The runway rushed up at him as he felt the wheels touch down

He stood out on the blacktop and took a taxi into town

He got out down on Main Street and went into a local bar

He bought a drink and found a seat in a corner off the dark

Well she called up her mama to make sure the kids were out of the house

She checked herself out in the dining room mirror

And undid an extra button on her blouse

He felt her lying next to him, the clock said 4:00 am

He was staring at the ceiling

He couldn't move his hands



CHORUS

Oh mama mama mama come quick

I've got the shakes and I'm gonna be sick

Throw your arms around me in the cold dark night

Hey now mama don't shut out the light

Don't you shut out the light

Don't you shut out the light

Don't you shut out the light

Don't you shut out the light



Well on his porch they stretched a banner that said "Johnny Welcome Home"

Bobby pulled his Ford out of the garage and they polished up the chrome

His mama said "Johnny oh Johnny, I'm so glad to have you back with me"

His pa said he was sure they'd give him his job back down at the factory



CHORUS



Well deep in a dark forest, a forest filled with rain

Beyond a stretch of Maryland pines there's a river without a name

In the cold black water Johnson Lineir stands

He stares across the lights of the city and dreams of where he's been



CHORUS