Gone from Love Too Long

Baby sister set out for the bright lights of California
Said she was gonna be a star
No word from someone in six long months can sure get on ya
It was breakin' mama's heart
I drove that thousand miles like a bat, outta hell
Searched every corner, every low rent, motel
Till I found her there with greasy hair and a strangers eyes
And she cried and I held her tight.

Chorus:
Said you've been gone from love too long
There's nothing to be ashamed of, no way you coulda known
Life was gonna knock you down and strip you to the bone
And leave you all alone, girl, you've been gone from love too long.

As the lights of LA faded in our rearview, mirror
She said sis I'm scared to death
I left home innocent and I'm going back a sinner
Seen and done things I'd just as soon, forget
She put out her last cigarette and, crumpled up the pack and said
What I wouldn't give to have just part of, myself back
Then I took her hand and said I, understand
She said tell me how do I face mama now.

Chorus:
Said you've been gone from love too long
There's nothing to be ashamed of, no way you coulda known
Life was gonna knock you down and strip you to the bone
And leave you all alone, girl, you've been gone from love too long.

Mama met us halfway down the driveway
Held out her arms to her baby and all she had to say was
You been gone from love too long
There's nothing to be ashamed of there's no way you coulda known
Life was gonna knock you down and strip you to the bone
And leave you all alone, girl, you've been gone from love too long.

From love too long...