Long Time Gone

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My parents raised me tenderly, 
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I was their only son;
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My mind got mixed with wanderin
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when I was much too young.
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And I left my home the  first time;
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When I was twelve and one~~~~~~
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Been a long time a comin’, Ma,
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An` I'll be a long time gone.

On a road through south New Mexico, in the dust and rolling sage,
I thought I’d try to find some work, but they said I was young of age.
No place to turn, I'd somehow learn to make it on my own.
Been a long time comin’ and I'll be a long time gone.

Many times by the highway side I tried to flag a ride.
With bloodshot eyes and gritting teeth, I’d watch the cars roll by.
In the empty air, my only guide, I traveled on alone,
Been a long time comin’ and I’ll be a long time gone.

You might see me on your crossroads, when I’ll be passing through,
And dream you’ll one day follow as I drift beyond your view,
Destined for a journey that will never lead me home—
Been a long time comin’ and I’ll be a long time gone.

If I could help one drifter on this long, relentless road,
I’d warn him of its random ways and the dangers it might hold,
But I know I ain't no prophet and I ain't no prophet's son—
Just a long time comin’ and I'll be a long time gone.

So you can have your beauty when skin-deep, it only lies,
And you can have your youthhood, it will fade before your eyes.
When my roving days are through, just carve upon my stone:
“Been a long time comin’ and I'll be a long time gone.”