The “retro” tag is added to almost any contemporary work that sounds like it was originally recorded between 1966 and 1974, and Hawthorne, among the newest contributors to the genre, is aware of how trends come and go. After being introduced to Stones Throw Records label head Peanut Butter Wolf by mutual friend Noelle Scaggs of the Rebirth, even his current boss was skeptical. “He showed me two songs and I didn’t understand what I was listening to,” Wolf recalls. “I asked him if they were old songs that he did re-edits of – I couldn’t believe they were new songs and that he played all the instruments.”
And after meeting in person, it was even harder for Wolf to believe that Hawthorne was also the lead vocalist. Few expect such heartfelt sentiment to come from a 29-year-old white kid from Ann Arbor, but he has caught the ear of his family at Stones Throw, as well as BBC Radio 1 host Gilles Peterson and producer/DJ Mark Ronson. Expectations are high for the admitted vinyl junkie who never planned on taking his crooning public. Hawthorne’s hanging-by-a-string falsetto and breakbeat production on his first recorded effort, the tender “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out,” are simultaneously Smokey and J Dilla – equal parts “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Fall in Love.” “It’s soul,” he explains, “But it’s new.”
Hawthorne has produced and played instruments for much of his life, but never intended to become a singer. He isn’t formally trained, and never sang in a choir or in any of the bands he was in before founding the County (formerly the County Commissioners). But here he is, new school soul sensation, who has taken the Motown assembly-line production model and eliminated nearly every element but himself and a few hired hands. “I think Mayer is the only artist in the history of the label that I’ve signed after hearing only two songs,” says Peanut Butter Wolf. “Sometimes, you just know it’s the right thing to do.”
And for those willing to believe anything is possible, be grateful to have Mayer Hawthorne on the scene. It’s not just throwback music anymore – this revival is all about progression.
A Long Time
Mayer Hawthorne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never liked to play it safe
One component at a time
There's got to be a better way
Oh people came from miles around
Searching for a steady job
Welcome to the Motor Town
Boomin' like an atom bomb
Oh, Henry was the end of the story,
Then everything went wrong
And we'll return it to its former glory
But it just takes so long
It's gonna take a long time
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
It's gonna take a long time
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
Oh, Barry had a record store
Started up a studio
Oh, West Grand Boulevard
Turned it into solid gold
Oh, people all around the world
Tunin' into radios
Welcome to the Motor Town
Buckle up 'cause here we go
Oh, Barry was the end of the story,
Then everything went wrong
And we'll return it to its former glory
But it just takes so long
It's gonna take a long time
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
It's gonna take a long time
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
Wherever we're going
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
Whatever we're doing
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
However you want it
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
Mayer Hawthorne's song "A Long Time" is a tribute to the iconic Motown industry, which revolutionized the music industry in the 1960s. The song tells the story of two key figures, Henry and Barry, who were instrumental in shaping the music scene in Detroit. Henry is described as a "renegade" who dared to innovate and experiment with music. He refused to play it safe and believed that there was always a better way to do things. People came from miles around for the steady jobs that Henry created in Motor Town. Despite his contributions, everything ultimately went wrong for Henry, and the city had to rebuild itself from scratch.
Barry, on the other hand, started a record store that eventually became a studio, and he turned West Grand Boulevard into solid gold. Music lovers from all over the world tuned into their radios to listen to the new sounds emerging from Motor Town. The song celebrates Barry's accomplishments, but also acknowledges the challenges that the city faced in surviving through difficult times. The lyrics suggest that the journey to recovery will be long and arduous but remain hopeful that the city will eventually return to its former glory.
Overall, "A Long Time" is an anthem that celebrates the resilience of Motor Town and its music. The song highlights the innovative spirit of Motown and pays tribute to the iconic figures that shaped its history.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Henry was a renegade
Henry was a person who did not conform to societal norms or regulations.
Never liked to play it safe
He was inclined towards taking risks and doing things differently than how they were commonly done.
One component at a time
He believed in breaking down tasks into smaller parts and executing them one by one.
There's got to be a better way
He was always searching for a new and improved way of doing things.
Oh people came from miles around
People traveled long distances to come to a certain place.
Searching for a steady job
They were in search of a job or employment that provided financial stability.
Welcome to the Motor Town
This line welcomes people to the location, which is known for its automobile-related industries.
Boomin' like an atom bomb
The place was bustling with activity, energy, and growth, akin to the dramatic explosion of an atom bomb.
Oh, Henry was the end of the story,
Henry's story came to an end, and things changed for the worse.
Then everything went wrong
After Henry's departure, problems and difficulties arose.
And we'll return it to its former glory
We hope to restore it to its former position of prosperity and vitality.
But it just takes so long
However, this process of restoration takes a long time.
It's gonna take a long time
The whole process of recovery and revival will be time-consuming.
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
Despite the long time required, we will eventually reach our goal through persistent efforts and perseverance.
Oh, Barry had a record store
Barry owned a shop that sold music records to customers.
Started up a studio
He initiated the establishment of a music production studio.
Oh, West Grand Boulevard
This line refers to a street in Detroit, Michigan that was known for its rich music culture and history.
Turned it into solid gold
Barry's venture turned into a highly successful and popular enterprise.
Oh, people all around the world
People from various countries and regions were interested in or listening to the music produced in this location.
Tunin' into radios
They were listening to music being streamed through the radio channels.
Buckle up 'cause here we go
This line encourages people to be prepared for the forthcoming adventure or experience.
Wherever we're going
Regardless of the destination or goal we have in mind.
Whatever we're doing
Irrespective of the activity or task at hand.
However you want it
Regardless of one's preference or desire.
It's gonna take it but we'll make it one day
The journey may be full of challenges and obstacles, but we will eventually succeed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW M COHEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardshultis9626
Mayer Hawthorne is so under rated.
@Pulsar3061
This is what is missing in our lives, a club which people just go for dancing and real music.
@ximono
I've wanted a club like that for my whole adult life.
@niiico2351
You're so right! People need a place to blow of steam so they don't do stupid shit
@sundok1
Exactly my sentiments, homes
@ucfkid67
All these folks are senior citizens now. Let that sink in
@jeffpunz5337
I discovered mayer Hawthorne in 2011 and have had him and or Tuxedo in the rotation since! Always! An original in our era, preserving such an authentic soul/funky energy in music today. Not a lot of new artists we’re doing this when he came onto the scene. Forever a fan! 🙏🏽🙌🏽👌🏽
@sarahwilder3422
I totally forgot about the commercial at the end until I found myself singing along. Unlocked some childhood memories there. Love this video!
@mrartboy1
WOW, LOVE THIS!!...64 and still discovering great singers!..life's great aint it??
@Lucas94clay
I truthfully hope I'm still open and not too jaded by the time I'm your age to continually seek out new music, and I have 40 years 'till then. Big ups.