Long recorded the 10-song collection Dirty Pond Songs in his London bedroom, traffic noises and all. “Left to Lie” from Dirty Pond Songs, became an iTunes favorite, topping the site’s “Unsigned” chart and reaching #8 on its Folk Music chart. “The Bounty of Mary Jane” from Dirty Pond Songs and a live version of his “Being a Mockingbird”, recorded at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City, were also released via iTunes. “The Dangerous Summer” tour continued until the end of 2009, logging some 80 performances in all.
Long embarked upon the “Left to Lie” tour of Europe in early 2010 and began to record his first studio CD with producer Grammy winner Liam Watson at Toe Rag Studios in London. He also released a collection of live performances from the Dangerous Summer 2009 tour. "My Darling Belle" from that collection went to #2 on iTunes' Singer-Songwriter chart.
On April 23, 2010, Long officially signed on to the roster at ATO Records, the label co-founded by musician Dave Matthews, which is home to such artists as Radiohead, David Gray, Ben Kweller, Liz Phair, and more. They released his debut album, "A Winter Tale", on February 1, 2011. During 2010, he toured with Matt Pond PA during which time he met the Kalob Griffin Band, also known as KGB, who would become his backing band for subsequent U.S. dates that year, including the Mile High Festival in Denver, the xPoNential Music Festival in Philadelphia and the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He did a solo tour of Europe in the fall, followed by North American dates in support of Michael Franti. He ended the year with a fund-raising event at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in Manhattan where he debuted his new touring band.
Long spent most of 2011 promoting the album "A Winter Tale," which began with a tour in North America. He also made an appearance on The Tonight Show on February 3, 2011 and on The Early Show on August 8, 2011. During the summer, as part of the legendary Bonnaroo Music Festival, he played on the Cafe Stage. The Dave Matthews Band Caravan included him in the line-up in Atlantic City, NJ and in Chicago, IL. He played on the BMI stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival in September. Long made "another live" recorded EP called "The Backing Singer" in July 2011, with the producer, Jesse Lauter. In October 2011, he kicked off "The Losing My Brotherhood Tour" with shows in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Long started 2012 by recording his sophomore album, produced by Ted Hutt, and appeared on the Cayamo Cruise in February. On February 23, he announced online that he would be doing a weekly "song of the week," (for an undisclosed period of time), that he records at home. He spent most of April supporting the acoustic guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela, on tour, but ended the month opening a show for Iron & Wine. In between supporting Steve Winwood on tour in May, Long released his first book of poetry, "Losing My Brotherhood." He stated that a "discipline aspect allowed me to separate the poems from my music.” July consisted of Long opening shows for The Mother Hips in California as well as a performance and poetry reading at Barnes & Noble in L.A. for his book. He followed with shows in the western U.S. and then returned to opening for Steve Winwood on tour in the fall. After Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States in October of 2012, Long donated his 1965 Epiphone Cabellero guitar to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund. For the victims, he later participated in the benefit "A Love Letter to New York" that also included Joan Osborne, Matisyahu, and others.
Who Have You Been Loving
Bobby Long Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sun will fall across the plain,
I will hold out my hands and take the blame
And when the the weather falls too cold,
The frost ravages the lanes,
I will bow down my head in shame
"But who have you, who have you been loving?"
If someone isn't hurt then it's gonna be me
But the tears they taint your heart
You're so happy that you're free
If you're no better now than you've ever been,
You owe me an apology
Before the dusk falls to dark
I'll have you banished from my mind
I just need a moment's rest to make it mine
Before the moment turns to cold
With our last drawn line
Beyond the rusted sin of gloat you had your time
I said you owe me an apology
You owe me an apology
The lyrics in Bobby Long's song "Who Have You Been Loving" express the emotions of regret, hurt, and betrayal. The singer is feeling the weight of the blame for the pain in their relationship, although it is unclear whether they are the ones responsible. The opening lines suggest that the world is unforgiving, and the singer is resigned to taking responsibility for their actions. They will hold out their hands and take the blame, as the sun falls across the plain.
The refrain of the song, "But who have you, who have you been loving?" suggests that someone has been unfaithful or disloyal to the singer. The repetition of the phrase underscores the singer's confusion and pain. The verse following the refrain suggests that the person who has been hurt is the singer themselves - "And if someone isn't hurt, then it's gonna be me". They are willing to take on the burden of the pain, because they care deeply for the other person.
The final verse suggests that the singer needs some time alone to banish the other person from their mind, and that they are hurt and angry. They demand an apology, suggesting that the other person has done something wrong. However, the singer also seems to acknowledge that they may be asking too much - "And if you're no better now than you've ever been, you owe me an apology". Overall, the lyrics express the complexity of human relationships and the pain that can come with love.
Line by Line Meaning
When the world holds out its flag
When the world presents its challenges and obstacles
The sun will fall across the plain
The difficulties will be illuminated and made clear
I will hold out my hands and take the blame
I will take on the responsibility for the struggles
And when the weather falls too cold
And when conditions become unbearable
The frost ravages the lanes
The harshness of the situation causes damage
I will bow down my head in shame
I will feel ashamed and defeated
"But who have you, who have you been loving?"
Asking who the person has been giving their affection to
And if someone isn't hurt, then it's gonna be me
If no one else is suffering, I will bear the pain
For the tears they taint your heart
Crying and sorrow can damage one's spirit
You're so happy that you're free
You may feel happy to be out of a situation, but it still hurts
And if you're no better now than you've ever been,
If you haven't improved or changed
You owe me an apology
You need to express remorse and make amends for your actions
Before the dusk falls to dark
Before it's too late and everything is lost
I'll have you banished from my mind
I will try to forget about you and move on
I just need a moment's rest to make it mine
I need time to heal and recover
Before the moment turns to cold
Before the opportunities disappear
With our last drawn line
With the final chance we have
Beyond the rusted sin of gloat
Beyond the decayed pride and arrogance
You had your time
You had your chance, but it's over now
"But who have you, who have you been loving?"
Asking again who the person has been giving their affection to
I said you owe me an apology
Reiterating the need for an apology
You owe me an apology
Stating once again that an apology is necessary
I said you owe me an apology
Repeating that an apology is owed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBERT THOMAS LONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind