About the song
“In the panorama of American popular music, Linda Ronstadt stands as a figure of exceptional versatility and interpretive depth. Her 1970 recording of “Long Long Time” remains a poignant example of her ability to imbue a song with profound emotional resonance. This track, originally written by Gary White, became a signature piece in Ronstadt’s early career, showcasing her remarkable vocal talent and her capacity to convey vulnerability and longing.
“Linda Ronstadt – Long Long Time” is a ballad that explores the enduring ache of lost love. Ronstadt’s rendition is marked by a delicate balance of fragility and strength, as she navigates the song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics. Her voice, clear and expressive, conveys the quiet desperation of someone grappling with the passage of time and the lingering presence of a past relationship.
What sets Ronstadt’s performance apart is her ability to connect with the emotional core of the song. She doesn’t just sing the words; she inhabits them, conveying the subtle nuances of heartbreak and regret. The song’s arrangement, with its understated instrumentation, allows Ronstadt’s voice to take center stage, creating an intimate and immersive listening experience.
“Long Long Time” is a testament to Ronstadt’s ability to transcend genre boundaries. While she is often associated with rock and country music, her interpretation of this ballad reveals her deep appreciation for traditional songcraft. The song’s timeless quality and Ronstadt’s evocative performance have ensured its enduring appeal, cementing its place as a classic in the American songbook. It is a song that remains as relevant today, as it was in 1970.
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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
