The Longest Time
Michael Cavanaugh Lyrics
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For the longest
If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do
I'm so inspired by you
That hasn't happened for the longest time
I had second thoughts at the start,
Now I know the woman that you are,
You're wonderful so far, and it's more than I hoped for
Who knows how much further we'll go on
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time
The song "The Longest Time" by Michael Cavanaugh is an ode to a love that's real and enduring. The opening lines of the song "For the longest time, if you said goodbye to me tonight, there would still be music left to write" signify the depth of the love that he feels for his significant other. He goes on to explain that the love he shares with her is so profound that it inspires him to create music even after they are gone. He acknowledges that this has not been the case for a while and he's grateful that he's found someone who ignites that creativity within him once again.
The next few lines of the song reveal his initial reservations about falling in love. He was cautious and guarded because of past heartbreaks, but he realizes that he would have missed out on a lot by not taking that risk with his current lover. He's smitten with her and the song speaks to how much he's looking forward to experiencing more with her. The phrase "I forgot how nice romance is, I haven't been there for the longest time" shows how he's re-learned to value romance with her.
Overall, "The Longest Time" is a tribute to a relationship that has surpassed expectations and re-kindled a passion that was once lost. It's a song that celebrates love that is real and long-lasting.
Line by Line Meaning
For the longest time
I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time.
For the longest
I have waited and waited, and it seems like forever.
If you said goodbye to me tonight
Even if you left me, my creativity and passion for music would not die.
There would still be music left to write
I can always find inspiration and keep on writing music.
What else could I do
I am completely devoted to you; I am lost without you.
I'm so inspired by you
You fuel my creativity, and because of you, I can create beautiful music.
That hasn't happened for the longest time
I have not felt such a deep sense of creativity in a long time.
I had second thoughts at the start,
In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I should continue on this path with you.
Said to myself 'Hold on to your heart'
I needed to guard my heart and be careful about our relationship.
Now I know the woman that you are,
But now, having spent time with you, I understand what an incredible person you are.
You're wonderful so far, and it's more than I hoped for
You exceed all my expectations, and I am so grateful for you.
Who knows how much further we'll go on
We don't know what the future holds, but I am excited to see where this relationship goes.
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
If our time together ends, I might have regrets.
I'll take my chances
But I am willing to take the risk of being hurt for a chance at love.
I forgot how nice romance is
Being with you reminds me of the beauty of romance.
I haven't been there for the longest time
For a long time, I haven't experienced such a meaningful connection.
Writer(s): Billy Joel
Contributed by Aaliyah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.