“Long, Long Time” is a soul-stirring ballad about unrequited love and the deep emotional toll it takes. The song delves into the complexity of loving someone who doesn’t love you back and the lingering hope that someday they might. It’s a tale of a one-sided love where the singer has done everything possible to win over the object of their affection, only to be left with the realization that their passion might remain unreciprocated. The songwriter, Gary White, captures the essence of longing and the pain of a love that might never be returned. The song isn’t about a specific person but reflects a universal experience of unrequited love and the struggle to come to terms with it. It’s a poignant reminder of the emotional journey love can take us on, whether it’s returned or not.
Have you ever loved someone who didn’t love you back? “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt might just be the song that speaks to your soul. Discover the emotional depth and raw honesty of this classic hit.
“Long, Long Time” Lyrics Meaning
“Love will abide, take things in stride,” the song begins, setting a tone of advice that seems simple yet profound. However, the following line, “But there’s no one at my side,” instantly reveals the singer’s loneliness and unfulfilled yearning for love. The idea of love abiding and taking things in stride contrasts sharply with the reality of the singer’s solitary struggle.
The line, “And time washes clean love’s wounds unseen,” speaks to the invisible scars left by unrequited love. It’s a common belief that time heals all wounds, but the song questions this notion, reflecting the singer’s ongoing pain. The phrase, “But I don’t know what it means,” underlines the confusion and ambiguity in understanding and coping with these feelings.
The chorus, “Cause I’ve done everything I know to try and make you mine,” is a powerful declaration of effort and unrequited love. The singer acknowledges their persistent attempts to win over their beloved, highlighting the intensity of their feelings. The line, “And I think I’m gonna love you for a long long time,” is both a testament to enduring love and a somber realization of its unlikelihood to be reciprocated.
In the next verse, the singer admits, “I can’t say you hurt me when you never let me near,” indicating the distance maintained by the object of their affection. This line poignantly captures the essence of unrequited love – the pain not just of rejection but of not being given a chance.
The song continues to unravel the layers of the singer’s emotions, from hope to despair, longing to resignation. Each verse and chorus build upon this narrative of loving someone from afar, enduring the pain of unreciprocated feelings, and yet clinging to the slim hope that things might change.
The Story Behind “Long, Long Time”
The genius behind “Long, Long Time” lies in its songwriter, Gary White’s, ability to capture a universally relatable emotion – the pain and beauty of unrequited love. While not much is known about the specific inspiration for this song, it’s clear that White tapped into a deep well of emotion that resonates with many.
The song reflects not just a momentary feeling but a state of mind that many find themselves in at some point in their lives – loving someone deeply without the love being returned. The lyrics suggest a deep understanding of the human condition, the complexities of love, and the emotional journey one undergoes when faced with unrequited affection.
“Long, Long Time” stands as a testament to the songwriting and singing talents of White and Ronstadt, respectively. It connects with listeners on a deeply emotional level, reminding us of the bittersweet nature of love and the resilience of the human heart. While not explicitly detailed, the story behind the song is etched into every line and note, creating a timeless piece that continues to touch hearts decades after its release.