He has written songs since the age of five and performed since the age of 12. Shane began his recording, songwriting and music producing career in Nashville. His debut album on Universal/Curb Records was ranked in Billboard's Top 10 debut albums, earned him three Billboard Top 40 hits and a Top 5 music video on CMT.
Shane’s songs "Say Anything" appeared in "Brotherly Love" (Disney movie), "Girls from the South" appeared in "Alicia" (NBC Television), "I Will Not Die This Way" appeared in "Monarch Cove" (Lifetime Television), and five songs appeared in Regency Entertainment’s television movie, “Shelter.”
John Michael Montgomery has recorded Shane’s song “Addicted,” Shannon Brown has recorded “Good Old Days” produced by John Rich, LeeAnn Womack has recorded “Last Call.”
Shane has also toured with and opened for Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Brooks &
Dunn, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban.
Shane currently splits his time between Nashville and Los Angeles and is currently writing with legendary songwriters, including, among others, John Rich (Big and Rich), Blair Daly, Kent Blazy, JoannaJanet and Troy Verges.
Take The Long Way Home
Shane Mack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the words in that book
I had to cast my last stone
And take the long way home
I couldn't look you in the eye
And tell another lie
Have to do this on my own
I don't know how you feel
Or if I ever will, yeah
Do you wait by the phone
While I take the long way home, the long way home
Still here with folded hands
Hoping you understand
My mistakes are my own
But I'll take the long way home, the long way home
The lyrics of "Take the Long Way Home" by Shane Mack convey the emotions of someone who has made mistakes and has to take responsibility for them. They have realized the weight of their actions and have come to terms with the consequences they face. The words of the book mentioned in the song could be a metaphor for the lyrics of the song itself, and how the singer of the song has to face the music and pay for their mistakes. The line "I had to cast my last stone" is an allusion to the biblical story of Jesus saying "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" to a woman who committed adultery. The singer of the song admits to their mistakes and casts the last stone against themselves.
The chorus of the song sees the singer reflecting inwardly and acknowledging that they had to take the long way home, that is, go through the hardships of their decisions alone. The lines "I couldn't look you in the eye / And tell another lie" shows us that the singer is unable to lie anymore and wants to be honest about their actions. They hope that the other person involved in their mistake understands what they are going through and is waiting by the phone, signaling forgiveness and empathy.
The lyrics of "Take the Long Way Home" are simple but poignant, and convey a relatable feeling that many people can identify with. It's about making mistakes, taking responsibility for them, and learning from them. It shows us that it's necessary to own up to our actions and face the consequences, no matter how difficult it might be.
Line by Line Meaning
I took a long hard look
I carefully examined and considered my situation.
At the words in that book
I reviewed the contents of a book or other written material.
I had to cast my last stone
I had to make my final judgement or decision.
And take the long way home
I chose to take a more difficult or indirect route home.
I couldn't look you in the eye
I felt ashamed or guilty and couldn't face you directly.
And tell another lie
I didn't want to deceive you anymore.
Have to do this on my own
I need to handle this situation by myself.
I'll take the long way home, the long way home
I'm committed to taking the more difficult path, even if it takes longer.
I don't know how you feel
I'm uncertain about your thoughts and emotions.
Or if I ever will, yeah
I may never fully understand or connect with you.
Do you wait by the phone
Are you anticipating my call?
While I take the long way home, the long way home
I'm taking a more difficult path and delaying my return.
Still here with folded hands
I'm waiting patiently, perhaps in a position of submission or humility.
Hoping you understand
I'm hoping you can see my perspective and empathize with me.
My mistakes are my own
I take full responsibility for my errors.
But I'll take the long way home, the long way home
I'm committed to taking the more difficult path, even if it takes longer.
Contributed by Micah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.