Long Way from Home
Ray Davies Lucinda Williams & The 88 Lyrics

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You've come a long way from the runny-nosed and scruffy kid I knew
You had such good ways
I can remember the little things that always made you smile
They made you happy
Now you think you're wiser because you're older and you think
That money buys everything
And you think you need no one to guide you
But you're still a long way from home.

You've come a long way, you're self-assured and dressed in
Funny clothes, but you don't know me.
I hope you find what you are looking for with your car and handmade overcoats
But your wealth will never make you stronger 'cause you're still a

Long way from home
Yes, you're still a long way from home

Overall Meaning

In Ray Davies's song Long Way From Home, the lyrics focus on the changes that occur in a person's life as they grow older and the consequences that come with those changes. The song is directed towards an old acquaintance who has changed significantly since the last time they saw each other. Davies recalls the "runny-nosed and scruffy kid" he knew and contrasts it with the current version of the person who is "self-assured and dressed in funny clothes." There is a sense of melancholy in the lyrics as Davies laments the fact that his acquaintance seems to have lost the innocence and joy that they once shared.

The crux of the song lies in the idea that money and material possessions cannot buy happiness or make a person stronger. The old acquaintance seems to have fallen prey to the idea that these things are all that matter, but Davies reminds them that they are "still a long way from home." This phrase is significant in that it speaks to the idea that the person has lost their way, despite their outward appearances. The person may think they have it all figured out, but they are still searching for something that they cannot find.

Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and not losing sight of the things that truly matter in life. It is a cautionary tale of the dangers of materialism and the importance of holding onto the innocence and joy of youth.

Line by Line Meaning

You've come a long way from the runny-nosed and scruffy kid I knew
You have changed a lot from the person I knew as a kid who used to be snotty and unkempt.

You had such good ways
You had good habits and traits that were admirable.

I can remember the little things that always made you smile
I still recall the tiny things that brought a smile on your face.

They made you happy
Those things brought you joy and happiness.

Now you think you're wiser because you're older and you think
You believe that you have become smarter with age, and you assume that

That money buys everything
Relying on money will provide you with everything you need.

And you think you need no one to guide you
You believe that you can make it through life without any guidance from anyone.

But you're still a long way from home.
Despite all those assumptions and beliefs, you are still nowhere close to where you came from.

You've come a long way, you're self-assured and dressed in
You have drastically made progress; currently, you are confident and draped in

Funny clothes, but you don't know me.
Your appearance is distinct, but we are not on the same page anymore.

I hope you find what you are looking for with your car and handmade overcoats
I wish that you obtain whatever you seek with your car and custom overcoats

But your wealth will never make you stronger 'cause you're still a
Regardless of your wealth, it will never make you powerful because you're still a

Long way from home
Far away from your roots and where you come from.

Yes, you're still a long way from home
Yes! You still have a long trek to make your way back home.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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