How Long Will It Take
Pat Kelly Lyrics


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Stood along this lonely track
Watching the trains speed along
Weep, oh, willow weep
Let me hear your song
So that my soul will be filled with joy

My heart and I
It alone knows the hex I bear, so I asked
How long, how long will it takes me to be your man again?
Tell me, sister, oh, how long
Listen to me
As I try my best not to sigh
I still feel the tears on my face
I'm hated by you, and you're loved by me
Though I can't take it, I try not to break it

My heart and I
It alone knows the hex I bear, so I asked
How long, how long will it takes me to be your man again?
Oh, tell me now, how long


As I try my best not to sigh
I still feel the tears on my face
I'm hated by you and you're loved by me




Though I can't take it, I try not to break it
My heart and I

Overall Meaning

At first glance, the lyrics of Pat Kelly's "How Long Will It Take" appear to describe a man standing by a train track feeling heartbroken and torn between his own feelings and the person he loves. The opening lines, "Stood along this lonely track/Watching the trains speed along," paint a picture of a desolate scene that reflects the singer's emotional state. He then implores the weeping willow to sing, hoping its song will bring him some happiness and alleviate his pain.


The chorus of the song, "How long, how long will it take me to be your man again?/Tell me, sister, oh, how long," conveys the singer's desire to reconcile with his loved one despite the difficulties they have faced. He acknowledges the obstacles he needs to overcome to make things right again, but his heart is set on winning back the person he lost. The following verse describes his attempts to keep a brave face and hide his tears, even when the pain feels too much to bear. Despite the fact that the person he loves hates him, he continues to try and keep from breaking it off completely.


Overall, the song expresses the universal theme of the pain and difficulty associated with heartbreak and loss. However, the lyrics also convey a sense of hope and determination in the face of these challenges. The song suggests that, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, the singer is willing to do what it takes to win back the person he loves and find happiness once again.


Line by Line Meaning

Stood along this lonely track
I was standing all alone on a desolate and solitary path


Watching the trains speed along
observing how the trains were zooming past me


Weep, oh, willow weep
I requested the willow tree to shed tears, as it's song would offer me comfort


Let me hear your song
I asked the tree to sing its melody


So that my soul will be filled with joy
hoping the song would alleviate my sadness


My heart and I
referring to my emotions and myself as a single entity


It alone knows the hex I bear, so I asked
since only I am aware of the curse I carry, I proceeded to inquire


How long, how long will it takes me to be your man again?
for how much time do I have to wait until I can be your partner once more?


Tell me, sister, oh, how long
I'm pleading with you, my dear, provide me with the answer I seek


Listen to me
pay attention to what I have to say


As I try my best not to sigh
even though I am struggling not to sigh


I still feel the tears on my face
my face is still wet from the tears I shed


I'm hated by you, and you're loved by me
You don't accept me, but I love you deeply


Though I can't take it, I try not to break it
even though I am near a breaking point, I attempt not to show it


Oh, tell me now, how long
I am pleading once more, please tell me how much longer I have to wait


My heart and I
referring to my sentiments and myself as a single entity again




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@gremax2864

Stood along this lonely track
Watching the trains speed along
Weep, oh, willow weep
Let me hear your song

So that my soul will be filled with joy
My heart and I, it alone knows the hex I bear, so I asked
How long, how long will it take me to be your man again?
Tell me, sister, oh, how long

Listen to me as I try my best not to sigh
I still feel the tears on my face
I'm hated by you, and you're loved by me
Though I can't take it, I try not to break it

My heart and I, it alone knows the hex I bear, so I asked
How long, how long will it take me to be your man again?
Oh, tell me now, how long

As I try my best not to sigh
I still feel the tears on my face
I'm hated by you and you're loved by me
Though I can't take it, I try not to break it
My heart and I



All comments from YouTube:

@definitelyminnie

This is my grandfather and im still learning of him, his voice was so beautiful! It warms my heart to know his music was recognized and loved by so many!

@jbent344

He is definitely among the greats babe. 🇯🇲

@fitzroyjohnson4464

Thank you for ur feed back.

@doriswhite7565

Love his work AWESOME guy this is one of my all time favorites still fresh 😀 😎 🙌 😊 ❤️

@doriswhite7565

Love me some Pat Kelly

@MrAlistar99

You can bevery proud of him

11 More Replies...

@leonleiffer1915

PAT KELLY a Jamaican ICON ,his voice was fill with soul and overflowing with passion , he has help to spread Jamaican music culture worldwide, riep Mr KELLY,
THE BLACKSTONES

@julierobinson8173

Haven't heard this choon for years but it still sweet me! 😂😂❤❤

@sharonwalters9458

Rest in peace Pat Kelly. Condolences to his family. You gave us a lot of song's to remember you by and you won't be forgotten. ♥️😚👏🏼

@nittyranks

Rest in Peace Pat. Thanks for your contribution to music.

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