While Curtis Mayfield wrote this song about the wasting results of addiction, this song also functions as a parable about life apart from God. We are only a simulation of being a human, being alive, apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, performing Here But I'm Gone, a song by Curtis Mayfield about dealing with addiction.

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

Porched up in a rocking-chair

With my feet all bare

Rolling my blunt in a cigar wrap

Live an adolescent mind

Never do take the time

Waiting for my high, quiet as it's kept

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

Mama told me I was best

Argue and punch in the chest

Son, now be strong, let me take you home

I'd see in her eyes so sincere

Screaming, what got me here

Standing in the world with my mind all blown

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

I do nothing but waste all my time

Leaving the world behind

Smoking my crack just to keep me high

Around the boys I play my part rough

Keep myself tough enough

Never to cry, don't really wanna die

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

How did I get so far gone?

Where do I belong?

And where in the world did I ever go wrong?

If I took the time to replace

What my mind erased

I still feel as if I'm here but I'm gone

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