As Long as I Live
Johnny Cash feat. Emmylou Harris Jessi Colter Roy Acuff & Waylon Jennings Lyrics


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I've been a fool, I've been a fool
Forgivin' you each time that you've done me wrong
I've been a long time leavin'
But it'll be a long time gone

Loved you so much, I loved you so much
I stayed around when I should've moved along
I've been a long time leaving
But it'll be a long time gone

Hello high line, hello highway
Here come a big old semi my way
Stick up my thumb, hear the truck come
Trees goin' by, lookin' like a fly
On the big legs are my Levi's

I've been a fool, I've been a fool
Forgivin' you each time that you've done me wrong
I've been a long time leavin'
But it'll be a long time gone

Hello high line, hello highway
Here come a big old semi my way
I stick up my thumb, hear the truck come
Trees goin' by, lookin' like a fly
On the big legs are my Levi's

I've been a fool, I've been a fool
Forgivin' you each time that you've done me wrong




I've been a long time leavin'
But it'll be a long time gone

Overall Meaning

"As Long As I Live" by Johnny Cash feat. Emmylou Harris, Jessi Colter, Roy Acuff, and Waylon Jennings is a song about a man who has been forgiving his partner for their wrongdoings for far too long. The singer acknowledges that he has been a fool for sticking around and forgiving his partner's transgressions repeatedly. Despite the love that he has had for his partner, he recognizes that it is time to move on and leave his partner behind. He is leaving with no regret, knowing that it will be a long time before he takes such a step again.


The chorus of the song repeats phrases that represent his willingness to leave - "Hello high line, hello highway, here comes a big old semi my way. I stick up my thumb, hear the truck come, trees going by, looking like a fly on the big legs of my Levi's." This illustrates the man's determination to leave behind his relationship and start anew.


The song resonates with the listeners, as it explores the theme of heartbreak and the pain that comes from holding on to a relationship that is no longer healthy. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they capture the emotions of a person who has finally realized that it is time to let go of the past and look to the future.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been a fool, I've been a fool
I have made mistakes, I have made mistakes


Forgivin' you each time that you've done me wrong
I have chosen to forgive you even when you hurt me


I've been a long time leavin'
It has taken me a while to leave this situation behind


But it'll be a long time gone
But I'll be away from here for a while


Loved you so much, I loved you so much
I cared deeply for you, I cared deeply for you


I stayed around when I should've moved along
I stayed in this situation longer than I should have


Hello high line, hello highway
I'm on a road trip, greeting the open road


Here come a big old semi my way
A large truck is approaching


Stick up my thumb, hear the truck come
I am hitchhiking and waiting for the truck to stop


Trees goin' by, lookin' like a fly
The trees are passing by quickly, making the landscape look like a blur


On the big legs are my Levi's
I am wearing a pair of Levi's jeans on my long, walking legs




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Roger Miller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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