May Songwriting Challenge- Day 5/6: Long Way From Lonely

This challenge is to write a song a day for the whole month of May. There’s only one issue…Derby Day. The day when my horse-crazy side which once dreamt of being a jockey emerges. Seeing that the Derby ran yesterday, my day revolved around the pre-race program, mint juleps and mint julep macaroons (Mint shells with a bourbon buttercream. So delicious!). In order to save myself from the embarrassment and any readers from a bourbon infused attempt at writing, I gave myself a pass and decided to write two songs today! After waking up, I walked the dogs down to a little overlook on the Cumberland for some relative peace and quiet. I’d jotted down “Long Way From Lonely” a few days ago and decided to jump on that hook for my first write of the day. As soon as I clicked my pen I knew where I was heading and, although Kenny has cornered the market on St. John songs, I decided to scribble out another tune about the island. 

Long Way From Lonely

© 2018

Slapped my passport on the counter, said “hey, ticket man

I need a one way, thinkin’ sun and sand

Give me your first bird out, make it a surprise”

Boarding pass, St. Thomas, USVI

Had a shot of Cruzan at the welcome gate

When a stranger asked “are you bound for Cruz Bay?”

Shared some laughs and a cab to the red hook dock

Half an hour later I was beautifully lost

But I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

Swear I’ve never seen waters so blue

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

And on the fast track to getting over you

Met some locals at the beach bar, wouldn’t you know?

They had a cancellation at their rental home

For the next ten days that villa is mine

It’s got a sunset view to make the angels cry

Yeah I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

Swear I’ve never seen waters so blue

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

And on the fast track to getting over you

Girl your memory ‘s got no place

Out here in the palm tree shade

The waves lap, lappin’ away at time

With a drink in my hand and some mean tan lines

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

Swear I’ve never seen waters so blue

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

And on the fast track to getting over you

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

Salt in the air and the open seas

I’m a long, long, long way from lonely

Yeah, ain’t life a beach