I was long on the road and lonely
At Sandy's in the old Empire State
So after my songs were over
I stayed even though it was late
Sandy opened a Miller and dark Guinness Stout
Her east Texas black and tan
I moved to the farthest barstool
And reflected as I sometimes can.

The miles and years are many
Since I left my hometown
But I still wish I could find a way
To gather my old friends around

We were the damnedest collection of shipwrecked fools
Each nursing a big broken heart
Our collective convictions were failing
As our worlds were falling apart
We'd gather together to sing out some songs
Drink a cold frosty beer or two
Go out to bars and ballgames
And together we somehow got through

The miles and years are many
Since I left my hometown
But I still wish I could find a way
To gather my old friends around

They helped me to see that there could be light
In the midst of a dark bitter end
By showing how strongly they felt that I was
Worth having as one of their friends

I never told them they gave me the courage
To risk going so far away
And how that farewell courage they gave me
Makes me miss them to this very day
By the time Sandy softly bid me goodnight
My thoughts had become hard earned verse
I set those words to music
Laid 'em plain for better or worse

And so my long ago faraway friends
You helped me to write this song
When I sing it I'm saying what I should have said
When I long ago said so long

Oh the miles and the years are many
Since I left my old hometown
But at times when I sing you are right here with me
Old friends we have gathered around