How Long by Eagles: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Longing
In the realm of classic rock anthems, few songs resonate as deeply and enduringly as “How Long” by the legendary American rock band, Eagles. Released in 2007 as part of their album Long Road Out of Eden, this poignant ballad has become a cornerstone of their extensive discography, a testament to the band’s enduring musical prowess and their ability to craft songs that touch the very core of human emotion.
Penned by the esteemed singer-songwriter J.D. Souther, “How Long” is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the yearning for reconciliation. The song’s opening lines, “I can still remember how we met,” immediately transport the listener to the genesis of a love story, one that has been tested by the passage of time and the trials of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that was once passionate and all-consuming, now tempered by the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions.
The song’s chorus, with its poignant refrain of “How long, how long will it be?”, serves as a powerful expression of the protagonist’s longing for the love that has seemingly slipped away. The repetition of the phrase underscores the aching desire for reconciliation, the hope that the flame of love can be rekindled despite the distance that has grown between them.
“How Long” is not merely a song about lost love; it is a profound meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love’s imprint on our souls. The song’s lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of a love that has faded, yet still holds a lingering presence in their hearts.
The Eagles’ rendition of “How Long” is a masterclass in vocal harmony and musical arrangement. Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s voices intertwine beautifully, conveying the song’s emotional depth with a blend of tenderness and longing. The instrumentation, marked by the delicate interplay of acoustic guitars, piano, and subtle percussion, provides a fitting backdrop for the song’s poignant lyrics.
“How Long” stands as a timeless testament to the Eagles’ enduring legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and masterful musicianship have cemented its place in the hearts of countless music lovers worldwide. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of love, loss, and the yearning for connection, making it an anthem for anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of the human heart.
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Lyrics
Like a blue bird with his heart removed, lonely as a train
I’ve run just as far as I can run
If I never see the good old days shinin’ in the sun
I’ll be doin’ fine and then some
How long, how long
Woman will you weep?
How long, how long
Rock yourself to sleep
Well, I been doin’ time in a lonesome prison, where the sun don’t shine
Just outside, the freedom river runs
Out there in that shiny night, with blood hounds on your mind
Don’t you know it’s the same sad situation?
How long, how long
Woman will you weep?
How long, how long
Rock yourself to sleep
Everybody feels alright you know, I heard some poor fool say (somebody)
Everyone is out there on the loose
Well, I wish I lived in the land of fools, no one knew my name
But what you get is not quite what you choose
Tell me, how long, how long
Woman will you weep?
How long, how long
Rock yourself to sleep
How long, how long
Muddy River runs so deep
How long, how long
Good night baby, rock yourself to sleep
Sleep tight baby, rock yourself to sleep
B-b-b-bye bye baby, rock yourself to sleep