Next is “Taking My Time.” This John Lee Hooker style blues tune has its roots in Drew's boyhood memories of his father's incarceration. His father suffered from a combination of childhood trauma and World War II PTSD which led him to a life of alcoholism, divorce and ultimately to crime. When Drew was 12 years old, his father, whom he had not seen in several months and who was suffering from a severe case of Delirium Tremors, paid Drew an unannounced visit. It turned out he was running from the law. During that visit he expressed the horrors he was feeling at the thought of going back to prison, which he ultimately did. This visit was the source of the song's lyrics. Bruce Kaphan's lap steel and “jailhouse” Silvertone guitars shine throughout.

Lyrics

Taking My Time
Drew James © 2017

Never thought much about it
Never gave it a care
Never thought much about it
I walked around with my head in the air
Now they're taking my time
The best years of my life will soon be gone
Now they're taking my time
This just can't be right it's just so wrong
Here in the last place I wanna be

My scenery never changes
Every day it's the same
My scenery never changes
I never see the sun or rain
Now they're taking my time
The best years of my life will soon be gone
Now they're taking my time
This just can't be right it's just so wrong
Here in the last place I wanna be

No freedom no shame
No soul no name
Here in the last place I wanna be
No hands no touch
No love to clutch
Here in the last place I wanna be

Now they're taking my time
The best years of my life will soon be gone
Now they're taking my time
This just can't be right it's just so wrong
Here in the last place I wanna be
Here in the last place I wanna be