At the age of 13, Klugh was captivated by the guitar playing of Chet Atkins when he made an appearance on the Perry Como Show. He has since been a guest on several Atkins albums. Atkins, reciprocating as well, joined Earl on his Magic In Your Eyes album. Klugh was also influenced by Bob James, Ray Parker Jr, Wes Montgomery and Laurindo Almeida. His sound is a blend of these jazz, pop and rhythm' and blues influences, forming a potpourri of sweet contemporary music original to only him.
Klugh became a guitar instructor at the young age of 15, and was eventually discovered by Yusef Lateef. His career rapidly progressed to working with the likes of George Benson, George Shearing, Chick Corea, and many others. Like several other Detroit-bred entertainers, Klugh attended Mumford High School (Michigan).
For their album One on One, Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981. He has since received 13 Grammy nods, millions of record and CD sales, and continues touring worldwide to this day.
Long Ago And Far Away
Earl Klugh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But things are not the same it seems as in such tender dreams
Slowly passing sailing ships and Sunday afternoon
Like people on the moon I see are things not meant to be
Where do those golden rainbows end?
Why is this song so sad?
Dreaming the dreams I've dreamed my friend
To love is just a word I've heard when things are being said
Stories my poor head has told me cannot stand the cold
And in between what might have been and what has come to pass
A misbegotten guess alas and bits of broken glass
Where do your golden rainbows end?
Why is this song I sing so sad?
Dreaming the dreams I dream my friend
Loving the love I love to love to love to love
Oh no, no, no, no
The lyrics of Earl Klugh's song Long Ago And Far Away tell the story of a young man who is reflecting on his life and the dreams he once had. He is sitting and playing a waiting game, but things are not the same as they once seemed - his dreams are fragile and distant, like sailing ships on the horizon. He is questioning where those golden rainbows end and why his song and dreams are so sad.
The lyrics explore the themes of lost love, broken dreams, and the disappointment that comes with life's uncertainties. The young man reflects that to love is just a word he has heard, and the stories his poor head has told him cannot withstand the cold realities of life. He laments the misbegotten guesses and broken pieces of his dreams that litter his path, and wonders where his once hopeful rainbows have gone.
Overall, the lyrics of Long Ago And Far Away are a poignant exploration of the human condition, and the disappointments and uncertainties that come with life. They capture the longing and sadness that can sometimes accompany the passage of time, and the difficult choices we all must make along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago a young man sits and plays his waiting game
In the past, a man waited patiently while playing a game, hoping for something to happen.
But things are not the same it seems as in such tender dreams
Reality is different from what was imagined in the past.
Slowly passing sailing ships and Sunday afternoon
Watching ships and lazy afternoons pass by slowly.
Like people on the moon I see are things not meant to be
Some things are not meant to happen, like seeing people on the moon.
Where do those golden rainbows end?
Questioning where the beauty in life ends.
Why is this song so sad?
Asking why the song brings a feeling of sadness.
Dreaming the dreams I've dreamed my friend
Continuing to dream the same dreams as in the past.
Loving the love I love
Finding comfort in the love that is known.
To love is just a word I've heard when things are being said
Love is just a word that is used often but may have lost its true meaning.
Stories my poor head has told me cannot stand the cold
The stories that were imagined in the past may not be strong enough to stand the test of time.
And in between what might have been and what has come to pass
Reflecting on what could have been versus what has actually happened.
A misbegotten guess alas and bits of broken glass
Regretting past decisions that may have led to a broken present.
Oh no, no, no, no
Expressing disappointment or disbelief.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Mokoena
on Across the Sand
When I first heard this in 1994 I was in school on the radio by non other than ausi Makgotso (aka Mamontha Modise) will make sure that as the program starts I've tuned in and waiting for her to introduce herself, still my favorite.