Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Long Long Journey
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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Traveling through life all alone
Sometimes I feel so weary
Traveling through life all alone
It's a long, long journey
And I can't make it on my own
Living right here in this town
There's seven million people
Living right here in this town
I don't need but one person
So, baby, why won't you, please, stay around?
When the sun turns blue
And the moon shines bright all day
When the sun turns blue
And the moon shines bright all day
That's the day, sweet mama
I'll let you run away
When the rivers stop flowing
And the trees lay down and die
I said, when the rivers stop flowing
And the trees lay down and die
When the stars stop shining
Then I'll say my love's goodbye
Now if I've been misbehaving
I promise you I'll stop
But if you quit me, mama
I swear I'll blow my top
It's a long, long journey
But I'll make it before I'm blue
This world can't throw me
Mama, if I still have you
The lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's song "Long Long Journey" convey feelings of weariness and loneliness in life, while also expressing the need for companionship and love. The repeated line "Sometimes I feel so weary, traveling through life all alone" emphasizes the emotional exhaustion and longing for connection that the singer experiences. The use of the word "weary" suggests a deeper emotional burden, possibly from the struggles and challenges faced in life.
The chorus, "It's a long, long journey, and I can't make it on my own," reflects the understanding that life is a complex and difficult journey, and the singer acknowledges the need for support and companionship to navigate through it successfully. The lyrics express a desire for one person to stay around, illustrating the importance of a loving relationship as a source of strength and comfort.
The middle section of the song highlights the contrast between the vast number of people living in the town (seven million people) and the singer's need for only one person to make them feel complete. This emphasizes the belief that true happiness and fulfillment can be found in a meaningful and deep connection, rather than in the abundance of social interactions.
The lyrics also introduce a series of apocalyptic scenarios, such as the sun turning blue, the moon shining bright all day, rivers stopping flowing, trees dying, and stars ceasing to shine. These hyperbolic images serve as metaphors for the unimaginable and impossible circumstances under which the singer would let their loved one go. It emphasizes the intensity of the affection and reliance they feel for this person, suggesting that as long as love remains, they can face any challenge or hardship.
Overall, "Long Long Journey" is a poignant and heartfelt song that explores themes of weariness, longing, and the need for love and connection in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel so weary
Occasionally, I experience deep fatigue
Traveling through life all alone
Navigating through existence without companionship
It's a long, long journey
Life is an extended and challenging voyage
And I can't make it on my own
I require support and assistance to endure
There's seven million people
Within this town, there are numerous individuals
Living right here in this town
Residing in close proximity to each other in this place
I don't need but one person
Only a single individual is necessary
So, baby, why won't you, please, stay around?
Therefore, my darling, why do you choose to depart?
When the sun turns blue
In the rare event when the sun changes its color to blue
And the moon shines bright all day
While the moon illuminates the daytime sky with brilliance
That's the day, sweet mama
On that particular day, my dear mother
I'll let you run away
I will permit you to escape from my presence
When the rivers stop flowing
Once the rivers cease their motion
And the trees lay down and die
When the trees topple over and succumb to death
When the stars stop shining
If the stars cease to emit their radiant light
Then I'll say my love's goodbye
At that moment, I will bid farewell to my affection
Now if I've been misbehaving
In case I have exhibited improper conduct
I promise you I'll stop
I assure you that I will discontinue such behavior
But if you quit me, mama
However, if you abandon me, mother
I swear I'll blow my top
I solemnly declare that I will lose control of my emotions
But I'll make it before I'm blue
Nonetheless, I will succeed before becoming desolate
This world can't throw me
The challenges of this world cannot defeat me
Mama, if I still have you
Mother, as long as I possess your presence
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEONARD G. FEATHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind