To Make A Long Story Short She's Gone
Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see nothing to be gained by explanations
No need to try to say who's right or who was wrong
No need to enter into lengthy dissertations to make a long story short she's gone
I won't attempt to explain the things that happened
To put in words why she's not here would take too long
And it's all too far beyond the realm of understanding

To make a long story short she's gone
The way you look at me you don't believe she loved me
But she once loved me with a love so sweet and strong
I won't try to give the reasons why I miss her so




To make a long story short she's gone
To make a long story short she's gone

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson are expressing the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. They are acknowledging that there is no point in trying to explain or justify why this person is no longer in their lives. The pain is too deep and too personal to put into words. They simply state that she's gone, and that's all that needs to be said.


They go on to sing about how others may perceive their relationship and the love that was once there. The person looking at them may not believe that this woman loved them, but they know the truth. They miss her deeply, but they cannot explain why. Again, they simply state that she's gone.


These lyrics are a powerful portrayal of the pain and grief that comes with losing someone we love. It's a recognition that sometimes there are no words to describe the depth of our emotions. Sometimes all we can do is say that the person we loved is gone.


Line by Line Meaning

I see nothing to be gained by explanations
I don't think explaining what happened will change anything


No need to try to say who's right or who was wrong
Arguing over who caused the separation is pointless


No need to enter into lengthy dissertations to make a long story short she's gone
It's best to keep it simple by saying that she's gone


I won't attempt to explain the things that happened
I don't want to waste time trying to explain events


To put in words why she's not here would take too long
It would take too long to express why she left


And it's all too far beyond the realm of understanding
It's something that can't be fully comprehended


The way you look at me you don't believe she loved me
I can tell you don't think she truly loved me from the way you look at me


But she once loved me with a love so sweet and strong
She did love me deeply at one point in time


I won't try to give the reasons why I miss her so
I don't want to explain why I feel such a strong sense of loss


To make a long story short she's gone
In short, she's no longer here




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Karen Hall-Gist

I've got lots of Willie and Kris albums and I've seen both of them in separate concerts live in the last 25+ years, but I've never heard this before--GREAT!

Mostly Brenda

It's a hidden gem for sure. Enjoy! The song is originally from back in 1967 and was the "B" side of the single San Antonio / To Make A Long Story Short (She's Gone), issued 09-67 on Monument records. It is on several compilation CDs - I think. Thanks! Do you remember b-sides? records? Probably not --- 😁

Karen Hall-Gist

I'm 71 yrs old so I remember most of that--45 rpms, albums,etc (except for a part of 1969 to 1975 where I don't remember hardly anything......but it was a fun time)

Patrick Mohale

Always the sweetest blend of voices signing really really sad songs!

Sandra Gruhle

You two are the best at what you both do: Create, tell a story, and entertain. Bravo!

Tango Bango

I hope Ol’ Willie keeps singing his wonderful songs forever.

Vicki Jeffers

My Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson. His songs are my life. At every happy, down on my luck, sad, rebellious and heart break I've ever had, Willie was there for me. Singing and playing his guitar the way only Willie can. He is a big part of my life. Still is.
Dear Mr. Willie Nelson, words are not enough and can't explain the deep feeling I have for you. All the big events like marriage and childbirth, loss of a home, family deaths, big parties, singing your songs on our campsite stage by the fire, when love slipped away and loneliness set in. Praying that someone did still love me. I'm crying with a flood of memories in my head. You were always there. I love you Willie Nelson. Thanks for a crazy, hazy, happy, joyous, pain filled life. I'm 61 yrs old now, I've listened to you since I was 20. Been to dozens of your concerts. I am in a low place in my life again but Jesus has my back and my front! So what to do but play and watch Ole Willie sing out my angst. Keep on keeping on, my friend.💙💜🙏💥

Patricia McCarter

Vicki Jeffers hope life is treating you better. Love from Scotland

Valquiria Bueno

Como é bom ver e ouvir o estilo do Kris Kristofferson com Willie Nelson 🤔❤️❤️❤️

Joe Sherrington

Willie, He is absolute gold. They broke the mould when they made Willie Nelson.I love all types  of music but this man is special. I was very fortunate to see the Highwaymen live and they were and still are immortals in there own ways, but Willie is special. Equal to the very best.

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