Been away
For ten years and a day
Can't find my way
It's changed
And I feel like a total stranger
And here they are
The remnants of my past
So near and yet so far
To bridge the gap of time is so hard

So here I stand
A creature from a foreign land  
I tell my tale
But they don't seem to understand
Surprised , I hoped for something more:
Their interest and their  support
The world is so much more than
what's outside their front door

I've been anticipating
Awaiting my return
So long! (so long)
Yes, I've been gone 
I've been gone so long
It's becoming so frustrating
I thought we'd stay the same
But I was wrong
(I was wrong)
Yes, I've been gone 
I've been gone so long

So here they stand
The creatures from my motherland
They tell their tale
My eyes glaze over, I raise my hand
I knock. A child answers the door
My friend’s eyes in that small face
A generation's passed 
I know our time has long gone.

I've been anticipating
Awaiting my return
So long! (so long)
Yes, I've been gone 
I've been gone so long
It's becoming so frustrating
I thought we'd stay the same
But I was wrong
(I was wrong)
Yes I've been gone 
I've been gone so long

And I begin to fear
There's nothing for me here
Then I turn around
I hear your voice
The feeling disappears

The same words the same face
Familiar warm embrace
We  sing our favourite song
Seems like I've never gone
And when I see you smile
The journey is worthwhile
The memories of the time
The time when you were mine

I've been anticipating
Awaiting my return
So long! (so long)
Yes, I've been gone 
I've been gone so long
It's becoming so frustrating
I thought we'd stay the same
But I was wrong
(I was wrong)
Yes, I've been gone 
I've been gone so long