About the song
Linda Ronstadt, that powerhouse vocalist with a voice that could melt glaciers, had a knack for finding hidden gems and transforming them into timeless classics. One such treasure is “Long Long Time,” a song that first graced our ears in 1970 from her album Silk Purse. Though penned by Gary White, it was Ronstadt’s rendition that truly etched the song into the tapestry of musical history.
Now, “Long Long Time” isn’t your typical love song. It’s a ballad steeped in melancholy, a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the lingering ache of longing. Ronstadt’s delivery is nothing short of breathtaking. Her voice, rich and resonant, carries the weight of the lyrics with an emotional depth that’s both captivating and heartbreaking. She navigates the song’s dynamics with masterful control, her voice soaring to express the yearning and softening to a whisper to convey the quiet despair.
The song’s arrangement is equally exquisite. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar, the mournful cello, and the subtle touches of piano create a sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s themes of loneliness and yearning. It’s the kind of music that invites introspection, the kind that makes you want to curl up in a cozy armchair with a cup of tea and simply let the emotions wash over you.
What truly sets “Long Long Time” apart is its universality. We’ve all experienced the pang of unrequited love, the frustration of loving someone who doesn’t love you back. Ronstadt captures this universal experience with such raw honesty and vulnerability that it’s impossible not to be moved. She doesn’t shy away from the pain, the sadness, the resignation. She embraces it, giving voice to the emotions we often keep buried deep inside.
In a world of fleeting trends and disposable pop songs, “Long Long Time” stands as a testament to the enduring power of genuine emotion and masterful artistry. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners across generations, a timeless classic that reminds us of the enduring power of love, loss, and the human experience.
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Lyrics
Love will abide
Take things in stride
Sounds like good advice
But there’s no one at my side
And time washes clean love’s wounds unseen
That’s what someone told me
But I don’t know what it means
‘Cause I’ve done everything I know
To try and make you mine
And I think I’m gonna love you
For a long long time
Caught in my fears
Blinking back the tears
I can’t say you hurt me
When you never let me near
And I never drew one response from you
All the while you fell all over girls you never knew
‘Cause I’ve done everything I know
To try and make you mine
And I think it’s gonna hurt me
For a long long time
Wait for the day you’ll go away
Knowing that you warned me
Of the price I’d have to pay
And life’s full of flaws
Who knows the cause?
Living in the memory of a love that never was
‘Cause I’ve done everything I know
To try and change your mind
And I think I’m gonna miss you
For a long long time
‘Cause I’ve done everything I know
To try and make you mine
And I think I’m gonna love you
For a long long time