Songwriter David Lee spotted Ann in 1971, although not a well known artist, Ann recorded a series of great soul records for the legendary Nashville soul DJ and label-owner John R (John Richbourg).
Her best known songs, "You've Been Gone Too Long" and "You're Losing Me", were, and still are, great favourites on the Northern Soul scene.
You've Been Gone Too Long
Ann Sexton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is not there any more - no
And the thrill of your kiss - honey
Is not like it was before
I know you've been running around - yes I know - oh yeah
You've got the look on your face, baby
It kind of shows (?) - oh yeah
You might as well run on
And aint no use in coming home
'Cos Jodie's got your girl and gone
Oh - oh yeah - you've been gone too long - yeah
The way you used to hold me
When we were all alone
Is not there any more babe
Because baby the thrill has gone
But somehow it doesn't matter
Because I've found me a man - love me better
Oh - oh yeah - youv'e been gone too long - yeah
You might as well go home
'Cos baby you've been gone too long
There aint no use in coming home
cos Jodie's got your girl and gone
Oh - oh yeah - you've been gone too long - yeah
I said Jodie's got your girl and gone
I said Jodie's got your girl and gone
Aint no use - in coming home
Because Jodie's got your girl and gone
Took too long - to come home
Now Jodie's got your girl and gone... fade
END
"You've Been Gone Too Long" by Ann Sexton is a song about a woman who is fed up with her partner's infidelity and decides that he has been gone too long. The first verse talks about how things have changed between the two of them - the smile on his face and the thrill of his kiss are no longer what they used to be. The singer then reveals that she knows he's been running around and has the look of guilt on his face. The chorus tells him he might as well run on because he's been gone too long and there's no use in coming home because Jodie (presumably another man) has taken his girl and left.
The second verse talks about how their physical intimacy has changed, how the way he used to hold her is no longer the same. However, the singer reveals that she has found herself a man who loves her better than her previous partner. The chorus repeats, telling him there's no point in coming home because Jodie has taken his place. The song ends with the repeated line "Jodie's got your girl and gone."
Overall, "You've Been Gone Too Long" is a story of a woman who has had enough of her partner's cheating ways and has found someone who treats her better. She's done waiting for him to come back and is moving on with her life.
Line by Line Meaning
The smile on your face - baby
Your happy and content demeanor has disappeared
Is not there any more - no
It is not evident anymore
And the thrill of your kiss - honey
The excitement from your kiss
Is not like it was before
Is no longer as strong as it used to be
I know you've been running around - yes I know - oh yeah
I am aware that you have been unfaithful
You've got the look on your face, baby
Your facial expression gives away your unfaithful behavior
It kind of shows (?) - oh yeah
It is clearly noticeable
You might as well run on
You might as well keep going
'Cos baby you've been gone too long
You have been absent for an unacceptable length of time
And aint no use in coming home
There is no reason for you to return
'Cos Jodie's got your girl and gone
Jodie took your girl and has left
Oh - oh yeah - you've been gone too long - yeah
Your prolonged absence is very noticeable
The way you used to hold me
Your previous way of holding me
When we were all alone
When we were in private
Is not there any more babe
It is not like that anymore
Because baby the thrill has gone
The passion is no longer present
But somehow it doesn't matter
But it doesn't bother me anymore
Because I've found me a man - love me better
I have found someone who loves me better and fills the void
You might as well go home
There is no reason for you to stay away any longer
'Cos baby you've been gone too long
Your prolonged absence is unacceptable
There aint no use in coming home
There is no reason for you to come back
cos Jodie's got your girl and gone
Jodie took your girl and left
I said Jodie's got your girl and gone
I reiterated that Jodie took your girl and left
Aint no use - in coming home
There is no reason to come back
Because Jodie's got your girl and gone
Jodie took your girl and left, end of story
Took too long - to come home
You took too long to return home
Now Jodie's got your girl and gone... fade
Now Jodie has taken your girl and disappeared, and the song fades out
Contributed by Lincoln Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cathythatcher8564
Puts a smile on my face.
@seanheasley1474
Epic thanks
@zaihiraray
I love Ann Sexton's vocals on this Choon, its mesmeric, such a floating rhythm, great to dance too, time for a spin at the musical middle breaks , backdropping n spinning!!! will always be great too... A real fave
@annlonsdale9396
I was Ann Sexton married Dave lonsdale hsrry the hathett nephew uncle derek 136 sandbrook rd
@hunkydoryize1
Her vocals on this Masterpiece Amazing...
@annlonsdale9396
my name Ann Sexton
@davepotter7624
Fantastic thanks 😊
@gordonbennett3516
Chills down my spine and joy in my heart. Love it, love it. KTF
@sderoski1
Terrific summer grooves!
@montyurukalo4549
The record that got me hooked on northern soul