[Verse 1] His father made a home in Brooklyn town Old-country roots, but he settled down Then his boy came along, New York born With a strong right arm and a road of his own [Verse 2] Seventeen years and six-foot-six Right hand throwing those hardball tricks Red on his chest, bus rolling south Had a whole lotta fire he never talked about [Chorus] Oh, that long road west Boy, you gave it your best From Carolina dirt to California sun Thirty-five won before the playing was done [Verse 3] Sixteen wins in fifty-two Two-five-nine, not many got through Five years riding from town to town You learn how to leave before roots go down [Verse 4] His mama moved on, wore another name But a boy remembers where he came New York behind him, the West up ahead Still throwing that ball in the stories he kept [Verse 5] Then the ball went quiet, the seasons moved on Packed up a life and kept rolling along Two kids beside him, a world to provide Some roads come together, some roads divide [Verse 6] He kept on moving, kept making his way Midwest winters to California days Work in the morning, home come night Building a life that turned out right [Verse 7] Then somewhere down that winding line He found the one who fit just right Years rolled easy, side by side Found the love that stayed for the ride [Bridge] The best years don’t always Come the way you planned Sometimes life gets better When the ball leaves your hand [Final Chorus] Oh, that long road west Turns out he knew it best New York beginnings, California sun A whole lot of living when the playing was done [Outro] Yeah, he had his innings He had his turns Loved a good woman Lived a good life earned [Instrumental blues outro — guitar and piano carry the ending]
