After working in post-production in Hollywood for a year, York moved to Nashville in 1999 to pursue a career as a recording engineer. She landed a job working on Music Row, but soon decided she liked writing songs better than recording them. Then a year of writing and co-writing for other local artists convinced her that she should try her hand as a singer-songwriter rather than exclusively penning songs for others.
After seeing York perform at 12th & Porter in Nashville, Neilson Hubbard approached her and offered to produce some songs. Together they recorded six songs in the fall of 2003 and six more in the summer of 2004.
Known for their presence on Nashville's live music scene, the musicians who contributed to the project include John Deaderick, Brian Bequette, Kenny Hutson, Jason Wilkins, Jeff Patterson, Clay Steakley and Craig Krampf. Mindy Smith, Matthew Ryan, Mack Starks and Hubbard provided guest vocals.
York played at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in 2003 in Hubbard's band and returned in 2004 for the BMI acoustic roundup. She has opened for Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Mindy Smith, Trent Dabbs, Jonatha Brooke, Matthew Ryan and Garrison Starr.
York's song "Glasgow (No Place Like Home)" (co-written with Mary Steenburgen and Caitlyn Smith) featured in the 2018 film "Wild Rose" and made the Oscar short- list.
So Long
Kate York Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trouble always clears my head
These stairs we climb from time to time
Seem turnstiles instead
You've been talking backwards lately
I've been on the verge
Of taking back the love I gave
All the garland and all the stars
Have given up on you
It's only sad, it's only hard
Because it's true
So long
It's been so long, so long
Since I've held someone
Since I've held someone
Blue eyes have turned blind now, Baby
They can't even see your face
Your headlights once were on my walls
But now they're miles away
We took too soon to slamming doors
And the silence where we slept
Two flowers still and dry and dark
Tired of all the rest
All the garland and all the stars
Have given up on you
It's only sad, it's only hard
Because it's true
Because it's true
Because it's true
So long
It's been so long, so long
Since I've held someone
Since I've held someone
So long
It's been so long, so long
Since I've held someone
Since I've held someone
I could use a little use a little trouble, Baby
Trouble always clears my head
These stairs we climb from time to time
Seem turnstiles instead
So long
It's been so long, so long
Since I've held someone
Since I've held someone
So long
It's been so long, so long
Since I've held someone
Since I've held someone
The lyrics of Kate York's "So Long" tell the story of a relationship that has come to an end. The singer is reminiscing about how it used to be - how they used to climb stairs together that now feel like turnstiles - and how it has all gone wrong. She is looking for a little trouble, something to clear her head and break her out of the monotony of her life. She has reached the point where she is considering taking back the love she gave, realizing that it's time to move on.
One of the key images in the song is the garland and the stars. All of the beautiful things that used to be around them have given up on the singer's partner, and it's only sad and hard because it's true. This image emphasizes the sense of loss and the finality of the relationship. The singer is resigned to the fact that it's time to say goodbye and move on.
The second verse provides more detail about what has happened between the singer and her partner. His blue eyes have turned blind - he can't even see her face anymore. Their relationship has become distant, with his headlights now miles away. They have been fighting and slamming doors, but now there is only silence between them. The image of the two flowers still and dry and dark suggests that their love has withered away, exhausted from all the problems they have faced.
Overall, "So Long" is a melancholy song that captures the pain of a relationship that has run its course. Its vivid imagery and thoughtful lyrics make it a powerful ballad that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
I could use a little use a little trouble, Baby
Trouble is a necessary part of life that helps me focus and clears my thoughts.
Trouble always clears my head
Hardships are necessary to help me understand and overcome my problems.
These stairs we climb from time to time
Our relationship has its ups and downs.
Seem turnstiles instead
The obstacles we face together feel like they lead to the same place over and over.
You've been talking backwards lately
I'm having a hard time understanding your intentions and motivations.
I've been on the verge
I'm close to giving up on our relationship.
Of taking back the love I gave
I'm considering ending things with you.
For better or worse
Regardless of how this ends, I know it will be for the best.
All the garland and all the stars
All the beauty and wonder in the world can't save our failing relationship.
Have given up on you
You've lost your spark and now everything seems dull.
It's only sad, it's only hard
Breaking up is never easy, but it's necessary for healing and growth.
Because it's true
We both know our relationship is over.
Blue eyes have turned blind now, Baby
You've lost your vision and drive.
They can't even see your face
You're no longer present in our relationship.
Your headlights once were on my walls
You used to be a big part of my life, but now you're distant.
But now they're miles away
You've moved on and left me behind.
We took too soon to slamming doors
Our fights and arguments escalated quickly and destructively.
And the silence where we slept
Our relationship has become quiet and empty.
Two flowers still and dry and dark
Our love has withered away and died.
Tired of all the rest
We've both become exhausted from trying to salvage our relationship.
Since I've held someone
It's been a long time since I've been in a relationship.
So long
It's time to say goodbye.
It's been so long, so long
Our relationship has been over for a while now.
Since I've held someone
I miss the feeling of being in a loving relationship.
Since I've held someone
It's been a while since I've felt a deep connection with someone.
Contributed by Zoe B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.