After working as a labourer along with future members of The Gladiators, Thomas's break came with "Run Mr. Nigel Run", produced by Derrick Harriott.[1] This was followed by a successful association with producer Joe Gibbs, with hits following in the form of "God Bless The Children", "Mama's Song", "Rainy Night In Georgia" and "If I Had a Hammer".[1] He broke into the UK Top 10 in 1970 with "Love of the Common People" (later also a top 10 hit for Paul Young), a tour following, after which Thomas decided to stay in the United Kingdom, promoting a compilation of his work with Gibbs, also titled Love of the Common People. This was followed by his self-produced Tell It Like It Is album, featuring the near-hit "Yesterday Man", and the commentary on the lack of airplay for reggae records on Radio 1, "BBC".[1]
Thomas continued recording commercial reggae, working with the likes of Lloyd Charmers. In 1974, he toured the UK backed by the musicians who would later go on to become Misty In Roots.[
Long Gone
Nicky Thomas Lyrics
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What it was that came over you?
You ain't the devil but you might as well be
For all the changes you put me through
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
Long gone, long gone to save my soul
Hang on to whatever is left of me
Want someone to believe in
I need someone that want me too
I don't want no lies and deceiving
Learn that song, I beg from you
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
Long gone, long gone to save my soul
Hang on to whatever is left of me
Find me walking along the road
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
Long gone, long gone to save my soul
Hang on to whatever is left of me
Find me walking along the road
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
Long gone, long gone to save my soul
Hang on to whatever is left of me
Find me walking along the road
...
The song "Long Gone" by Nicky Thomas is a soulful lament about a love that has gone wrong. The singer is addressing a woman he once loved, asking her to explain what changed between them. He compares her to a devil, saying that the changes she put him through were so intense that it's as if he'd been possessed. The phrase "long gone" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's desire to leave the past behind and start anew. He asks for honesty and sincerity from his next partner, saying that he doesn't want any more lies or deception.
The repetition of the phrase "Long gone" helps to create a sense of finality and closure. The singer is making a decision to move on from the past and leave it behind. This sentiment is reinforced by the chorus, which speaks to the singer's desire to save his soul by cutting ties with his past. The metaphor of walking along the road suggests a journey, and a sense of forward momentum towards a new horizon.
Overall, the song captures the sense of disappointment and pain that comes with a love gone wrong. The singer's emotional honesty and vulnerability are at the heart of the song, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey lady, you gotta tell me
Asking his lover what caused her drastic change in behavior
What it was that came over you?
Questioning the reason behind his lover's sudden alteration
You ain't the devil but you might as well be
Although his lover is not the devil, she has had a significant impact on his life
For all the changes you put me through
His lover has caused him to go through many difficult or unwanted changes
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
He has decided that leaving his lover is the best decision for his well-being
Long gone, long gone to save my soul
Leaving his relationship will provide salvation for his spirit
Hang on to whatever is left of me
As he departs from his lover, he hopes that he still has some semblance of himself remaining
Find me walking along the road
He will be leaving his past behind and moving forward
Want someone to believe in
He desires a person to trust or have faith in
I need someone that want me too
He also yearns for reciprocal feelings from his partner
I don't want no lies and deceiving
He doesn't want to be surrounded by falsehoods or betrayal
Learn that song, I beg from you
He requests that his lover pays attention to the message he is conveying through his music
Long gone, baby, it's what I'm gonna be
Reiteration of his decision to leave his partner
Hang on to whatever is left of me
He is anticipating significant changes during and after his departure
Find me walking along the road
He will not be found in his previous location as he is moving forward
Contributed by Lily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bpage4132
This song is written by Neil Diamond,and originally taken from Neil Diamond`s album-Brother Love`s Travelling Salvation Show-originally released in 1969.