Long Way Back Home Lyrics - Gordon Lightfoot

From the railhead to the boatyard 

From the factory to the farm 

From the mine to the mill yard 

I've weathered the storm 

From the bar room to the bedpost 

I've wasted my days, all I have is my drink 

And the time left to think 

While time slips away 

Just look at my face 

When you tell me goodbye 

You'll see what I'm after 

By the look in my eye 

Just walk away and leave me alone 

It's a long way back home 

Now in case you should ask me 

What it is that I've done 

I'd say I'm a soldier 

Who once had a son 

But my son doesn't know me 

That's his right to choose 

Oh say, can you see? My best friend is me 

I'm a friend I could use 

Just look at my face 

When you tell me goodbye 

You'll see what I'm after 

By the look in my eye 

Just walk away and leave me alone 

It's a long way back home 

Now the pages have faded 

The story grows cold 

And the plot falls to ashes 

Like the ruins of old 

Those rats in my rafters 

They're after my shoes 

And anything else they can find on the shelf 

I've said they could use 

And just look at my face 

When you tell me goodbye 

You'll see what I'm after 

By the look in my eye 

Just walk away and leave me alone 

It's a long way back home 

It's a long way back home