The Long Way Home

Tracks

1. 1. The Light Next DoorEleven years of nodding across a garden wall, and then they moved away. It's still the saddest thing I know about being neighbours.neighbourly folk, hushed acoustic3:39
2. 2. Chalk Dust on My SleevesMy last afternoon in the classroom, wiping the board for good. I couldn't get through the second verse in the first take.school-days folk, warm acoustic3:48
3. 3. Three in the Morning, Still HereEveryone has a three a.m. where the fridge is the only one talking. This is for that hour.night-time folk, lullaby folk3:39
4. 4. Steady Hands, Steady RoadA man ran behind my bicycle on the gravel and let go without telling me. I wanted a song with steady hands in it.gentle roots, road folk3:09
5. 5. Can't Sit Still This EveningI straighten every picture frame when I can't settle. The song just taps its foot until you give in and go out.restless folk, wistful acoustic3:31
6. 6. Lend Me Your Jacket, Old FriendForty winters of one corduroy coat. It's the nearest I've come to writing a proper love song for a garment.romantic folk, parlour folk3:36
7. 7. Cap and Gown on the Back SeatA graduation gown folded on a back seat, tassel in the cup-holder. I was a very proud and slightly damp parent in the car park.anthemic folk, proud-parent folk4:05
8. 8. The Road Is Wide, the Lamps Are LowA long night drive with a thermos on the dashboard. I wrote the chorus at a service station at nearly three.night-drive folk, smooth acoustic3:08
9. 9. The Last Bus Across the RiverThe night bus over the river, all amber lights and closed shutters. I tried to make the guitar sound like the engine idling.night-bus folk, hushed singer-songwriter3:47
10. 10. I Said I'd Come Back for the PianoI locked a school hall door and said I'd come back for the piano. I'm still saying it.school-hall folk, warm acoustic2:55
11. 11. Mind the Step, MumMy mother holds the banister longer than she used to. I wrote it quietly so I wouldn't have to say it out loud.family folk, tender ballad4:11
12. 12. The Long Way Down the HillWe took the long way down the hill with the windows half down. It closes the record on purpose: the long way is always the right one.homecoming folk, gentle road-song3:26