Long recorded the 10-song collection Dirty Pond Songs in his London bedroom, traffic noises and all. “Left to Lie” from Dirty Pond Songs, became an iTunes favorite, topping the site’s “Unsigned” chart and reaching #8 on its Folk Music chart. “The Bounty of Mary Jane” from Dirty Pond Songs and a live version of his “Being a Mockingbird”, recorded at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City, were also released via iTunes. “The Dangerous Summer” tour continued until the end of 2009, logging some 80 performances in all.
Long embarked upon the “Left to Lie” tour of Europe in early 2010 and began to record his first studio CD with producer Grammy winner Liam Watson at Toe Rag Studios in London. He also released a collection of live performances from the Dangerous Summer 2009 tour. "My Darling Belle" from that collection went to #2 on iTunes' Singer-Songwriter chart.
On April 23, 2010, Long officially signed on to the roster at ATO Records, the label co-founded by musician Dave Matthews, which is home to such artists as Radiohead, David Gray, Ben Kweller, Liz Phair, and more. They released his debut album, "A Winter Tale", on February 1, 2011. During 2010, he toured with Matt Pond PA during which time he met the Kalob Griffin Band, also known as KGB, who would become his backing band for subsequent U.S. dates that year, including the Mile High Festival in Denver, the xPoNential Music Festival in Philadelphia and the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He did a solo tour of Europe in the fall, followed by North American dates in support of Michael Franti. He ended the year with a fund-raising event at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in Manhattan where he debuted his new touring band.
Long spent most of 2011 promoting the album "A Winter Tale," which began with a tour in North America. He also made an appearance on The Tonight Show on February 3, 2011 and on The Early Show on August 8, 2011. During the summer, as part of the legendary Bonnaroo Music Festival, he played on the Cafe Stage. The Dave Matthews Band Caravan included him in the line-up in Atlantic City, NJ and in Chicago, IL. He played on the BMI stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival in September. Long made "another live" recorded EP called "The Backing Singer" in July 2011, with the producer, Jesse Lauter. In October 2011, he kicked off "The Losing My Brotherhood Tour" with shows in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Long started 2012 by recording his sophomore album, produced by Ted Hutt, and appeared on the Cayamo Cruise in February. On February 23, he announced online that he would be doing a weekly "song of the week," (for an undisclosed period of time), that he records at home. He spent most of April supporting the acoustic guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela, on tour, but ended the month opening a show for Iron & Wine. In between supporting Steve Winwood on tour in May, Long released his first book of poetry, "Losing My Brotherhood." He stated that a "discipline aspect allowed me to separate the poems from my music.” July consisted of Long opening shows for The Mother Hips in California as well as a performance and poetry reading at Barnes & Noble in L.A. for his book. He followed with shows in the western U.S. and then returned to opening for Steve Winwood on tour in the fall. After Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States in October of 2012, Long donated his 1965 Epiphone Cabellero guitar to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund. For the victims, he later participated in the benefit "A Love Letter to New York" that also included Joan Osborne, Matisyahu, and others.
Dead And Done
Bobby Long Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stars don't lie and there's cash in the kitty
Running from the rocks, there's water for the lips
To ease your mouth and bathe your fist
There's no need for trouble when the road's all down
Nobody's out of work cause the mines in town
The circus has been twice already
I'm dead and done by the heat of the sun
And I'll rest my hat in an Autumn field
And I'll hang my hat in an Autumn field
In an Autumn field
Tell my momma not to worry
The food is sweet and the weather's been sunny
And I'm well known round a-bout
The local pick pocket it a lay-about
Tell my daddy oh there's no need for washing
They do it in your sleep when you're not watching
I've already had the neighbors here
Johnny Cash came about and we split a beer
I'm dead and done by the heat of the sun
And I'll rest my hat in an Autumn field
And I'll hang my hat in an Autumn field
In an Autumn field
Oh
The girls up here sure look swell
They sing like birds, I hear it's nothing like hell
The local priest says there's no need for cheatin'
The local wags call it meetin' and a-greetin'
I'm dead and done by the heat of the sun
And I'll rest my hat in an Autumn field
And I'll hang my hat in an Autumn field
Bobby Long's "Dead and Done" seems to be his reflection on what heaven might look like. He paints a picture of a place where everything is perfect and everyone is happy. The first verse seems to describe this utopian world. "Heaven is a place where people die pretty" suggests that even in death, people in heaven are beautiful. "Stars don't lie and there's cash in the kitty" might be a commentary on how people on earth are constantly seeking the truth and wealth, but these things are abundant in heaven. The second line of this verse, "Running from the rocks, there's water for the lips," might mean that in heaven, there are no obstacles or hardships, and everything one needs is readily available.
The second verse of the song talks about how life is easy and carefree in heaven. "There's no need for trouble when the road's all down" suggests that when everything is easy, there's no need for conflict. "Nobody's out of work cause the mines in town" might mean that in heaven, everyone can find a job easily. The last two lines of this verse paint an image of a mundane but happy life - "The circus has been twice already / My throwing arm is good and my heart is steady."
The third verse features Long addressing his family back on earth. He tells his mother and father that he's happy and content in heaven. "Tell my momma not to worry / The food is sweet and the weather's been sunny," suggests that even the basic necessities are taken care of in heaven. He also mentions being well-known in this utopia - "And I'm well known round a-bout / The local pick pocket it a lay-about." The last two lines of the verse are interesting because Long talks about Johnny Cash being in heaven and having a drink with him. This might suggest that despite being gone, Long is nostalgic for the people and experiences he had on earth.
Overall, "Dead and Done" is a song that explores what heaven might look like. Long paints a picture of a perfect, happy place where everything one needs is readily available. The lyrics also suggest that despite leaving earth, Long remains nostalgic for certain people and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven is a place where people die pretty
Death is peaceful and beautiful in heaven
Stars don't lie and there's cash in the kitty
Good things happen when luck is on your side
Running from the rocks, there's water for the lips
There's a solution for every problem if we look for it
To ease your mouth and bathe your fist
Peaceful times will help heal all the pains and injuries
There's no need for trouble when the road's all down
When the situation is favorable, there's no need to worry
Nobody's out of work cause the mines in town
Plenty of job opportunities are available, so nobody is unemployed
The circus has been twice already
There's already been lots of excitement and entertainment
My throwing arm is good and my heart is steady
I am confident and ready for whatever comes next
I'm dead and done by the heat of the sun
I am at peace, having passed away in the warmth of the sun
And I'll rest my hat in an Autumn field
My final resting place is a peaceful field in autumn
Tell my momma not to worry
Let my mother know I am okay and not to worry
The food is sweet and the weather's been sunny
Everything is pleasant and enjoyable here
And I'm well known round a-bout
I am loved and appreciated in this community
The local pick pocket it a lay-about
Even the town thief is harmless and lazy
Tell my daddy oh there's no need for washing
My dad doesn't need to worry about anything
They do it in your sleep when you're not watching
Everything is taken care of even when you are unaware
I've already had the neighbors here
I have already made friends with my new neighbors
Johnny Cash came about and we split a beer
Even celebrities come around to enjoy a drink with us
The girls up here sure look swell
Even the women here are beautiful and pleasant
They sing like birds, I hear it's nothing like hell
Heaven is far from the misery of hell
The local priest says there's no need for cheatin'
Even the religious leader here advocates honesty and integrity
The local wags call it meetin' and a-greetin'
Everyone is friendly and welcoming here
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBERT THOMAS LONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alice Child
This song is addictive. You can't listen to it just once. He is a great song writer and his voice is so amazing!
Jacqueline Virstrom
Man he is soooo good! His lyrics are fabulous! Hopefully he gets far, such a talented guy.
Ross Rohan
Wish this was on Spotify. One of my fav Bobby tunes.
domisgone
My favorite song by Mr. Long indeed... Talented man!
Iciar November
He is the future Bob Dylan. His songs are simply wonderful.
Fannie Fortin
Wow! Une belle voix et de bons textes... Super!
Gingerjake2
Whoever said this song was addictive has it so right. It's like a drug...I learned to play it immediately & every time I pick up the guitar now it's the first song I play. I really like this version more than the My Space one too.
Marilou Abruscato
Saw him live last nite in NYC He was AWESOME. No other word 4 it!
Marie W
excellent voice and song! Bravo!
Olfonia
i looooooooove his voice... goosebumps <333