Where Have You Been
Nanci Griffith · Other Songs - Nanci Griffith
Clare had all but given up
When she and Edwin fell in love
She touched his face, and shook her head
In disbelief, she sighed and said
"In many dreams, I've held you near.
Now at last your really here.
CHORUS
"Where have you been?
I've looked for you forever and a day.
Where have you been?
I'm just not myself when your away."
Verse
He asked her for her hand for life
And she became a salesman's wife
He was home each night by eight
But one stormy evening he was late
Her frightened tears fell to the floor
'Til his key turned in the door
"Where have you been?
I've looked for you forever and a day.
Where have you been?
I'm just not myself when your away."
(Bridge)
They'd never spent a night apart
For sixty years she heard him snore
Now they're in a hospital
In separate beds, on different floors
Clare soon lost her memory
Forgot the names of family
She never spoke a word again
Then one day they wheeled him in
He held her hand and stroked her hair
And in a fragile voice she said,
"Where have you been?
I've looked for you forever and a day.
Where have you been?
I'm just not myself when your away.
No, I'm just not myself when your away."
Where Have You Been
Nanci Griffith's "Where Have You Been" stands as a quintessential example of her signature acoustic storytelling, blending folk, country, and Americana influences into a narrative of longing and memory. Recorded with her characteristic warm, resonant voice, the track exemplifies her ability to weave complex emotional landscapes into simple, melodic structures. While often associated with her broader discography spanning from the 1970s through her later works like "The Loving Kind," the song reflects the introspective depth found throughout her career. Griffith's approach prioritizes lyrical clarity and atmospheric texture, creating a recording that resonates with listeners seeking authentic, unadorned musical expression. The composition serves as a testament to her enduring influence on the acoustic genre, capturing the quiet intensity of personal reflection without relying on overt production or dramatic flair.