About the song
“After All This Time” was released in 1988 as part of his groundbreaking album, Diamonds & Dirt, it quickly resonated with critics and audiences alike, earning him a Grammy Award. This wasn’t just another chart-topper; it was a testament to Crowell’s evolution as a songwriter and performer, showcasing his ability to blend traditional country sensibilities with a more refined, almost literary approach to storytelling. For many of us who followed his career from his early days as a talented songwriter for other artists, seeing him step into the spotlight with such a powerful and personal statement was incredibly gratifying.
What makes “After All This Time” so compelling is its elegant simplicity wrapped around a complex emotional core. It’s a song about enduring love, yes, but it’s also about the journey, the struggles, and the quiet triumphs that define a long-term relationship. Crowell’s lyrics are incredibly poignant, painting vivid pictures of a couple who have weathered the storms of life together, emerging stronger and more deeply connected. Phrases like “We stood the test of time, we passed the prime, we lived to tell the tale” speak volumes about the resilience and beauty of lasting companionship. His vocal delivery is perfectly understated, conveying a sense of lived experience and genuine emotion without resorting to histrionics. The production is sparse yet effective, allowing the power of the narrative and the melody to take center stage. It’s a song that speaks to the quiet wisdom that comes with age and shared history, a reminder that the most profound forms of love are often forged in the fires of time and commitment. “After All This Time” remains a timeless piece, a mature reflection on love’s perseverance that continues to resonate deeply with anyone who has navigated the complexities of a long and loving relationship.
Video
Lyrics
Busted flat in Baton Rouge
Waitin’ for the train
Feelin’ nearly faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down
Just before it rained
Rode us all the way to New Orleans
I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna
And was playing soft
While Bobby sang the blues
With them windshield wipers slappin’ time
I was holdin’ Bobby’s hand in mine
We sang every song that driver knew
Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’ but it’s freeFeelin’ good was easy, Lord,
When he sang the blues
And feelin’ good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGeeFrom Kentucky coal mines
To the California sun
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Through all kinds of weather, Lord
Through everything I done
Bobby baby kept me from the cold
Then somewhere near Salinas, Lord
I let him slip away
Lookin’ for the home I hope he’ll find it
And I’d trade all of my tomorrows
For one single yesterday
Holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine
Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin’ left is all that Bobby left meFeelin good was easy, Lord
When he sang the blues
And buddy, that was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee
