COMING HOME^©

Live 11 Dec 1971 version

Well the living ain't easy on this side of the highway
It's time to go on by
When it takes so long just to have a bit of fun
Show me your curls, and let me show you around
Well things are gonna change
Well things are changin' every day
I'm gonna break out of Kansas
I don't think I can handle it no more
I'll head out on the highway all alone
Tryin' to get my foot in the door
And Mama, I'm a coming home
Ah can you hear me
Yeah, back in Kansas
I can't stay in Kansas no more I don't think I can stand it
Show me your guns and you show me the door
Ah but things are gonna change
They're changin' every day
Won't you meet me on the highway
Out where Mama don't move
Out where Mama don't go
But man don't wait till the morning comes
Oh Mama I'm coming home
Ah, get that dinner cookin', all right

Livin' ain't easy on this side of the highway
It's time to get on home, bye bye
Well it don't take long now to have some fun
Show your guns, and you show you're a man
But this has gotta change
Cause real life changes every day
Oh, we can't stay in Kansas no more
I don't think I can handle it
It's no use cryin' though
Mama I'm a coming home
Oh can't you hear your Daddy comin'
I'm, I'm, I'm coming home
I'm, I'm, I'm coming home
I'm, I'm, I'm coming home
I'm, I'm, I'm coming home
I'm, I'm

Page last updated: 02 Jul 2007

Also known under the titles I'M COMING HOME and MAMA I'M COMING HOME, this Bruce Springsteen composition was probably written in mid-1971.

The song has appeared on a 3-track-only audience recording from a late 1971 Bruce Springsteen Band gig. According to Brucebase, the recording probably dates from the December 1971 period, and probably the venue was The Student Prince, Asbury Park, NJ. Precise details cannot be determined, and Brucebase has listed the 3-songs partial setlist under 11 Dec 1971, The Student Prince, Asbury Park, NJ. The above lyrics are for that performance.

A soundboard recording of this song is also in circulation, but date and location are unknown. It is assumed that it comes from the 17 Mar 1972 show at the Richmond Arena, Richmond, VA. Lyrics vary a little from the 11 Dec 1971 version. Check out the live 17 Mar 1972 version for more details.

Thanks Jake (ol'catfishinthelake from BTX and Greasy Lake) and Audio2575 for the lyrics help.