I've Been Waiting for You
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Lyrics


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I've been looking for a woman to save my life
Not to beg or to borrow
A woman with the feeling of losing once or twice
Who knows how could it be tomorrow?

I've been waiting for you
And you've been coming to me
For such a long time now
Such a long time now.

I've been waiting for you
And you've been coming to me




For such a long time now
Such a long time now.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I've Been Waiting for You" convey a sense of longing for someone to save the singer's life, not in a materialistic sense but in a deeper emotional sense. The singer is looking for a woman who understands what it feels like to lose something important in life and who has the ability to empathize and understand the singer's own struggles. The lyrics suggest that this woman has been elusive, but the singer has held out hope for her arrival for a long time.


The repetition of the lines "I've been waiting for you" and "you've been coming to me" emphasizes the sense of anticipation and the idea that the singer and this woman are meant to be together. The lyrics suggest a kind of cosmic connection, perhaps even fate or destiny, that has brought these two people together after a long, circuitous journey.


Overall, the lyrics of "I've Been Waiting for You" speak to the universal human desire for connection, understanding, and meaning in life. The song captures the feeling of waiting and longing for something or someone important, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from finally finding that missing piece.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been looking for a woman to save my life
I've been searching for a partner who can help me overcome my struggles and obstacles.


Not to beg or to borrow
I don't want someone who will pity me or give me handouts, but rather someone who will offer genuine support.


A woman with the feeling of losing once or twice
I'm looking for someone who has experienced failure and knows how to handle setbacks and adversity.


Who knows how could it be tomorrow?
I want someone who understands that the future is uncertain and is willing to face it head-on with me.


I've been waiting for you
I've been searching for the right person and I believe I've finally found them.


And you've been coming to me
You've been making your way towards me, and our paths have finally crossed.


For such a long time now
Our journey towards each other has been a lengthy one, but we've finally united.


Such a long time now
The wait has been arduous, but ultimately worth it in finding you.




Contributed by Claire R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

David Nefsky

one of my all time favorite neil young songs.

The Raul Guerrero G

Yes!!

Oppothumbs M

My fave song of Neils and the guitar from the album is the best my ears have ever heard. Here it is mediocre - never good in person. It's the production but take that Hendrix and Stevie Ray.

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Oppothumbs M

Actually some of neil's guitar captures the magic of the studio.

Oppothumbs M

Yes this is a close to the record as it gets. Why don't others see that his is his best studio record? So long ignored, the interplay of the piano and guitar. And the original doesn't have the damn back up singers at the end .

George Gilkenson

saw this tour, frount row... Keep helling up that I had waited 34 years to see him.. He finally, in between songs, looked down at me, smiled and said, "I hear you brother", then threw me his guitar pick!  Great show.. Grreat song off his great "Neil Young" first solo LP..

John Crowe

I had a similar experience. 1996 hardies walnut creek amphitheatre. Neil young and crazy horse. I was center stage row 6. Far left end seat. I was jamming to pocahontas. We Locked eyes. I was jamming dancing, having a hell of a time. He smiled right at me and kept on keeping on. What s magical connection. I'll remember it always!

Albert Noriega

George Gilkenson wow George thats a fantastic storie . though you his guitar pick your a lucky man. I see Neil Young back in the early 90s when he played Bluenotes in Hollywood how was in the front row as well when he took a break I went on stage and went backstage and took neil a Canadian flag. told him thank for giving me beautiful music throughout the years.. peace Brother.

Oppothumbs M

This is a good song in concert but it is the GREATEST song (my personal belief) Neil or anyone has every done. Thanks Jack Nietzsche (spelled differently)

craig heberling

when i first heard this song on the first lp- i knew he would never top it. it's just THAT GOOD!

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