Not to be confused with Canadian rock and roll pioneer Ronnie Hawkins
Don't Be Long
Ron Hawkins Lyrics
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With your junky pose and your pawn-shop smile
And don't be long in that tattered line
Or you won't be long in this heart of mine
Because you don't believe in coming home
In the courtesy call or the fuckin' telephone
No, you don't believe, you don't believe
Because you fell flat fast asleep in your clothes again
You don't belong out on Easy street
Because you're always tempted far too easily
And you don't believe in tender words
Or that there's 4.6 billion other lonely people in the world
No, you don't believe, you don't believe
Don't be long my condescending one
Waging wars and then defending them
You won't be less strong if you surrender one
Because you sure as hell don't belong to anyone
And I don't believe your apologies
And I don't believe when you get down on your knees
No, I don't believe the tears you weep
Because I don't believe you're losing any sleep over me
I don't believe, no I don't believe
So don't be long nursing your grief
Because it's getting hard to suspend my disbelief
And don't be too long crying in your sleeve
'Cause this offer's over come this new-year's eve
Then I don't believe I'll be coming home
To the TV on and the car keys gone
No I don't believe, I don't believe
No, I don't believe I'll be coming home
I guess I could be wrong
The song "Don't Be Long" by Ron Hawkins conveys a message of frustration and disappointment towards a loved one who is unable to commit to a relationship. The lyrics refer to various scenarios where the person is distant and unwilling to give their heart to the singer. The line "Don't be long on that crooked mile" could be interpreted as the person being on a shady path, with a façade of a happy life but in reality, it is not genuine. The use of the words "junky pose" and "pawn-shop smile" further emphasizes the idea of a false persona.
The song implies that the person is being unfaithful and always tempted by Easy Street, which is a metaphor for an easy and carefree lifestyle. They don't believe in tender words, courtesy calls or apologies, which suggests a lack of empathy and sincerity. The line "you won't be less strong if you surrender one" is an oxymoron because the singer acknowledges that surrendering can be a sign of strength, but the person still chooses not to.
In the end, the singer realizes that they need to move on from this toxic relationship and the offer is over come this new year's eve. The song ends on an ambiguous note, with the singer unsure whether they will return or not. Overall, "Don't Be Long" is a poignant and relatable song that highlights the difficulties of loving someone who can't love you back fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be long on that crooked mile
Don't spend too much time on the wrong path, living a deceitful life.
With your junky pose and your pawn-shop smile
Don't deceive others by presenting a fake image of yourself.
And don't be long in that tattered line
Don't stay in a negative environment, or it will affect my love for you.
Or you won't be long in this heart of mine
If you don't change your ways, I will no longer love you.
Because you don't believe in coming home
You don't value family or relationships.
In the courtesy call or the fuckin' telephone
You don't believe in making the effort to maintain relationships or communicate with loved ones.
No, you don't believe, you don't believe
You lack faith in others and in relationships.
Don't be long out in the rain
Don't ruin your life by making bad decisions or indulging in vices.
Because you fell flat fast asleep in your clothes again
Your self-destructive behaviors have consequences and you need to be responsible for them.
You don't belong out on Easy street
You don't deserve to live an easy life when you are not doing anything productive or good to the society.
Because you're always tempted far too easily
You have a weak willpower and are easily influenced by negative forces.
And you don't believe in tender words
You don't value affection, kindness, and empathy.
Or that there's 4.6 billion other lonely people in the world
You lack compassion and empathy for others who may be lonely and in need of love and support too.
No, you don't believe, you don't believe
You lack faith in others and in relationships.
Don't be long my condescending one
Don't be arrogant and patronizing towards others.
Waging wars and then defending them
You always fight for your opinions even when they are wrong, and then justify your actions.
You won't be less strong if you surrender one
You won't be weak if you acknowledge your mistake and accept responsibility for it.
Because you sure as hell don't belong to anyone
You are not loyal or committed to anyone or anything.
And I don't believe your apologies
I don't think you are sincere when you say sorry.
And I don't believe when you get down on your knees
I don't trust your actions or your words.
No, I don't believe the tears you weep
I don't think you are truly remorseful for your actions and decisions.
Because I don't believe you're losing any sleep over me
I don't think you care enough about me to let my feelings affect your conscience.
I don't believe, no I don't believe
I lack faith and trust in you.
So don't be long nursing your grief
Don't dwell too long on your problems and sorrows.
Because it's getting hard to suspend my disbelief
It's getting difficult for me to trust you and hold on to my faith in you.
And don't be too long crying in your sleeve
Don't keep your pain and sadness inside, share it with others.
'Cause this offer's over come this new-year's eve
If you don't change, I will leave you after this year's end.
Then I don't believe I'll be coming home
I will leave you and not come back.
To the TV on and the car keys gone
To an empty and lonely house where you don't care for me.
No I don't believe, I don't believe
I lack faith and trust in you.
No, I don't believe I'll be coming home
I will leave you and not come back.
I guess I could be wrong
Perhaps there is a chance for you to change, but it's highly unlikely.
Contributed by Katherine N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.