Lyrics of 'Homecoming' by Tom T. Hall

"This song is biographical. I would come home and try to explain to my
father in his later years what I was doing. I didn't know what I was doing,
so how could I explain it to him? Nobody had ever done it before the way
I was doing it."

I guess I should have written Dad to let you know that I was coming home
I've been gone so many years I didn't realize you had a phone
I saw your cattle comin' in boy they're looking mighty fat and sleek
I saw Fred at the service station he told me that his wife was awfuly sick.

You heard my record on the radio oh well it's just another song
But I've got a hit recorded it'll be out on the market 'fore too long
I got this ring in Mexico you know it didn't cost me quite a bunch
When you're in the business that I'm in the people call it puttin' up a front.

I know I've lost a little weight and I guess I am looking kinda pale
If you didn't know me better Dad you'd think that I've just gotten out of jail
No we don't ever call 'em beer joints night clubs are the places where I work
You meet a lotta people there but no there ain't much chance of gettin' hurt.

I'm sorry that I couldn't be here with you all when Mama passed away
I was on the road and when they came and told me it was just too late
I drove by the grave to see her boy that really is a pretty stone
I'm glad that Fred and Jan are here it's better than you being here alone.

Well, I knew you's gonna ask me who the lady is that's sleepin' in the car
That's just the girl that works for me and man she plays a pretty mean guitar
We worked in San Antone last night she didn't even have the time to dress
She drove me down from Nashville and to tell the truth
I guess she needs the rest.

Well Dad I gotta go we got a dance to work in Cartersville tonight
Let me take your number down I'll call you and I promise you I'll write
Now you be good and don't be chasin' all those pretty women that you know
And by the way if you see Barbara Walker tell her that I said hello...