A Long Way Home: Twelve Years of Words

I love reading the poetry of Dwight Yoakam's songs, his lyrics. From them I realize he is an extremely intelligent, witty and deep-feeling man who says a lot with an economy of words. He's careful about his subject matter; for example, no politics. On the other hand, he has a beautiful mastery of the English language and a keen, wry wit. His favorite subject matter includes his Kentucky heritage and the general world of heartbreak, which he examines from all sides. He's an astute observer of life and and its ironies. His lyrics are a joy to parse and admire if you like your songs strong, clean and with subtle twists thrown in through a clever word here and there. His wordplay is truly brilliant. Nice collection and amazingly insightful and personal preface by Dwight about his songwriting. And he might not appreciate me saying this, being known for his cool reserve, but reading his lyrics carefully reveals Dwight's subtler sensitive side. My dream is for Dwight to one day be recognized and honored as a songwriter. Excellent!!

Dwight Yoakam does not write complex lyrics. What he writes are lyrics of deep emotion and unsurpassed longing. Without the twang-and-swing of his honky-tonk melodies, these songs are reduced to their bared bones, stripped and displayed in all their anguish and despair. From the straightforward "It won't hurt when I fall down from this barstool; it won't hurt when I stumble in the street; it won't hurt 'cause this whiskey eases misery; but even whiskey cannot ease your hurting me" to the more thought-provoking "Don't look inside, don't look there, 'cause you might find yourself somewhere, walking around lost and alone, without one clue that it's a long way home" Dwight speaks to the heart and the mind, and to deeper emotions."Twelve Years of Words" is printed as a simple, straightforward book of poetry, introduced with Dwight's eloquent, thoughtful prose. It is true that anyone who has the CDs already has the lyrics, printed on each CD insert. But there is a beauty in this presentation, all of his poems gathered together into one slim little volume without the music. I'm very much hoping that, in time, there will be "Twenty Years of Words" and it will be updated as he continues to write those simple, elegant, words.

I saw this book in the public library, and I knew I had to have a copy of my own. Yoakam was reared in Columbus, Ohio, where I live, and I think he is the freshest talent in music in any genre. His lyrics are simple and direct and tell wonderful stories; it's as if he can look into everyone else's hearts when it comes to differing emotions. I am a fan of this man's music, and he's a great actor, too. I appreciate that he has not sold himself to pop music like other country stars -- but then again, I don't consider him a country star. He's carved a niche of his own. Bless you, Dwight, and your mom (she still lives here!).

A beautiful piece of work outlined in detail of the roots of Dwight's Beautiful Music.A truley great collection by one with no bounds.A masterpiece done by Dwight as he has done with his music.His music captures the soul of country and the roots of blue grass.Remarkable!

Like Dwight Yoakam, I grew up in Eastern Kentucky. His music has always reached a part of me deep in my heart, striking a chord that is both painful and sweet. I have always called Yoakam a poet, not just a songwriter. His lyrics are clean, sparse and sparklingly direct. One of my favorites is "South of Cincinnati," in which with just a few spare brushstrokes, he paints a lush picture of a lush, bared by pride from his one true love. "Miner's Prayer," dedicated to his grandfather, captures the futility and loyalty of a life "down in that cold dark mine." This collection of Yoakam's poetry provides a lovely window into the world of rural Appalachia.