Long Way from Home
JESSE HARRIS & THE FERDINANDOS Lyrics

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In a mirror stop and stare
But it's a stranger's face in there
Rake my hair back with a plastic comb
Where'd I go?

I'm feeling like I'm a long way from home
You were sweet to care for me
And gently stroke my hair for me

Put me on a mattress made of foam
And whisper low

But I'm feeling like I'm a long way from home
I don't know where I'm going
I don't know what I'm doing
Sleep again won't come to me
I walk outside, the galaxies

And stars surround the whole world like a dome

I'm still alone
And I'm feeling like I'm a long, long way from home

Overall Meaning

The Jesse Harris And The Ferdinandos's song Long Way From Home seems to be exploring the feeling of disorientation and loneliness that can come with being in an unfamiliar place or situation. The opening lines describe the experience of looking in a mirror and not recognizing the face that stares back, suggesting a loss of identity or self-awareness. The lyrics then explore the comfort that can come from the presence of a caring companion, but ultimately the singer is left feeling alone and displaced, unable to find rest or a sense of belonging.

The verses convey a sense of unease and confusion that is reflected in the song's sparse, dreamlike instrumentation. The melody is simple and repetitive, creating a sense of continuity and unbroken flow that contrasts with the uncertainty suggested by the lyrics. The chorus provides a sharp contrast, with Harris's voice rising in intensity and urgency as he repeats the refrain "I'm feeling like I'm a long way from home". This line becomes a kind of anchor for the song, expressing the central emotion of displacement and providing a sense of structure and coherence among the shifting images and impressions.

Line by Line Meaning

In a mirror stop and stare
I pause to look at myself in the mirror

But it's a stranger's face in there
But I don't feel like I recognize the person looking back at me

Rake my hair back with a plastic comb
I comb my hair back using a plastic hairbrush

Where'd I go?
I don't know where my true self has gone

I'm feeling like I'm a long way from home
I feel disconnected and out of place

You were sweet to care for me
Someone was kind enough to take care of me

And gently stroke my hair for me
They even went as far as to give me a gentle head massage

Put me on a mattress made of foam
They laid me down on a foam mattress

And whisper low
They spoke softly to me

But I'm feeling like I'm a long way from home
But even with all this care, I still feel as though I don't belong

I don't know where I'm going
I don't have a clear direction or purpose