“And now it all comes to this.”

The song “Long Time Waiting” has tremendous meaning for me, and that line, the last line of the song, is the focal point of the whole thing. I put the song together hoping to create a good wedding song for someone in Ellie Hjemmet’s extended family. I wanted something with a dialogue between two people contemplating a major step, two people getting married later in life. These two people would have lived full, rich lives, but somewhere, somehow, deep within would exist a sense of subtle anticipation – somewhat softened with the passage of years, but finally allowed to surface into reality.

The speakers both begin their respective stories with “I think I’ve been a long-time waitin’,” or “I think I’ve felt a long-time cravin’.” It’s like they are discovering something within themselves that has had its own life, its own impact, but which is now finding expression. Everyone who has experienced love can recall that at one point the feeling wasn’t there, then at another point it seems like it had been there forever.

The bridge part of the song has often frustrated those who have performed the song with me because it seems to go off on its own melodic and harmonic trail. I have been told that it seems counterintuitive, musically speaking. To me, it seems inevitable: the speakers have to step to the side for a moment to ask some important questions of each other. “Will you care, will you get to know me, and do you really want me?” These questions are basic. But the answers, all implied, make the main movement of the song have meaning.

Then there is that final line: “And now it all comes to this.” I can’t sing this without seeing the wedding party, the minister, and the guests all focused on this one moment. It is a moment of culmination but also of beginning. The betrothed walk down the aisle leaving one existence and entering another.

Patty was visiting our rehearsal when she first heard Ellie and me practicing this song. Before she heard the song, Patty and I were acquaintances. Afterward, we were dating. Ellie and I struggled through the practice, but when we finished, Patty looked at me and asked incredulously, “Did you write that song?”

Patty has since said that hearing that song was the turning point in our relationship. In fact our first dance as husband and wife was to a recorded version of the song.

“Long Time Waiting” is simple, but powerful, expressing much in a few words. In fact, it is the shortest song on our recent CD. My friend Tom Love, an excellent singer-songwriter himself, once commented, “I think that’s the best thing you’ve done.” Considering all that has happened since I wrote it, I’m inclined to agree.

Long Time Waiting

I think I’ve been a long time waitin’
I think I’ve felt a long time cravin’
For something so hard to express
And now it all comes to this

I think I’ve been a long time hopin’
I think I’ve been too long now mopin’
Wonderin’ what I would do
If I could not find one like you

I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you
I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you

Do you really care?
Will you try to get to know me?
Do you really want me?
And will it really show
All our days ooooooooo

Cause I think I’ve been a long time waitin’
I think I’ve felt a long time cravin’
For something so hard to express
And now it all comes to this

I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you
I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you

And now it all comes to this. (Words and Music: Bob Tatum Performed by Sound Traveler)

Sound Traveler will be on the Indian River Queen tonight, and we will be at Captain Ed’s River Roost tomorrow. We’d love to see you at either or both of these performances. Bob Tatum

2 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 09.02.11 “Long Time Waiting” from the CD Sound Traveler”

• September 24, 2011 at 2:48 pm
  Ellie Hjemmet says:

  Love this song… BUT you’ll have to write one about “the best of both worlds” ’cause for sure you’ve got the mountains too! Miss you guys! Hugs and love from Ellie
• September 24, 2011 at 3:04 pm
  Ellie Hjemmet says:

  This is definitely on my “favorites” list for this album! Got a great spontaneous feel and energy. I love hearing how the mandolin voice spoke to you and gifted this musical idea. Not only does it work so well, it truly expresses what is so evident in your relationship. Perfect song!