Long May You Run is an album credited to "The Stills-Young Band," a collabo… Read Full Bio ↴Long May You Run is an album credited to "The Stills-Young Band," a collaboration between Stephen Stills and Neil Young, released in September 1976. The Stills-Young Band recorded the album and began a tour in 1976 prior to the album's release, but Young dropped out of the tour when he grew bored with the project, forcing Stills to complete the concert tour solo. The band was together from July through October of 1976. Outside of Stills and Young, the other members of the group came from Stills' solo band.

The title track, the album's first single, was an elegy for Neil Young's 1948 Buick Roadmaster hearse, his first car. The album stemmed from a desire by both Young and Stills to pick up where they left off with their Buffalo Springfield-era guitar explorations. CSNY cohorts David Crosby and Graham Nash got wind of the project, and "Long May You Run" briefly became a CSNY album. But before long, Young and Stills decided to wipe Crosby and Nash's vocal harmonies from the album tracks in their absence (ironically, Crosby and Nash were busy putting finishing touches on their own duet record.) Crosby and Nash were livid when they found out, and it would be eight years before the quartet even considered working together again (Crosby, Stills and Nash would regroup in 1977 for an album and tour.)

Let It Shine
The Stills-Young Band Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There's a light on over my head, my Lord
There's a light on over my head, my Lord
Let it shine, let it shine
Although it may not be the only one
Let it shine, shine, shine
Although it may not be the only one

There's a moon roof over my head, my Lord

And my Lincoln is still the best thing built by Ford
Let it roll, let it roll
Although it may not be the only one
Let me ride, ride, ride, ride
Although I may not be the only one

I got religion in the airport, my Lord
They caught me waiting on my baggage when I was bored
Let them chant, let them chant
Although they may not be the only one
Let them dance, dance, dance
Although they may not be the only one

There's a light on over my head, my Lord
There's a light on over my head, let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine
Although it may not be the only one
Let me shine, shine, shine, shine
Although I may not be the only one

Let me shine, shine, shine, shine
Although I may not be the only one

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Let It Shine" by The Stills-Young Band speak to the empowerment of individuality and expression. The repeated line "There's a light on over my head, my Lord" is a metaphor for the light within oneself that should be allowed to shine. The lyrics encourage the listener to let their light shine even if they are not the only one, indicating that everyone has something unique to offer and should embrace it.

The song also touches on self-confidence and pride. The lyric "And my Lincoln is still the best thing built by Ford" is a nod to the singer's own sense of pride and appreciation for what they have. It encourages the listener to feel proud and confident in their own accomplishments and possessions.

The bridge of the song takes a playful jab at organized religion, with the line "I got religion in the airport, my Lord." This could be interpreted as a satirical comment on the idea of finding spirituality in unexpected places, or as a humorous nod to the boredom and monotony of waiting in airports. Either way, it adds to the overall message of the song – that individuality and personal experience are important and valuable.

Overall, "Let It Shine" is a call to action for listeners to embrace their unique traits and to confidently let their light shine for the world to see.

Line by Line Meaning

There's a light on over my head, my Lord
I feel blessed and enlightened, and I am ready to share my light with the world.

Let it shine, let it shine
I want my light to be seen and felt by others, so I am letting it shine brightly.

Although it may not be the only one
I acknowledge that there may be other sources of light and positivity, but I am still choosing to let my light shine regardless.

There's a moon roof over my head, my Lord
I am enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like driving my Lincoln with the moon roof open.

And my Lincoln is still the best thing built by Ford
I am grateful for the things in my life that bring me joy, like my car, and I appreciate their value.

Let it roll, let it roll
I want to keep experiencing the good things in life and letting them roll with me.

Let me ride, ride, ride, ride
I want to keep moving forward in life and having new experiences, even if others are doing the same.

I got religion in the airport, my Lord
I found inspiration and spirituality in an unexpected place, like an airport.

They caught me waiting on my baggage when I was bored
I was able to turn a mundane and frustrating experience into a moment of personal growth and reflection.

Let them chant, let them chant
I respect the beliefs and traditions of others, even if they differ from my own.

Let them dance, dance, dance
I appreciate the joy and celebration that others can bring to their own lives, even if it is different from my own style.

Let me shine, shine, shine, shine
I want to make the most of my life and let my light shine as brightly as possible, even if others are doing the same.

Although I may not be the only one
I know that I am not alone in my desire to live a meaningful and joyful life.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS