Early in his career, he collaborated with Duane Allman, introducing melodic twin guitar harmony and counterpoint which "rewrote the rules for how two rock guitarists can work together, completely scrapping the traditional rhythm/lead roles to stand toe to toe". Following Allman's death in 1971, Betts assumed sole lead guitar duties during the peak of the group's commercial success in the mid-1970s.
Betts was the writer and singer on the Allmans' hit single "Ramblin' Man". He also gained renown for composing instrumentals, with one appearing on most of the group's albums, the most notable of these being "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Jessica" (the latter widely known as the theme to Top Gear). The band went through a hiatus in the late 1970s, during which time Betts, like many of the other band members, pursued a solo career and side projects under such names as Dickey Betts & Great Southern and The Dickey Betts Band. The Allman Brothers reformed in 1979, with Dan Toler taking the second guitar role alongside Betts. In 1982, they broke up a second time, during which time Betts formed the group Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks, which lasted until 1984. A third reformation occurred in 1989, with Warren Haynes now joining Betts on guitar. Betts would be ousted from the band in 2000 over a conflict regarding Betts's continued drug and alcohol use; he would never play with them again and has not since appeared with any former band members for reunions or side projects. He remains (alongside Jaimoe) one of only two living founders of the Allman Brothers Band.
He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and also won a best rock performance Grammy Award with the band for "Jessica" in 1996. Betts was ranked No. 58 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list in 2003, and No. 61 on the list published in 2011.
Long Time Gone
Dickey Betts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Suitcase and an old guitar
Just outside Oklahoma City
Place called Johnny's Roadside Bar
Having fun, son of a gun
I ain't fit to be tied
I'm on my way back to Georgia
Sometimes it at easy
When you don't have much to spare
Traveling light, Lord, counting on my fifth
But the little bit hear and there
She's got the prettiest big brown eyes
When she's satisfied
But I'm on way back to Georgia, boys
Won't you give me a ride
I'm a long time gone
On my way back home, Lord
Long time gone, gone
I'm a long time gone
On my way back home, Lord
Long time gone, gone
I'm a long time gone
On my way back home, Lord
Long time gone, gone
The song Long Time Gone by Dickey Betts tells the story of a lone traveler on the road, making his way back home to Georgia from Oklahoma. The traveler is carrying only a suitcase and an old guitar, traveling light and living off of little bits here and there. He stops at a roadside bar called Johnny's, where he is having a good time and feeling free, with no strings tying him down.
The traveler is also preoccupied with thoughts of a woman with big brown eyes, whom he seems to have left behind. He describes her as having the prettiest big brown eyes, especially when she's satisfied. Despite his attraction to her, he is determined to make his way back to Georgia and seeks a ride to get there.
The lyrics in this song are simple yet powerful, conveying a sense of wanderlust, freedom, and longing. The traveler wishes to return to his roots, but not without indulging in the pleasures and adventures that come with life on the road. Dickey Betts's smooth guitar playing and soulful voice adds to the song's catchy, upbeat melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the lonesome highway
Traveling on a lonely road
Suitcase and an old guitar
Carrying only a guitar and luggage
Just outside Oklahoma City
Near the city of Oklahoma
Place called Johnny's Roadside Bar
Stopping at a bar named Johnny's Roadside
Having fun, son of a gun
Enjoying himself and feeling carefree
I ain't fit to be tied
Feeling free and unrestrained
I'm on my way back to Georgia
Going back to his home state of Georgia
Won't you give me a ride
Asking for help with transportation
Sometimes it at easy
Life can be simple sometimes
When you don't have much to spare
When you have little material possessions
Traveling light, Lord, counting on my fifth
Carrying only the necessities and relying on his faith
But the little bit hear and there
Scrounging and living off small amounts
She's got the prettiest big brown eyes
Referring to a woman with beautiful eyes
When she's satisfied
When she's happy
But I'm on way back to Georgia, boys
Still focused on returning home
Won't you give me a ride
Still asking for help with transportation
I'm a long time gone
Been away for a long time
On my way back home, Lord
Returning back to his home
Long time gone, gone
It's been a while since he's been back
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FORREST RICHARD BETTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind