"Long Way Home" is a song performed by contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, taken from his 2011 album Re:creation. Written and composed by Chapman, the song is led by the ukulele and has a "sandy beach flavor" and "laid-back island vibe". It lyrically ponders life on Earth being "just a journey", with the destination being Heaven; it also discusses trials in Chapman's own life. It met with positive critical response, with many critics regarding it as the best song from Re:creation.
Background and composition
In an interview with Deborah Evans Price of The Boot, Chapman described "Long Way Home" as "God just letting me sort of smile with music again".[1] Chapman added that "There was such a heaviness [following the death of his daughter Maria] that music became so deep and so heavy. Then I discovered ukulele and it was like God saying, 'Here play this for a little while and I want you to smile a little bit again with music. I want it to be fun.' You can't frown and play a ukulele. There's just no way. It just makes you smile. I think that's why Hawaiians are all so happy".[1] In a separate interview with Caroline Leak of CCM Magazine, he described it as a "traveling song",[2] elaborating that "We're on this journey and though today feels long, we're going to make it. It may not be a mountain top day, bit it feels appropriate to sing about that. And it feels appropriate to play it on a ukulele".[2]
"Long Way Home" is led by the ukulele,[1][2][3][4][5][6] and features a "sandy beach flavor"[5] and "laid-back island vibe".[7] Lyrically, it alludes to Chapman's personal trials[4] as well as earth being a journey on the way to heaven.[5] The lyrics to "Long Way Home" are "gut-wrenching"[6] and "evidence of ever-deepening songwriting and spiritual maturity".[4]
Reception
Critical reception
"Long Way Home" received a positive reception from critics, with several regarding the song as among the best songs from Re:creation.[3][6] Jeremy V. Jones of Christianity Today regarded the song as "the lynchpin of [Re:creation]",[3] noting "There's a weighted authenticity when Chapman sings, 'I had no way of knowing just how hard this journey could be / 'Cause the valleys are deeper and the mountains are steeper than I ever would've dreamed / But I know we're gonna make it.' It's fitting that the tune is carried by a ukulele, the instrument that Chapman says restored fun to music".[3] Ed Cardinal of Crosswalk.com praised the song as "evidence of ever-deepening songwriting and spiritual maturity [from Chapman]".[4] John DiBiase of Jesus Freak Hideout described "Long Way Home" as "a fun little ukulele-driven tune".[5] Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday praised the song as "the highlight of the album [for me]"[6] and described the ukulele playing and Chapman's vocals as "engaging".[6]
Chart performance
"Long Way Home" debuted at No. 41 on the Christian Songs chart for the week of February 4, 2012.[8]
Live performances
Steven Curtis Chapman has performed "Long Way Home" as part of the Songs & Stories Tour. At a performance in the Calvary Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on October 6, 2011, Chapman performed the song sitting on a stool while playing the ukulele.[9]