Lyrics of Long time gone (1962)

Long time gone

(bob dylan; revised wording and arrangement by o.v. michaelsen)

My parents raised me tenderly, i was their only son;
My mind got mixed with wanderin' when i was much too young.
Was just a child of thirteen years when i first left my home;
Been a long time comin', ma, i'll be a long time gone.

On a road through south new mexico, in the dust and rolling sage,
I thought i'd try to find some work, but they said i was young of age.
No place to turn, i'd somehow learn to make it on my own.
Been a long time comin' and i'll be a long time gone.

Many times by the highway side i tried to flag a ride.
With bloodshot eyes and gritting teeth, i'd watch the cars roll by.
In the empty air, my only guide, i traveled on alone,
Been a long time comin' and i'll be a long time gone.

You might see me on your crossroads, when i'll be passing through,
And dream you'll one day follow as i drift beyond your view,
Destined for a journey that will never lead me home
Been a long time comin' and i'll be a long time gone.

If i could help one drifter on this long, relentless road,
I'd warn him of its random ways and the dangers it might hold,
But i know i ain't no prophet and i ain't no prophet's son
Just a long time comin' and i'll be a long time gone.

So you can have your beauty when skin-deep, it only lies,
And you can have your youthhood, it will fade before your eyes.
When my roving days are through, just carve upon my stone:
"been a long time comin' and i'll be a long time gone."