Story Behind The Song
My mother died of breast cancer when I was 15. My brother died of a drug overdose then I was 29 -- the girlfriend he left behind is 'Jennifer'. It took years and lots of philosophic searching to come to a place of acceptance, peace and personal joy after suffering such loss. This song tells some of the story of my coming-to-terms, and the relaxed grip I now use to embrace my life, work, goals, etc.
Song Description
It starts with the realization that what I always called "home" is no longer home; that I've made a fresh start and can never go back. I'm happy, with no regrets, but the lyrics suggest I feel a need to justify my choices to those I've left behind. The second verse speaks more generally - how some folks get it easy while others get the blues. I recognize this, but still I am not discouraged because I will still keep moving on.
| Song Length |
4:00 |
Genre |
Pop - Easy Listening, Folk - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Pleasant, Content |
Subject |
Philosophy, General |
| Similar Artists |
Jewel, Lucinda Williams |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
That map of Pennsylvania has been fading in my mind. It's funny how the slate gets wiped when you leave a place behind. Sunny California is this good, sweet home of mine. I may fly away for a holiday, but I come back every time.
(chorus:)
My brother's gone a-flyin, he found his way back home. My mama's just a memory and my daddy's beard has grown. Jennifer is cryin - she wonders where she'll roam ... and on it goes, oh on it goes.
There will always be those mysteries that don't leave any clues - like why she had it easy and all I got was the blues. But I shake my head and say I surely paid my dues, and I cut loose to chase the dream - I been going win or lose.
(chorus)
That summer breeze brings sweet relief and messes up my hair ... as if to say, hey nothing's ever perfect anywhere.
(chorus & vamp out)