Baby sister set out for the bright lights of California

Said she was gonna be a star

No word from someone in six long months

Can sure get on ya

it was breaking Momma's heart



I drove that thousand miles like a bat out of hell

Searched every corner, every low rent motel

'Til I found her there with greasy hair

And a strangers eyes and then she cried

And I held her tight and said you've been



Gone from love too long

There's nothing to be ashamed of

No way you could have known

Life was gonna knock you down

Strip you to the bone

And leave you all alone

Girl you've been gone from love too long



As the lights of LA faded in our rear-view mirror

She said, Sis I'm scared to death

I left home inoccent, I'm going back a sinner

I've seen and done things I'd just as soon forget

She put out that cigarette and crumpled up the pack

And said, what I wouldn't give to have just part of myself back

And I took her hand, said, I understand and she broke down

She said, tell me how, do I face Momma now

I said you've been



Gone from love too long

There's nothing to be ashamed of

No way you could have known

Life was gonna knock you down

Strip you to the bone

And leave you all alone

Girl you've been gone from love too long



Momma met us halfway down the driveway

Held out her arms to her baby

And all she had to say is



You've been gone from love too long

There's nothing to be ashamed of

No way you could have known

Life was gonna knock you down

Strip you to the bone

And leave you all alone

Girl you've been gone from love too long