Long May You Run
Neil Young with Stephen Stills Lyrics

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We've been through
Some things together
With trunks of memories
Still to come
We found things to do
In stormy weather

Although these changes

Have come
With your chrome heart shining
In the sun

Well, it was
Back in Blind River in 1962
When I last saw you alive
But we missed that shift

Although these changes
Have come
With your chrome heart shining
In the sun

Maybe The Beach Boys
Have got you now
With those waves
Singing "Caroline No"
Rollin' down
That empty ocean road
Gettin' to the surf on time.

Although these changes
Have come

With your chrome heart shining
In the sun

Overall Meaning

Neil Young and Stephen Stills's song "Long May You Run" is a tribute to a car that they both loved, which they refer to as "you." The song is a reflection on the memories that they have shared with the car and how the car has been a constant presence throughout their lives. The opening lines of the song, "We've been through some things together with trunks of memories still to come" suggest that their journey with the car has been long and filled with countless memories.

Despite the changes they have gone through over the years, the car remains a shining symbol of their shared history. The line "with your chrome heart shining in the sun" suggests that the car still looks as beautiful today as it did when they first saw it. The second verse of the song reflects on a missed opportunity to shift gears with the car back in 1962 in Blind River. This line is possibly a reference to a time when Neil Young and Stephen Stills were in a band together and dreaming of their future musical careers.

The closing lines of the song are bittersweet, as they suggest that the car may have moved on to a new owner who is enjoying it just as much as they did. The reference to The Beach Boys and their song "Caroline No" suggests that the car may have found a new home in California, where it can enjoy the surf and sunshine. Overall, the song is a touching tribute to a cherished object that holds a special place in their hearts.

Line by Line Meaning

We've been through Some things together With trunks of memories Still to come We found things to do In stormy weather
We have experienced a lot together and have accumulated many memories with many more to come. Despite any obstacles that come our way, we always found ways to occupy ourselves and have fun.

Although these changes Have come With your chrome heart shining In the sun
Despite the changes that have occurred, you still shine bright and have a strong heart that perseveres through tough times.

Well, it was Back in Blind River in 1962 When I last saw you alive But we missed that shift
The last time I saw you was in Blind River in 1962, but unfortunately we missed an opportunity to connect and spend more time together.

Maybe The Beach Boys Have got you now With those waves Singing "Caroline No" Rollin' down That empty ocean road Gettin' to the surf on time.
Perhaps now The Beach Boys have caught your attention with their music and you are off chasing waves and enjoying life's adventures as you travel along the open road.

Writer(s): YOUNG NEIL

Contributed by Daniel V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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