Track #8 - A Long Way From Home

Recorded - 

Basic track - June 10-12, 18-20, 2013
Additional percussion - July 28, 2013
Vocals - December 5, 2014 and January 6, 30, 2015
Additional lead guitar including solo - December 17, 2014 and February 11, 2015
Trumpet - February 13 and March 3, 2015

Backstory -

The longest song I've ever recorded, and the most involved composition on the album. "A Long Way From Home" ended up becoming the title track of this album as a result. Lyrically, I wanted to capture two sides of conflict in one song. The first of these is all out rage, namely: War, extreme natural disasters, gun violence, and internet harassment, respectively. The second half of the song, deals with looking at these situations with a calmer and more rational view, and optimistically aiming to do whatever possible to solve these problems without resorting to further conflict.

One last minute addition to this song was trumpet: My first instrument I ever learned, and one that was entirely neglected on my last album. The first solo, during the "Rage" part of the song, is inspired by my days back in college Latin jazz band, where I'd absolutely wail. The second solo during the "Seven part harmony singalong outro", hearkens back to my days in high school concert band. In the end, this song was a beast to mix/master, and I'm quite proud of how it turned out.

Lyrics - 

Two kings are fighting, for the glory of their God.
Bodies burning, screaming, civilians shot.
You must pick a side, there's no compromise.
If you support my enemy, I'll cut you down to size.

The woods are screaming, smoke fills the air.
This scorching hellhole has become, too much to bear.
Run for your lives, there will be no return.
Tomorrow this inferno, will be the least of your concern.

And I feel like I'm a long way from home.
Like there's no place I can call my own.

The loonies have arrived, at your nearest marketplace.
If you're not completely straight to them, they'll shoot you right in the face.
In case you're wondering why they relish, all that is sick.
Well, there's just compensating for their tiny dick.

Even when you die, you can't rest in peace.
The scumbags of the internet become, post mortem police.
They'll exaggerate and embellish, all your hidden flaws.
And rather than be scoffed at, they'll receive all the ------ applause.

And I feel like I'm a long way from home. 
Like there's no place I can call my own.
And I feel it's gonna take time to set it right.
To bring back the day, to this endless night.

...Am I the only one that's sane? In this brain-dead jungle of Novocaine!!

(Long Way Home...)

STOP!

Give me some room to catch my breath.
And give me a moment to reflect.
Plant me back on solid ground.
Here I come, I'm homeward bound.

It's a long winding road, that I must roam. But I won't stop until, I reach my home...