Well, I’ve got my old dirty jeans and I got my broken dreams,
And I got all my old t-shirts,
And I still remember you smiling at your door
But it’s not enough to miss you anymore
I’ve let go it just took time
Maybe I’ll head down to Carolina, maybe I’ll head on down the line
Got windows down, radio up, I’m singing’ along, I’m feelin’ fine
Cuz I’m not runnin’ when there’s nothing left to leave,
Ain’t nobody miss me, my spirit’s just free,
I gave love a shot and it nearly killed me
I’ve got my old truck, a little rust, a lotta love
I still smile when she kicks up dust.
There’s dusty dirt roads ‘n’ hidden driveways,
But none that lead me back your way,
My heart has moved on without ever saying goodbye
Cuz I’m heading down to Carolina, right on down the line
My windows down, smiles for miles, I’m feelin’ fine
Cuz I’m not runnin’ when there’s nothing left to leave,
I’m lookin’ for fun, to feel a bit free
I’ve got a lot of soul but not a lot of money
So if you ever find yourself thinking of me
Don’t worry baby, I’m finally free
And maybe just maybe I will be
Somewhere along Carolina’s sea
No need to come look for me
So I think I’m ready to head right on down the line
Carolina, sweet Caroline, oh sweet Caroline
Don’t worry ain’t leavin’ nothin’ behind
I’ll be all yours and you can be all mine
Carolina, sweet Caroline
Originally Published November 15, 2012
Special note from author on June 26, 2023
This poem captures the spirit of a person I used to know, myself. This was the outlook of a young man, in his late 20’s, seeking something other than what was in the backyard. That ambition eventually led to a shore much further away than Carolina but the enslaved spirit of the words live on, to this day, within this darkened soul.
