David Phelps - Long Time Coming Lyrics
Lyrics
Will somebody please tell me
How did I end up in this crazy place?
There must be something wrong with this mirror
'Cause I don't recognize my own face
Well I guess I'm just a modern day prodigal son
But You're looking at me like I'm a chosen one
With Your arms open wide, now I've lost all my pride
And I'm yours, I'm yours
It's been a long time coming
Been a twelve round fight
Been a thousand nights of darkness
But I finally see the light
Seems my never ending search is coming to an end
It's been a long time coming
I'm coming home, home
Lord, now that You've pulled back the curtains
I can see You everywhere
And I wanna empty out all my pockets
Till there's only one thing that's there
'Cause I can't have nothing holding me down
When I'm on my way to You
You're my life, You're my love
And You're all I know that's true
Chorus:
It's been a long time coming
Been a twelve round fight
Been a thousand nights of darkness
But I finally see the light
Seems my never ending search is coming to an end
It's been a long time coming
I'm coming home, home
Well now everybody says that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
Well now it's gone and I know
And I want it back, so here I go, here I go, here I go, go, go
Chorus:
It's been a long time coming
Been a twelve round fight
Been a thousand nights of darkness
But I finally see the light
Seems my never ending search is coming to an end
It's been a long time coming
I'm coming home, home
Video
David Phelps - Long Time Coming (Official Music Video) from No More Night: Live! in Birmingham
Meaning & Inspiration
David Phelps' "Long Time Coming," released on September 27, 2005, as part of his album *Life Is a Church*, stands as a powerful testament to redemption and the unwavering grace of God. While Phelps is renowned for his extraordinary vocal range and dynamic delivery, the true strength of this particular song lies in its profound lyrical narrative, offering a deeply relatable journey from spiritual disorientation to a liberating homecoming. It delves into the universal human experience of straying, struggling, and ultimately finding peace in divine reconciliation.
The song immediately immerses the listener in a state of confusion and lost identity. The opening lines paint a picture of someone questioning their circumstances, feeling disconnected from their true self, as if looking into a distorted reflection. This initial sense of bewilderment echoes the plight of the prodigal son in Luke 15:17, who, after squandering his inheritance, "came to himself" in a pigsty, realizing how far he had fallen. Phelps’ character, too, acknowledges this spiritual wandering, identifying as a "modern day prodigal son." Yet, even in this moment of self-recrimination, there's a powerful shift: the realization that despite his failures, God sees him not as a lost cause, but as one chosen, extending "arms open wide." This profound acceptance, freely given, shatters pride and ushers in a complete surrender, mirroring the father's unconditional embrace of his returning son in the biblical parable.
The heart of "Long Time Coming" beats strongest in its chorus, which vividly portrays the arduous spiritual battle fought before finding solace. The journey is described as a "twelve round fight" and "a thousand nights of darkness," metaphors that eloquently capture the prolonged struggle against sin, doubt, and despair. This speaks to the spiritual warfare believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where we contend "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness." The eventual breakthrough, "finally see the light," signifies a moment of spiritual awakening, a profound illumination where the truth of Christ, "the light of the world" (John 8:12), pierces through the shadows. This turning point marks the end of a "never ending search," culminating in the profound declaration of "coming home," a potent image of returning to God's presence and finding true belonging, much like the promise of eternal dwelling in God's house (John 14:2-3).
As the song progresses, the transformation becomes even more evident. The individual expresses a newfound spiritual clarity, stating that God has "pulled back the curtains," allowing for a pervasive awareness of His presence everywhere. This aligns with the concept in 2 Corinthians 3:16, where, upon turning to the Lord, "the veil is removed," enabling a clearer perception of spiritual realities. This awakening leads to a radical reordering of priorities: a desire to "empty out all my pockets" until only God remains. This powerful imagery speaks to the renunciation of worldly attachments and the pursuit of a singular focus on Christ, echoing Matthew 6:21, which states, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The commitment is unequivocal: nothing should hold one down on the path to God, who is declared as "my life, my love, and... all I know that's true," affirming Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
The song culminates with a poignant reflection on the regret of past departures and a resolute commitment to return. The age-old wisdom that one doesn't know what they have until it's gone is acknowledged, but with a crucial addendum: the individual now knows, profoundly, what was lost and desires it back with fierce determination. This isn't mere nostalgia, but a Spirit-driven resolve to reclaim the intimacy and fellowship once enjoyed with God. "Long Time Coming" thus stands as an inspiring narrative of repentance, grace, and ultimate spiritual restoration. It champions the unwavering love of a God who patiently waits with open arms, ready to welcome back those who have strayed, reminding all who engage with its message that no matter how far one has wandered, the path home is always open, paved with mercy and unconditional love.