How Long
Bill & Gloria Gaither Lyrics


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how long, how long

How long, how long, I heard them say, how long, how long, ’til break of day... hasten it, hasten it, for the innocent’s sake, hasten it, hasten it, for the hearts that break... I heard voices echoing, all through the forest of family trees... how long, how long, I heard them say, how long, how long, ’til break of day




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bill & Gloria Gaither's song How Long could be interpreted as a call for justice and an end to suffering. The repetition of the phrase "how long" emphasizes the frustration and urgency of the situation. The line "hasten it, hasten it, for the innocent's sake," speaks to the need for action to be taken for those who are not responsible for the suffering they endure.


Furthermore, the line "for the hearts that break," speaks to the emotional toll that injustice takes on individuals and the importance of reconciliation and healing. The use of the metaphor "forest of family trees" implies that this is not just an individual issue but one that affects whole communities and even future generations.


Overall, the lyrics of How Long are a call for action and compassion in the face of suffering and injustice.


Line by Line Meaning

how long, how long
The repetition of 'how long' expresses the overwhelming exasperation of the singer, who has been hearing voices questioning the duration of a certain event.


how long, how long, I heard them say, how long, how long, ’til break of day
The singer hears voices inquiring how much longer they have to wait until the morning comes. This wait seems to be agonizingly long.


hasten it, hasten it, for the innocent’s sake, hasten it, hasten it, for the hearts that break
The voices urge the event to come faster, for the sake of the innocent and the brokenhearted. This event could potentially bring some relief or resolution to a difficult situation.


I heard voices echoing, all through the forest of family trees
The artist is hearing voices reverberating throughout their family lineage, suggesting that this event has been affecting their family for generations.


how long, how long, I heard them say, how long, how long, ’til break of day
Once again, the artist hears voices questioning the duration of waiting until the morning arrives. This wait seems to be causing great anxiety and uncertainty for those involved.




Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bill Fay

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@walterrolfkopp1946

Here are the lyrics, enjoy!

Chorus
How long, how long, till I reach the end of this valley?
How long, how long, till I sing a triumphant song?
Although my tears may endure for a night,
Joy will come in the morning,
So let the winds blow, the storms come and go, I'll make it no matter how long.

1.
One day Satan came to God and he asked to test brother Job,
He said to God, "Just take down your hedge and I will steal his soul."
So God said yes, but Job confessed, "I'll trust the Lord all the way."
And in the Bible we're told that he came forth as gold and won the victory that day.

Chorus

2.
Sometimes it seems our strength is gone, and hope has vanished away;
Our plans and dreams get lost, it seems; looks like trouble could be here to stay;
Oh, but look who’s standing so near, my friend, He's here to help you find the way;
It's God's only son, and Jesus has come to bring you the victory today

Chorus



All comments from YouTube:

@pdworley

I am glad I can call Brother Johnny Minick my friend. God is using him in a mighty way to play the piano, sing, and preach the gospel!

@loverboy3439

Aman.
Hallelujah. I give Thank's & You get all the Glory. Thank You Ol Lord. Praise Jesus. Amen. Thank You Ol Lord. Praise Jesus. Amen. Praise Jesus. Amen.

@annfox7949

Pastor Johnny Minick is a spirit filled preacher and singer.

@nathanaellee8356

Nothing beats a song sung by its author

@veroniquenyokabi1998

Hallelujah! ! ! ! ! ! I WILL MAKE IT NO MATTER HOW LOOOOOOOONG!!!!!! What a Testimony. ..a Song full of Faith and Hope.

@deloyduff1869

Johnny Minick, has always sang and presented the Gospel message, Thank God for his faithfulness to this ministry.   I love to hear him speak and sing. There is a great annointing to his ministry.  David Duff

@veroniquenyokabi1998

This song used to play in a gospel Radio Station(Hope FM ) in my Homeland Kenya ...I lived and still live for this song. .Amen and Amen

@debbieepperly3821

Thank God, He'll help us on the journey Home! Joy cometh in the morning!

@charlesguthrie7451

Well, they did show Calvin some. But, the best was at the end where he had that sweet smile on his face ♥️.

@mufcdanny5378

What a song❤️ Praise God 🙏🏾❤️

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