A Long Time Ago
First Aid Kit Lyrics


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I fell in love with you
Long before I knew
What it meant to give everything up

I was a rolling stone
Rolling my way alone
Till you came and made sense out of everything
But you couldn't wait
I couldn't promise you anything
If it was all a mistake
Then I guess we're both to blame

I could have been
So many things
But it would never be enough for you

I was the one
You counted on
But I was never the one for you
Now I know, I lost you a long time ago

City of strangers
Out of danger
In your arms, I was half awake, half asleep

Grab ahold to what I got
Regretting all that I'm not
I couldn't be the one who'd stand by your side
If it was all a mistake
Then I guess we're both to blame

I could have been
So many things
But it would never be enough for you

I was the one
You counted on
But I was never the one for you
Now I know, I lost you a long time ago

I hold no grudges
I come bearing forgiveness
Only love, only love
Even if it's not enough
Only love, only love
Even if it's not enough
Now I know, I lost you a long time ago

I could have been
So many things
But it would never be enough for you

I was the one
You counted on




But I was never the one for you
Now I know, I lost you a long time ago

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of First Aid Kit's song "A Long Time Ago" suggest a story of an unfulfilled relationship. The singer describes falling in love without initially understanding the level of commitment required. She was used to being a "rolling stone," moving through life with a sense of freedom and independence until she met someone who made her feel complete. However, despite her feelings, she was unable to promise anything to her partner. This lack of commitment led to their eventual separation, with the singer realizing that she lost the person she loved a long time ago.


The lyrics refer to the singer's inadequacies and how she felt that she would never be enough for her partner. She could have been so many things, but it would never have been enough. Despite this painful realization, the singer holds no grudges and offers forgiveness. She acknowledges that only love remains, even if it's not enough to bring the relationship back to life. The song's title "A Long Time Ago" implies that the singer has had time to reflect on the past and grieve the loss of her loved one.


The song's haunting melody reinforces the theme of loss and regret. The lyrics' use of simple, straightforward language allows for an emotional connection with the listener. The singer's vulnerability is evident in her admission that she couldn't be what her partner wanted her to be, and this lack of compatibility was the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

I fell in love with you
I started feeling an immense love for you


Long before I knew
But I couldn't comprehend that feeling earlier


What it meant to give everything up
I was unaware of the sacrifices that love might require


I was a rolling stone
I was wandering aimlessly


Rolling my way alone
Leading a solitary life


Till you came and made sense out of everything
You gave me direction and purpose in life


But you couldn't wait
But you didn't have the patience


If it was all a mistake
If this relationship only leads to a mistake


Then I guess we're both to blame
Both of us share the responsibility for it


I could have been
I had the potential to become


So many things
Anything I wanted to be


But it would never be enough for you
But it was insufficient for your expectations


I was the one
You trusted me most


You counted on
You relied on me


But I was never the one for you
But I wasn't the perfect match for you


Now I know, I lost you a long time ago
I realize that I lost you a long time back


City of strangers
I was in a city of strangers


Out of danger
I felt safe in your company


In your arms, I was half awake
I felt both conscious and unconscious in your embrace


half asleep
At peace and a bit asleep


Grab ahold to what I got
Holding on to what I had


Regretting all that I'm not
I was ashamed of what I couldn't provide


I couldn't be the one who'd stand by your side
I couldn't commit to being by your side


I hold no grudges
I am not holding any resentment


I come bearing forgiveness
I am willing to forgive


Only love, only love
I have love in my heart


Even if it's not enough
Even if it is not sufficient




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHANNA KAJSA SOEDERBERG, KLARA MARIA SOEDERBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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