About the song
“Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt is a deeply affecting and beautifully understated ballad that showcases her remarkable vocal sensitivity and her ability to convey profound longing with a seemingly effortless grace. Released in 1970 as a single and featured on her album “Silk Purse,” this song became one of her early signature tunes, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance. It’s more than just a melancholic love song; it’s a poignant reflection on the enduring ache of unrequited or lost love, a testament to the lingering power of memory and the quiet resilience of the human heart.
The song, written by Gary White, tells a simple yet deeply resonant story of someone who continues to hold onto the memory of a love that never fully materialized or has since faded. The repeated phrase “Long, long time” emphasizes the passage of years and the persistent nature of this yearning. Ronstadt’s vocal delivery, marked by its clear, pure tone and subtle emotional nuances, enhances the song’s melancholic and deeply moving quality. There’s a sense of vulnerability in her voice that draws the listener into the quiet intimacy of her reflection.
Linda Ronstadt’s vocal style, characterized by its purity, strength, and remarkable control, imbues “Long, Long Time” with a profound sense of sincerity and understated emotion. She doesn’t need dramatic flourishes to convey the depth of her feeling; instead, she delivers the lyrics with a directness and clarity that resonates with authenticity. The instrumentation, typically featuring a gentle acoustic guitar, a subtle piano melody, and understated strings, creates a warm yet melancholic sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s introspective theme. The arrangement is simple and elegant, allowing Ronstadt’s voice and the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage.
The enduring appeal of “Long, Long Time” lies in its universal theme of enduring love and the quiet acceptance of its sometimes unfulfilled nature. It speaks to the common human experience of holding onto memories and the subtle ways in which past affections continue to shape our present. Its gentle melody and sincere delivery have made it a beloved ballad for those who appreciate nuanced emotional expression in music.
“Long, Long Time” is more than just a folk-rock ballad; it’s a timeless exploration of longing and remembrance, a testament to Linda Ronstadt’s exceptional interpretive skills and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level through her vocal artistry. Its quiet beauty and enduring message resonate with a mature audience who appreciate depth and sincerity in musical storytelling.
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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
