Al Green - A Long Time Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
A long time has come and gone
I've seen more than I should
You know I've seen it all
There's never been lack
For the marks on my back
Said a long time has come and gone
Verse 2
My hope is God for tomorrow
No more tears
Say goodbye to sorrow
In the middle of the desert
Said He would spring forth a well
My hope is in God for tomorrow
Verse 3
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
Once I was lost
But now I'm found
God shed His grace on me
I don't want to cry no more
I pour out my heart
Now I'm walking out the door
I don't want to cry no more
Verse 4
Somebody's got to help me please
Somebody's got to help me please
For more than twenty years
My eyes been filled with tears
A long time has come and gone
You don't know me well
There are surprises that I keep
Verse 5
I could never tell
You'll never know
A long time has come and gone
Seen more than I should
You know, I've seen it all
Never been lack for the marks on my back
A long time has come and gone
Video
Al Green - For the Good Times (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Al Green's "A Long Time," from his 2007 album *Love Is Reality*, is a profound testament to enduring faith and the unwavering promise of divine presence, resonating with a deep spiritual narrative that transcends typical romantic expression. While the song's title and initial phrases might suggest a more earthly preoccupation, the lyrical content quickly elevates into a contemplation of spiritual waiting and the faithful anticipation of God's perfect timing. This isn't merely a song about waiting for a human connection; it speaks to the soul's yearning for communion with the Almighty, a patient hope found throughout Scripture. We see this echoed in Isaiah 40:31, which promises that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, soaring on wings like eagles, running and not growing weary, walking and not becoming faint. The song's gentle insistence on persistence, on holding fast to a hopeful future, mirrors the biblical encouragement to persevere in prayer and trust, as found in Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Green’s delivery, imbued with a characteristic warmth and sincerity, lends a powerful authenticity to this message of steadfast belief, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of faith and the quiet strength found in surrendering to God's plan. The very essence of "A Long Time" encourages a posture of spiritual readiness, much like Jesus' parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, where preparedness and unwavering vigilance are paramount for entering the kingdom. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the quiet moments, when the answer seems distant, our faith is being refined, preparing us for the blessings that are sure to come. This is a song that understands the long arc of God's faithfulness, a narrative woven through the lives of countless individuals in the Bible who, through periods of waiting and trial, ultimately experienced the fulfillment of divine promises.