Makes A Long Time Man Feel Bad
Harry Belafonte Lyrics

The lyrics of Harry Belafonte's "Makes A Long Time Man Feel Bad" speak to the struggles of a prisoner who is isolated from the world and loved ones. The song opens by describing how not receiving any letters from home can weigh heavily on the mind of a prisoner. This isolation is further highlighted by the line "he can't hear from home." This sense of disconnect and loneliness is a recurring theme throughout the song, and is emphasized by the repetition of the line "It makes a long time man feel bad."

The prisoner's desperation and longing is evident in the second verse, where his baby sister pleads for him to return home. This plea only serves to intensify his pain and sadness, and his tears represent a deep sense of loss and longing. The lyrics of the third verse, "Surely my mother must be gone," further illustrate the sense of separation and abandonment that the prisoner feels. The repetition of "surely" only adds to the hopelessness of his situation.

The final verse of the song highlights the dire conditions and lack of resources available to prisoners. It laments the absence of adequate medical care in the prison system and how it can intensify the already overwhelming despair of a prisoner. The repeated line "That makes a long time man feel bad" serves as a refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the prisoner's feelings and the ongoing struggle of his isolation.

Overall, the lyrics of Harry Belafonte's "Makes A Long Time Man Feel Bad" beautifully capture the mental and emotional anguish that comes with being a prisoner. It highlights the sense of detachment that can result from a lack of human connection and basic necessities, underscoring the often-overlooked human cost of incarceration.