(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.?