Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
How Long
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a feeling that I get
And it's way down deep inside, girl
I've been trying to hold on, but you say that you're not sure
I just hope you realize what my heart is going through
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
Waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to come
I know all about the hurt and the problems in the past
I know why your scared of love,
'Cause you think it just wont last long
Well, I'm here to tell you what I'm saying is all true
There ain't nobody else in life
That can take the place of you
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
How long, must this feeling go on
waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to run
Why can't we just run away, and oh run
A place were we can be alone and nobody finds us, run
Can we both just run away, and oh run
Girl I can't wait to have you
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
How long, must this feeling go on
Waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to come, to come
The song "How Long" by Lionel Richie is about the struggle of waiting for someone you love to reciprocate the same feelings. The singer has been seeing this girl and every time he looks into her eyes he feels something deep inside him. However, she's not sure about their relationship and he's been trying to hold on. The singer is feeling the pain and questions how long he needs to wait for her to feel the same way about him. He knows that she's afraid of love because of past hurt, but he wants to assure her that he's truthful and no one can replace her in his heart. He hopes that they can both run away and be alone together.
The lyrics express vulnerability and the fear of rejection. The singer's emotions are profound within the lyrics as the song is about dealing with the pain that comes when someone is unsure of where a relationship stands. There is a sense of desperation in the lyrics when the singer repeatedly asks "how long" he must wait. His love for this girl is so strong that he can't imagine anyone else coming close to what he feels for her.
Overall, "How Long" is a timeless classic that addresses the universal issues of love, commitment, and vulnerability. It captures the essence of true love that overcomes fears and uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time I see you and I look into your eyes
Whenever I catch a glimpse of your eyes, I feel a strong emotion
There's a feeling that I get
I experience a certain sensation when I see you
And it's way down deep inside, girl
This emotion is buried deep within me
I've been trying to hold on, but you say that you're not sure
I'm struggling to contain my emotions while you are unsure
I just hope you realize what my heart is going through
I wish for you to understand the intense feelings stirring within me
How long, must this feeling go on
How much longer can I endure this sentiment?
How long, must I stand the pain and
How much longer must I withstand this ache?
Waiting for the night
Longing for the time of day when everything comes to a halt
Waiting for the right time to come
Hoping for the opportune moment to arrive
I know all about the hurt and the problems in the past
I am aware of the difficulties and pains you've endured in past relationships
I know why your scared of love,
I understand why you are hesitant to commit to love
'Cause you think it just wont last long
You believe that love will not endure
Well, I'm here to tell you what I'm saying is all true
Believe me when I say what is in my heart is genuine
There ain't nobody else in life
No one else in this world
That can take the place of you
Can replace the unique and valued spot in my life that you possess
Why can't we just run away, and oh run
What's stopping us from leaving everything behind and escaping together?
A place were we can be alone and nobody finds us, run
A location where we are isolated and concealed from others
Can we both just run away, and oh run
Shall we escape from everything, hand in hand?
Girl I can't wait to have you
I am impatient for the day when you can be mine
Waiting for the right time to come, to come
Still holding out for that perfect moment
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tamirbayasgalan4804
"How Long"
Every time I see you and I look into your eyes
There's a feeling that I get
And it's way down deep inside, girl
I've been trying to hold on, but you say that you're not sure
I just hope you realize what my heart is going through
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
How long, must this feeling go on
Waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to come
I know all about the hurt and the problems in the past
I know why you're scared of love,
'Cause you think it just won't last long
Well, I'm here to tell you what I'm saying is all true
There ain't nobody else in life
That can take the place of you
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
How long, must this feeling go on
Waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to run
Why can't we just run away, and oh run
A place where we can be alone and nobody finds us, run
Can we both just run away, and oh run
Girl, I can't wait to have you
How long, must this feeling go on
How long, must I stand the pain and
How long, must this feeling go on
Waiting for the night
Waiting for the right time to come, to come.
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@brianking1970
This song reminds me so much of my wife. We have 14 year old twins and can hardly get away for some adult time. It's crazy how you can be married to someone for almost 20 years and miss them like crazy at the same time! My children are AMAZING but they wouldn't be here without my wife.... I love them all
@larissaschmitt4536
It's the most beautiful song I've ever heard in my life
@afolabyarogundade2440
Ppp
@williamsclot8443
Hi there
@filipevaliente4852
You're so pretty! 🌹
@frozenhorse8695
You'er absolutely right. I know i'm suppose to be a "man" but i can't help it, shedding tears whenever i listening to this masterpease.
@augustinrakotomalala1549
I agree with you. Only the best song.
@sylviarichardson6854
I absolutely adore Lionel Richie and love, love, love this song. I play it 15 to 20 times back to back, and still want to hear it again. This moves me so deeply and reminds me of someone who is still very special to me.
@chrispruneau7790
I love my M. How long? I cry so hard. I want her. Love this song m