About the song
Okay, I’m ready to put on my music aficionado hat and dive deep into “Long Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt. I’ll craft an introduction suitable for a mature, sophisticated audience, ensuring the language is accessible yet insightful. Let’s get started!
Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time” is not just a song; it’s an emotional journey encapsulated in a little over four minutes. Released in 1970 as part of her album Silk Purse, this poignant ballad showcases Ronstadt’s incredible vocal control and interpretive depth, qualities that would later define her illustrious career. While she’s often remembered for her rock and roll swagger, “Long Long Time” reveals a different facet of her artistry, one steeped in vulnerability and raw emotion.
Penned by Gary White, the song’s lyrics speak of unrequited love and the lingering pain of longing. The narrator, caught in the throes of a love that remains unanswered, pours out their heart with a quiet desperation. Lines like “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” resonate with a universal ache, capturing the bittersweet reality of loving someone who may never reciprocate those feelings.
Ronstadt’s delivery is nothing short of breathtaking. Her voice, imbued with a melancholic tenderness, soars and dips with the melody, perfectly mirroring the emotional ebb and flow of the lyrics. There’s a fragility in her performance, a sense of holding back tears that adds a layer of authenticity to the song’s narrative. The way she sustains the final note of the phrase “long long time” is particularly affecting, leaving the listener suspended in a state of yearning.
Interestingly, “Long Long Time” didn’t achieve mainstream success upon its initial release. It wasn’t until its recent resurgence, thanks to its inclusion in the HBO series The Last of Us, that the song garnered widespread attention. This renewed interest speaks volumes about the timelessness of Ronstadt’s artistry and the enduring power of a truly great song. Even decades later, “Long Long Time” continues to resonate with listeners, its themes of love, loss, and longing proving as relevant as ever.
The song’s arrangement is also noteworthy. The understated instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creates a delicate soundscape that allows Ronstadt’s vocals to take center stage. The subtle use of strings adds a layer of melancholy, enhancing the song’s overall mood of quiet despair.
In essence, “Long Long Time” is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Linda Ronstadt’s impeccable vocals, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics and understated arrangement, create a truly unforgettable listening experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener discovering this gem, “Long Long Time” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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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