Didn't know how many sweaters and hoodies I had Till I packed 'em in a box Mama tried to hide the tears in her eyes As I threw 'em in the back of the truck As she hugged me tight, I knew I'd have to be the first to let go 'Fore I drove away, I heard her say: Be safe and, baby, don't Stay gone too long Don't forget to call Hope you think of me when you catch all your dreams Without you, this house ain't a home Don't stay gone too long No, don't stay gone too long Not even twenty-one, I wasn't lookin' for love No, you weren't a part of my plan My only home was that wide-open road Until I held your hand It's late nights on the phone Two different time zones It's goodbyes and southbound planes But I love you enough to wait Don't stay gone too long Don't forget to call Hope you think of me when you catch all your dreams Without you, this house ain't a home Don't stay gone too long 2 AM when I got the call Mama said: We don't got much time So I flew home did what no one wants to And told Grandma goodbye As she hugged me tight, I knew she'd have to be the first to let go Before it was time, she closed her eyes, I said: Please, don't Stay gone too long Wish Heaven had a phone I'll see you in my dreams when you watch over me Without you, this place ain't a home Don't stay gone too long Don't stay gone too long