About the song
“Long, Long Time,” penned by Gary White, is a poignant ballad immortalized by Linda Ronstadt in 1970, reflecting themes of enduring love and longing for a relationship that never materialized romantically. Featured on her album “Silk Purse,” the song captivated audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and Ronstadt’s emotive delivery.
Released as a single in 1970, “Long, Long Time” quickly ascended the charts, making its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 where it spent 12 weeks and peaked at No. 25. Its impact extended north of the border, reaching No. 15 on Canada’s “RPM 100” chart and securing Ronstadt’s first major hit there. Additionally, the single climbed to No. 8 on Canada’s CHUM 30 chart and found a place on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart, peaking at No. 20.
Linda Ronstadt’s interpretation of “Long, Long Time” earned critical acclaim and recognition, culminating in a Grammy Award nomination in 1971 for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance. Her soulful rendition, coupled with Gary White’s evocative lyrics, struck a chord with listeners, solidifying the song as a timeless classic in the singer’s repertoire.
Through “Long, Long Time,” Linda Ronstadt showcased her vocal prowess and ability to convey deep emotional resonance, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry during the early 1970s. The song’s enduring popularity underscores its universal themes of unrequited love and the passage of time, resonating with audiences across generations.
Today, “Long, Long Time” remains a cherished piece of Linda Ronstadt’s musical legacy, celebrated for its lyrical depth, heartfelt melody, and the raw emotion Ronstadt brought to each performance. It continues to evoke nostalgia and connect with listeners who appreciate its timeless message of love and longing.
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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