Pedersen is … Read Full Bio ↴Herb Pedersen was born April 27, 1944, in Berkeley, CA.
Pedersen is accomplished on several instruments and vocal harmonies playing with people such as Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, John Denver, Linda Rhonstadt and Kris Kristofferson. He frequently partners with friend Chris Hillman (of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers fame) both recording and touring. Together they formed the Desert Rose Band followed by personally forming the Laurel Canyon Ramblers.
Pedersen had some success in (1970's and 1980's?) television scores for The Dukes of Hazard, The A-team, The Rockford Files and Kojak.
Three solo compilations to date are Southwest (1975), Sandman (1976) and Lonesome Feeling (1984).
Pedersen continues to be active in touring with Chris Hillman.
Wait a Minute
Herb Pedersen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did I hear you say you're going far away again
Try to change it
I can't take the lonely nights without your love
I'm doing the road
Get music done and move along
What good does it do
Rolling along
Life's been good to you and even so
She comes to you
Late at night's the time to hear her say once again
Waiting for you
Thirty days and nights without a raise
Got to hold on
Twenty-five to go and once again I'll hear you say
The song "Wait a Minute" by Herb Pedersen is about missing someone who is leaving, and the struggle of being lonely without that person’s love. The song opens with the singer asking if he heard correctly that the other person is going far away again, and he desperately tries to change their mind. However, he ultimately cannot take the lonely nights without that person’s love, and he is left doing the road in order to distract himself from his pain.
The lyrics suggest that sometimes even distractions aren't enough, and the singer is only able to find solace in the moments where the other person comes to him, late at night. In the end, the song expresses a sense of hope that even though they will be separated for thirty days and nights, there is still something to look forward to. The other person’s eventual return is what keeps the singer holding on.
Line by Line Meaning
Wait a minute
Hold on a second, I need your attention
Did I hear you say you're going far away again
I think I heard you say that you'll be leaving again
Try to change it
I'll try to convince you to stay
I can't take the lonely nights without your love
I can't handle being alone without you
I'm doing the road
I'm traveling down the road
Get music done and move along
Finish my music work and continue the journey
What good does it do
What is the benefit of doing this
Play a song for her and hear her say
Sing a song for her and hear her response
Rolling along
Moving forward on the journey
Life's been good to you and even so
You have had a good life, despite everything
She comes to you
She visits you
Late at night's the time to hear her say once again
She expresses her feelings for you again late at night
Waiting for you
I'm patiently waiting for your return
Thirty days and nights without a raise
I have gone through thirty days and nights without any progress
Got to hold on
I need to persevere
Twenty-five to go and once again I'll hear you say
I have twenty-five more days to go, and then I'll hear from you again
Contributed by Declan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Usilton
Wow! I had no idea anyone else knew about this record. A personal gem from way back when. Absolutely love his vocal tracks!
Donna G
I have an autographed copy of it!
George Gatusio
This is the first time I've heard the original. Thanks herb, great song.
Matt Thrun-Nowicki
Herb has one of the most distinctive voices in the business. Having heard, met, and argued for his cause, I can only say that the world is better for his presence. The most humble member of his generation.
Robert Schwartz
Herb's a national treasure. Was lucky enough to hear him perform this with John Jorgenson last week. Just perfect!
curly betty
so envious!
Wayne Barwick
One of the best albums ever, and one that melded bluegrass/country/rock the most effectively. Great song!!
Витя
I've been a lifelong admirer of Herb Pedersen but only once got to see him in concert--at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, with Chris Hillman. They clearly have a lifelong bond of playing music together. I was slightly behind their generation and by the time I got to Nashville, you had to be wearng a skirt to get a gig as a fiddler, so I had to move to a different career. But I still pay dues, an homage to what I first loved.
Keith Gorgas
In my opinion, Herb is one of the greatest American singers and musicians of all time. Amazing catalog. Excellent song writer, too. Based on an hour or so I spent with him and Chris Hillman backstage at a music festival some years ago, I 'd also say he's a very nice down to earth gentleman. I could listen to his music all day and all night
Shermaine Miller
Wait a minute ,it’s a beautiful song.i had never heard it before a few weeks ago..by John Duffey &Seldom Scene Band.