Our friend took a 5-month retreat to write his own story following his departure from work. He had been dissatisfied for many years, and he needed to fight his way back to himself. Finally, for those 5 months, he gave himself the gift of silence, space, and reflection.

Our friend spent many lonely evenings away from his wife during his retreat. His situation made us think about those fighting the war in Iraq or elsewhere around the world. We picture their isolation and longing to be with loved ones, and found this song as a way to reach out to them, and also appreciate how fortunate we are to be together.

This song considers what it means to long for something or someone—connections and disconnections.

Music

Lyrics

About this time each evening
When the day slows and quiets down

I summon every nuance
Memories and details of your face

Things that only I know
That are mine alone

One day becomes another
Hardly different from the one before

Crowding out the drone of sameness
Memories rush in, I hear your voice

Sounds that only I know
That are mine alone

Tell me just how it feels
To be there alone without me

I’ll tell you how it feels
To be here without you

Miles away from home

Things that only I know
That are mine alone

Just tell me that you feel
The same way that I do

I’ll tell you how I feel
So lonely without you

Waiting to come home

Each passing hour
I imagine brings me closer still

Beyond my thoughts and memories
You are there always waiting for me

You know I’m coming back home
Yours and mine alone

You are always with me
Only miles away

So far and yet so close
Only miles away

Credits

From After All, track released September 1, 2008
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics, vocals and production
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar, vocals and production
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering