"what you could have been... what you might have been... If you would have more time" To me, this reflects that by the time you figure out who you really are, what matters to you, and how life works much of your life has already passed.
2 great kids raised and both finished college. Husbands passed, but the one thing I reminded him was "You can't get back time with them. They need your time, your presence and to know that they're top on your list. We had our time as kids, now it's their turn."
Yeah that is pretty much it. I also interpret it to mean that people -- in this case a man -- always to look back on how great you think your life is when everything is going when you are on your own and all you look forward to is the adulation. Then you decide to include others in your orbit and expect them to give you that same adulation. Until you realize that real life don't work like that. And some men start second guessing themselves (taking the long way home) and are forced to decide what it really is they want their life to be about. Meaning you could either be Barry Gibb or be Jerry Lee Lewis.
If you always take the long way home to avoid issues, you aren't growing as a human, spouse, or as a parent. And maybe when you are ready, you find everyone has moved on and your alone. There are bumps in every relationship, and having a newborn is exciting, tiring, and mentally exhausting. You know you will get through it. You did it before. Compromise is huge and necessary. Wishing you both the best!
Putting your family first is the most important thing you can ever do. Your wife and daughters will be there with you for the long haul, fans will not. You made the choice that will bring you and your family joy!😊
What I was going to say but said better than I. As someone looking at the end, no matter how much money you make or don't make, the thing you regret at the end is the time not spent with families and friends and things not said.
As a child born in 82 and growing up hearing everything from the 60’s- 90’s I have to agree that the 70’s had the best music. My favorite bands are Pantera and TOOL but my favorite bands were inspired by undeniable greatness
There was a great album coming out every week! You can look at the Top 40 chart for any week in the 70s and it's filled with great songs! Now you're lucky if even the Grammy Song of the Year is a great song.
"When you look through the years and see what you could have been" "Oh, what you might have been" "If you would have more time" It scares all of us, Bro. Right in the feels. Every. Damn. Time.
65 for me too! B day yesterday, can't believe I'm 59!! Don't feel like it & thank God I don't look it either!! The 70's was the BEST decade of music & I share your sentiment!! I made sure that my kids, all grown men now, were brought up with the music I grew up with as well as music my parents grew up with also!! My response to those who say music today is great "if the music is so great now why is it that the music I grew up with is popular & known by the current generations, that doesn't happen by accident"!?
Songwriter Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (vocals, keyboards and guitars) explained that the song "Take The Long Way Home" is about a guy who thinks he's really cool ("So you think you're a romeo, playing a part in a picture show"), but it seems that he's the only one who thinks that. This implies that our hero avoids getting home because when he's on the road he has a few more moments of being alone with his dreams, and in his dreams he's a superstar. "When he's up on the stage, it's so unbelievable, unforgettable, how they adore him. And then his wife seems to think he's losing his sanity... Does it feel that you life's become a catastrophe? Oh, it has to be for you to grow, boy." - This is the phase of our lives when we accept the fact that we'll never be what we wanted and become ordinary, we take it very hard, but we grow into it." "He looks through the years and see what he could have been, what might have been, if he'd had more time." - Time is always to blame when we want to do something, but don't. This guy always wanted to be someone, but he got stuck taking the long way home so now it's even difficult for him being ordinary: "So, when the day comes to settle down, Who's to blame if you're not around? You took the long way home." Hodgson added that the song operates on two levels: "Talking about not wanting to go home to the wife, take the long way home to the wife because she treats you like part of the furniture, but there's a deeper level to the song, too. We all want to find our home, find that place in us where we feel at home. Home is in the heart and that is really, when we are in touch with our heart and we're living our life from our heart, then we do feel like we found our home." "It was another angle on the question that ran deep inside me, which is, 'Where's my home? Where's peace?' It felt like I was taking a long way to find it."
Really good examination of the song. I have always interpreted this song as maybe the wife or other family / friends saying "Take the long way home". As if the singer has become a big-headed obnoxious jerk and the OTHER people in his life don't want him around. That's why his wife treats him like the furniture. But as the song goes on, he realizes what he's become and wants to change, but he's stuck in that showbiz life and the money people don't want him to leave.
My favorite Supertramp song! Love that harmonica. And the lyrics, make you think, right? You are in the thick of it now in your life, but it sounds like you're doing the things you need to do. You are doing right by your family. I'm 64 now, retired, and finally in the calm waters. It feels good! You will get there too. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂
Oh my goodness! I am a Christian and a headbanger. I have been blessed to build outdoor stages,post concert teardowns and pack ups,and other roadie work. I also was a professional photographer for years. So I was blessed for years and became friends with many bands. I have seen these struggles with so many band members that didn't bring their families with them. So many temptations. It is difficult. Supertramp issued this warning. Thanks for this video.
Here's my reading for you. These band members couple up really early. Girls everywhere. Can take their pick. Babies start coming. SHE knows who you really are. You are on the road. You understand what is facing you when you come home. The disinterest because SHE is mad. Easy for you to leave and go be somebody's Superstar. Wash , rinse, repeat until both of you have worn out the relationship....such as it is. You split. You stay on the path of the band life....being around all the " carnival" people who hand around bands....until that starts to sour. You get older. You go home now to no one. Maybe FB pictures of HER new life. You are envious of her choice of family and connectedness that she has. And then you begin to wonder, if you had perhaps made better choices. Less bought into your own inflated superstar status. Tended to your loved ones a bit better. For me Black Pegasus, you grew up and made better choices, so you won't have to look back and wonder " what might have been".
Well, I’m 63….and saw these guys play this live in August ‘79. And yeah, I’ve never really dissected the lyrics. Heard it plenty of times but I’m always a music-first guy.
“How did I live without Supertramp?” …Exactly my reaction after hearing them. Sometime when you have a road trip, listen to the entire album “Breakfast in America”.
Much respect for sacrificing some of your dreams for your children...they do need you. I feel so sorry for the kids that get put in day care at infancy....terrible they need to connect wither their Mother! And Dad needs to be in the picture as well.
Sleep deprivation is rough, when our daughter was born she screamed non stop all night, every night for 12 weeks. I'd take her out for a drive at 2am to give my wife a break from it, and other times I'd go for a night time drive on my own just to calm my nerves, it's a passing phase but it does strain a relationship! Do your best to try and work together...I wouldn't swap the life I've had with my kids growing up for any amount of fame personally
Supertramps first album Crime of the Century was a banger. Our go to for my homeboys back in the day. School, Bloody well Right and especially Hide In Your shell. Amazing tracks…. Just an OG’s thoughts… Thank you for reacting to them. Great unappreciated group.
"Crime of the Century" is an amazing album and was actually the third album for the band (go check out the cover of their second album "Indelibly Stamped" 😵💫). Crime of the Century was the group's commercial breakthrough in many countries. This album has much more of a progressive rock vibe than "Breakfast In America", and is basiclly a concept album telling the story of Rudy, a guy that’s against the system and, over his life, gets a lot of crap thrown at him. Definitely worth a listen. 🤓
As for family treating you like furniture, Billy Joel said in an interview that he was walking down the street with one of his teenage kids and he was humming a tune that he was working on and he noticed that she had dropped behind him and she told him it was embarrassing. He said "You do realize that people pay to listen to this, right?" Everyone has their own thing that they excel in that their family don't realize. That's just life.
Supertramp has layers. Roger often sings out of his longing for love, meaning and belonging. What is the meaning of life? Who am I? Out of this longing he wrote his music. Uplifting. Deep.
I’m 68 years old. We have many times in our lifetime to make choices. It doesn’t matter how rich or famous a person is. Everyone has responsibilities, problems and illness. Family is everything, having a good heart is everything. Enjoy being a dad and a spouse. Enjoy being a caring, compassionate, human being.
Supertramp is one of my favorite groups you need to react to (Bloody Well Right) & the song (School)..... you should try reacting to Rodger Hodgson (aka the singer) his solo song (Had A Dream (Sleeping with the Enemy)) from his first solo album you'll be blown away by the video for this song & the sound of the song.
Just because he’s hitting on an emotion you are feeling - it doesn’t mean he has the words of wisdom. He was just in the same place you are and he’s connecting with you. But your decision and what you have become doesn’t mean he’s right or you’re right or he’s wrong or you’re wrong. It’s just he s touching you on an emotional level
I love Supertramp! Seen them in concert twice. You've got to react to their song School. It is the best!! To me the best album is Crime of The Century. I've got all their vinyl!
As an almost 60 year old mom, let me share something. I taught elementary which allowed me to spend summers and long vacations with my kids. That was everything to me. As much as I enjoyed teaching nothing can compare to raising children. Their childhoods go by so fast. My daughter is now 19 and my 24-year-old lives over 1000 miles away. One day you’ll see that this was so much more important. And your music reactions are awesome. You are really good at it. I’ve watched a ton of different reactors, and you are my fav. I know it’s hard to in the moment, but appreciate these times with your baby and daughter. You being around will mean more to them than you being famous. ❤
I think you're spot on BP...this is why so many rock bands still perform when past their prime...how do you give up that live audience electricity ,adoration and fun traveling with bandmates..new places, people ,food...it's hard...
Yes there are two meanings in this song. Look up Roger Hodgson, who wrote this song, on RU-vid. He quit Supertramp in 1983 and basically stopped touring so he could raise his two little kids. He said in an interview "I couldn't do both well". But he never stopped writing & singing and as he wrote most of the Supertramp songs, after 20 years or so, he started touring again with a new bunch of different musicians and has been playing all of his songs plus some of his new ones. He's been touring in his 70s! So you still have time!! Checkout "Even in the Quietest Moments" (Song, from the album of the same name). Also look for "Don't Leave me now" You'll hear where he's coming from (Straight from his heart).
Dude you were right on in your interpretation ! Love Supertramp. Breakfeast in America album is a must for all music lovers. Played this album so many times growing up and brings back such wonderful memories. I am 61 now and listening to this song just brings back so many memories and how blessed I was to grow up in that era of music.
Love Supertramp, my sister introduced me to them with the Breakfast in America album. I haven't ever heard a bad song from the band. Goodbye Stranger is another great song off that album.
BP, this song is a blend of the road not taken and don't forget your blessings. For me, it was about college at William and Mary being ripped away from me by my father when I was a Sr in HS. I listened to this song all the time then. My life went on a crazy journey including homelessness. I share that because I believe good lyrics reach down inside and pull out different things for each of us. BTW my hubby pushed me to go after my 2nd son was born. Took 20 years for my Master's. Talk about long way! LOL Meditate/pray on what this song brought up for you and you might find the answer...... Unless God is taking you the long way..... Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings in your reactions!
When I was younger, everyone pointed to the 60s as the time for the best music. Now a lot of radio stations advertise their 80s and 90s focus. But there is something very special about the 70s. Bands were made up of exceptional musicians, amazing lyricists, and while the record/music industry was controlling, great artists were able to push back in a way they couldn’t before or after. If you want other songs that reflect on your life in the same vein as this song, I’d recommend Pink Floyd’s Time off of their Dark Side of the Moon album. Great reaction as always BP!!!
I always interpreted “ The Long Way Home “ about life’s journey and the trials we go through to find ourselves and finding peace inside ourselves. It’s not a Christian song but for me finding peace was giving into to Christ when He reached out to me when I was searching for Him. On another note, one of my favorite Supertramp songs is “ Goodbye Stranger “. I agree with another comment I read about Jackson Browne’s Load Out/Stay. 😊 in the meantime, may God bless you and yours!!
They are, like Steely Dan, a musician's band. Impeccable. Always. Genius and beautiful. Deep and stays with you for a lifetime. ❤. Believe me, I know. I adore this band. One of the G.O.A.T. gang. 😊
Great song! Please, please, please check out The Load Out/Stay by Jackson Browne! It's super relatable, and it will instantly go in ur Classic Forever Playlist!! 🙏
I have 3 children, and I remember feeling lonely and neglected emotionally by my husband who left me to deal with the children at home because he stayed at work, then stopped on the way home to relax with friends and a few drinks, so we slowly lost our intimacy, and I felt unappreciated. Take care of your couple, check in with your wife to make sure you stay close. You are a good man, just communicate with her, and give yourselves a couple’s time to build strength.if the love between you feel like it’s not enough for either of you, and you feel worried, listen to your guts and stop and take care of your relationship as a priority. It will make you stronger.
Supertramp is one of my all-time favorite artist. As I have grown Through The Years this song has shifted meanings in my life, it's extremely well written
Such a haunting song. Stays in your head. For me it means it's the journey you may take, discovering the City Lights, and learning where you do and don't belong and the mistakes made on the way. But as you say, it's just one interpretation.
@Black_Pegasus Personally, I would love to hear your philosophical ramble on this song and its meaning to you. From what you've interpreted and said so far, it's hitting a chord in my life. Thanks so much!!! Supertramp has been on my playlists (in one way or another) since 1979
What I hear is similar to your own thoughts. In the beginning (When we’re young) we may need time to ourselves to recover from the day’s stressors, before getting home to be present with our significant other and family. Then, as we traverse middle age and wonder “What could have been, if we had more time,” it’s important to remember that it was our choice to spend time, “Taking the long way home” for all those years. I guess I see it as the eternal struggle for ‘balance’ that most of us deal with. Most importantly though, is that WE take responsibility for those choices we made about our journey and appreciate who we’ve become, because of those choices. You’re a good man. You value time with your family. You provide for them. You’re present for them. And, you’re accessible to them. Don’t look back and wonder ‘What if…”. Rather, look forward and think, “What could be…” Rock on, BP.
You should check out Superatramp "Breakfast In America". It's been sampled alot. You'd recognize the hook for sure. Maybe that'll get you into the oh I've heard this and see how incorporated they have been and I suppose partially maybe an influence without even having known? If that makes sense lol anyways appreciate ya and carry on!
I truly think you would enjoy THE Band with Staple singers singing The Weight. The Band was the back up band for Bob Dylan for quite awhile. Incredible group. This song come from the final tour as a band called the Last Waltz. the Link is ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TCSzL5-SPHM.html
😂Heaven forbid if you ever get into Rush. Talk about lyrics and depth. They even rap on one song “Roll the Bones” with some powerful bars. They are a convergence of Master musicians and Master lyricists.
I am not judging you, but I see myself in you, but as a woman. Please live in your present, and keep the memories for later. Don't look in that rear view window right now, or get used to taking the long way home to avoid issues, face them and love that beautiful family, time goes by too quickly. You don''t want to grow apart as I did with my husband. At 65 all I have is memories. As I have listened to your recordings I have gotten to know you and your growing family. Love them and keep recording !!
Giving up the spotlight to focus on family is what John Lennon writes about in the song "Watching the Wheels" I think you would really enjoy this if you would take the time to check it out. God bless you and your family.
got to the bottom extreme one time, that may relate to your quest ('if you had more time')...it all comes down to one question to yourself; "Do you or don't you?"...just saying:)
Funny story... my husband, then boyfriend, and I were driving home from one destination to the other, and we were a bit high-on-life 😉 and he got confused and we got a bit lost... after about 20 minutes... I started singing this song... we were laughing so fkn hard we had to pull over for 5 minutes to stop and compose ourselves. Great memory... Thanks for the flashback!
Black Pegasus, this isn't Supertramp related, but this video I'm linking was just released by The Midnight Special show, and I guarantee you will get a big kick out of this mid 70s one hit wonder. Brownsville Station >Smokin in the Boys Room ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PMXg_KAe5yc.htmlsi=SwSOdvgrdjmXYWWL
This is why we love the music of this time because it was real and they gave a shit and it connected with everybody because we were all going through the same thing. New music just doesn’t touch the soul because it doesn’t come from the soul. In general!
My first thought & it could be totally wrong. It is easy to blame the spouse & take the scenic route home but it was your decision to take the long road home.
When you've done a 12 hour shift do you get a quick drink in the pub to unwind or you do get home so you can tuck your kids in bed and read them a story?
I always thought they kind of meant, we take the longer route or make things harder than they need to be rather than taking the simple direct route in life. But that the long way or struggle helps us grow so don't fear it
This song means so much to me. My brother used to tell me that this song reminded him of me. He passed away a few year's ago and this song is so special to me.
Supertramp was truly a Super band, with musicians who were all multi-instrumentalists. His music has been used for films, advertising, etc. More than half of the songs they composed are considered masterpieces. I don't know what else I can say, their music is like that of The Beatles, it never gets old. Greetings.
