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.)
Long May You Run
The Stills-Young Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With trunks of memories still to come
We found things to do in stormy weather
Long may you run
Long may you run
Long may you run
Although these changes have come
Long may you run.
Well, it was back in Blind River in 1962
When I last saw you alive
But we missed that shift on the long decline
Long may you run
Long may you run
Long may you run
Although these changes have come
With your chrome heart shining in the sun
Long may you run
Maybe the Beach Boys have got you now
With those waves singing "Caroline" (Caroline No)
Rollin' down that empty ocean road
Gettin' to the surf on time
Long may you run
Long may you run
Although these changes have come
With your chrome heart shining in the sun
Long may you run
The Stills-Young Band's song Long May You Run is a nostalgic ode to a friend, possibly a vehicle or a motorcycle, with whom the singer has been through thick and thin. The song talks about the memories they have created together and the adventures they have had in all sorts of weathers. The phrase "long may you run" is a toast to their friendship and the hope that they will continue to go on more adventures for years to come.
The song also reflects on the changes that have happened over time since they first met, but despite those changes, the singer is still enamored with his friend who has a "chrome heart shining in the sun". The song also mentions the regret of missing out on something during their friendship, possibly an opportunity or a shift, but the singer still wishes for the longevity of such a cherished friendship.
In the last verse, the song alludes to the Beach Boys and their song Caroline No, while talking about cruising down ocean roads to catch some waves. The repeated refrain of "long may you run" punctuates all these reflections and musings about their friendship.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been through some things together
We have shared certain experiences and moments together that have shaped our lives.
With trunks of memories still to come
We have a lot more memories and life experiences that we will share and create together.
We found things to do in stormy weather
Even when life is difficult and challenging, we have found ways to cope and make the best of the situation.
Long may you run
May your journey through life continue for a long time.
Long may you run
May your life journey continue for a prolonged period.
Although these changes have come
In spite of the changes that have occurred in our lives and the challenges we have faced.
With your chrome heart shining in the sun
Despite everything, there is still something bright and shining about you and your spirit.
Long may you run.
May your life journey continue to be blessed with positivity and happiness.
Well, it was back in Blind River in 1962
This is a reference to a specific moment in time when they last interacted with each other.
When I last saw you alive
This suggests that the person being addressed has passed away and this is a remembrance of the times spent together.
But we missed that shift on the long decline
This could refer to a missed opportunity or incorrect decision that was made at some point in their lives.
Maybe the Beach Boys have got you now
This suggests that the person being addressed may have moved on or been influenced by something else.
With those waves singing "Caroline" (Caroline No)
This line specifically references the Beach Boys' song Caroline No, which adds to the idea that the person being addressed has moved on.
Rollin' down that empty ocean road
This is a metaphor for the journey through life that the person being addressed is currently taking.
Gettin' to the surf on time
This line suggests that the person being addressed is still striving towards a goal or destination.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind