About the song
Have you ever felt a deep connection with someone, but circumstances or timing kept you from fully expressing your feelings? Linda Ronstadt’s heartfelt rendition of “Long Long Time” taps into that universal experience. This timeless ballad, penned by Gary White, has resonated with listeners for decades, offering comfort and understanding to those who have loved from afar.
Released in 1970 as part of Ronstadt’s album Silk Purse, “Long Long Time” quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of her signature songs. The track’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics and Ronstadt’s soulful vocals. The song paints a vivid picture of a love that has endured over time, despite the absence of a romantic relationship. It’s a poignant exploration of longing, regret, and the bittersweet nature of unrequited love.
Ronstadt’s interpretation of “Long Long Time” is particularly noteworthy. Her voice, rich and emotive, conveys a sense of vulnerability and longing that draws listeners in. The arrangement, with its gentle acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s themes.
One of the reasons why “Long Long Time” has remained so popular is its timeless quality. The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing are universal experiences that resonate with people of all ages. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past love or simply contemplating the complexities of human relationships, “Long Long Time” offers a comforting and relatable listening experience.
It’s no wonder that “Long Long Time” has become a standard in the popular music canon. Ronstadt’s version earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance in 1971, a testament to the song’s quality and her powerful interpretation.
So, the next time you find yourself pondering the mysteries of love and loss, take a moment to listen to Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time.” It’s a song that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
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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