Every Sign on the Road

words and music by Doug Howell (19 Mar 1977)

my heart is lyin’ in pieces
all over the world
I can’t pass a sign on the road
without thinking of something I once heard
“Don’t spread yourself too thin in life,
or you’ll wind up all alone”
I don’t know what you think
but it’s true for all I know

every sign on the road reminds me
of faces in my mind
I miss so much the loving touch
of people I’ve left behind
if I had my way I’d follow
every sign I see
but as it is, I’m thankful
for precious memories

I’ve seen some beautiful places
all over this land
but you know, I’d trade all the mountains I’ve seen
for one touch of your hand
someday when this road ends
I’m gonna know the reason why
but until that day, all I can do
is smile when I go by

1979 Notes

There was a time not too long ago when I’d have said you were crazy if you had told me I would someday be singing full time. Not that I don’t like to travel—I do. But it’s traveling alone that doesn’t excite me too much. Falling in love with someone, only to find them gone the next day. (How many times that’s happened I don’t know. I’ve lost count.) Hate to do this to you again, but it reminds me of another song, one Anne Murray sings, which goes:

“and there’s just 30 faces in this whole world
and they keep exchanging names
Just when I’m getting to know them
well enough to call them friends
I have to go back out on the road again”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Believe it or not, I’m really a homebody at heart—oh, a few excursions here and there for spice, but always coming home. And there are times when I’d give it all up just to stay here long enough to keep the weeds out of my garden. But people are more important than gardens. So I pull the weeds I can and leave again.

One thing you have to watch for is that things can get pretty shallow when you’re constantly on the road. Oh, don’t misunderstand, there are some very deep times, too, but then—it’s always the same—you have to leave. There’s no accountability. There’s no day-to-day, eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with someone who knows you to make you deep and keep you real.

So I try to spend at least half my time at home. I guess when you come down to it, it’s the call—if He calls you, go—but don’t seek this kind of life on your own.

And when I begin feeling lost and alone in the Outer Tundra Regions or somewhere, I remember Jesus had no place to lay His head, and He walks with me.

2007 Notes

Well, I’m certainly getting plenty of time to play the homebody these days. And as I’ve hinted before, the reviews are mixed. (Ha-ha.) No, but really, I sometimes miss singing up on that stage. Without those concerts for all you good folks, there aren’t nearly as many record sales, which means there is less chance—time-wise and money-wise both—to record songs. (And there are still a lot to record. Even if I never write another one.)

So, I said yes when Davey asked me again to do a house concert soon. I’ll let you know how it goes…