my tracks
And I know her memories won’t desert me
But the hardest air waves keep bringing them back
(Chorus)
And I will always stand beside you
And that you can depend
And I’ll be there to remind you
That with me
You’ll always have a friend
The fall of my life has got more color than my greener years
But this autumn wind is cutting deep
And I can finally see the stars after all the dust has cleared
And I’ve got more promises yet to keep
It’s a long way home
So I’m leaving
Before I’m too far gone to move from where I stand
It’s a long way home
Time to start heeding
The better angels that are half of who I am
Long Way Home - Thomas Gabriel
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Thomas Gabriel - vocals
Kerry Marx- Guitar
Dennis Crouch - Bass
Paul Leim - Drums