Tuesday Tunes "Gone Too Long"

My brother wrote this song several years ago when he was living down in Oklahoma City in the back of his pickup truck (by choice). He was rebelling against his school's policy that living on campus required the (outlandishly expensive) purchase of a meal plan which consisted of horribly unhealthy and untasty options. But he couldn't afford to live off campus. Because of his stand against the man, the school eventually begged him to come back to campus living and even changed their policy. Sure, some of the family were a bit worried for his safety because of his living arrangements while in the pickup, and sure, there were times he was frozen into his pickup during ice storms and friends had to come and chip the ice away so he could escape. But all was well, because in those times, he had opportunity to write a whole bunch of songs. This song has nothing to do with meal plans, or rebellion, or ice storms, but it does make mention of the back of a truck... so now you won't be confused.

As I was breezing through his musical archives (which are quite extensive), I was drawn to this one for several reasons. The first reason was because it is one of his simpler songs, so it was easier for me to learn it and adapt it for my voice with just a few days to prepare. The second was because I really liked the lyrics, the imagery. So, with no further ado, here is a simple little ditty called "Gone Too Long" by David Lautaret.

Dim light shines on photographs

Frames capture times past

When two hands still happy lay entwined

Days I still remember some

Where people gathered, voices sung

A chorus snowy trees sing harmony

I've been gone too long

I've been gone too long

Cold air rushes swiftly by

The daylight fades to night's disguise

A fireplace keeps half of me still sane

Not tonight no firelight

There'll be no warmth in here tonight

The back of a truck is a dark lonely place

As I lay there freezing cold

My mind shifts to times of old

When songs were sung and living was a tune

And though I'll never hold your hand

the picture shows a solid man

Who did all that he could do for you