The Chicks are a country music band that formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The group, consisting of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer, rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their unique blend of country, bluegrass, and pop inspirations.

They became one of the best-selling female music groups of all time, with hits like Wide Open Spaces, Not Ready to Make Nice, and Cowboy Take Me Away.

Another legendary folk rock supergroup has also sung this, which was formed in 1968 by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and later Neil Young.

Each member was already successful in their own right before forming the group: Crosby was a member of The Byrds, Stills was part of Buffalo Springfield, Nash came from The Hollies, and Neil Young had his own solo career.

About the Song

“Long Time Gone” is a powerful track that depicts feelings of loss, change, and a longing for better days, with both versions capturing the depth of emotion through their unique vocal harmonies.

Long Time Gone Lyrics by The Chicks 

Verse 1

Daddy sits on a front porch swinging
Looking out on a vacant field
Used to be filled with burley t’bacca
Now he knows it never will
My Brothers found work in Indiana
M’ Sisters a nurse at the old folks home
Mama still cooking too much for supper
And me I’ve been a long time gone

Chorus

Been a long time gone
No, I ain’t hoed a row since I don’t know when
Long time gone
And it ain’t coming back again

Verse 2

Deliah plays that ol’ church pian’a
Sitting out on her daddy’s farm
She always thought that we’d be together
Lord I never meant to do her harm
Said she could hear me singin’ in the choir
Me, I heard another song
I caught wind and hit the road runnin’
And Lord, I’ve been a long time gone

Chorus

Been a long time gone
Lord, I ain’t had a prayer since I don’t know when
Long time gone
And it ain’t coming back again

Bridge

Now me, I went to Nashville
Tryin’ to beat the big deal
Playin’ down on Broadway
Gettin’ there the hard way
Living from a tip jar
Sleeping in my car
Hocking my guitar
Yeah I’m gonna be a star

Verse 3

Now, me and Deliah singing every Sunday
Watching the children and the garden grow
We listen to the radio to hear what’s cookin’
But the music ain’t got no soul
Now they sound tired but they don’t sound Haggard
They’ve got money but they don’t have Cash
They got Junior but they don’t have Hank
I think, I think, I think

Outro

The rest is a long time gone
No, I ain’t hit the roof since I don’t know when
Long time gone
And it ain’t coming back
I said a long time gone
No, I ain’t honked the horn since I don’t know when
Long time gone
And it ain’t coming back again
I said a long time, long time, long time gone
Well it’s been a long time
Long time, long time, long time gone
Oh, it’s been a long time gone
Long time, long time, long time gone
Yeah yeah

Long Time Gone Lyrics by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

It’s been a long time comin’
It’s goin’ to be a long time gone
And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long
Appears to be a long
Time, yes, a long, long, long, long time
Before the dawn

Turn, turn any corner
Hear, you must hear what the people say
You know there’s something that’s going on around here
It surely, surely, surely won’t stand the light of day, no
And it appears to be a long (Yes, it does)
Appears to be a long (Mmm)
Appears to be a long
Time, such a long, long time
Before the dawn

Speak out, you got to speak out against the madness
You got to speak your mind if you dare
But don’t, no don’t, no, try to get yourself elected
If you do, you had better cut your hair, mmm
And it appears to be a long (Yes, it does)
Appears to be a long (Mmmhmm)
Appears to be a long
Time, such a long, long, long, long time
Before the dawn, yeah

It’s been a long time comin’
It’s goin’ to be a long time gone
But you know
The darkest hour
Is always, always just before the dawn

And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long
Appears to be a long time, such a long, long, long, long time
Before the dawn

Similar Songs Like Long Time Gone

If you are into soft, rom-com songs, here’s a list of recommendations that you might love to try out:

• Cowboy Take Me Away: It is a dreamy, heartfelt song about longing and escape as it captures the feeling of seeking freedom in a romantic relationship.
• Our House: This warm song is about the joy of domestic life and the connection between loved ones. Its simple yet beautiful melody and sweet harmonies make it one of the group’s most recognizable tracks.
• Wide Open Spaces: It is a classic anthem about self-awareness and independence as it celebrates the thrill of starting over.

Similar Artists Like The Chicks and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Here’s a list of similar soft-pop artists like The Chicks and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young that you might love to browse through:

• Sheryl Crow
  Genre: Rock, Pop, Country
  Top Albums: Tuesday Night Music Club (1993), Sheryl Crow (1996), The Globe Sessions (1998)
• Patsy Cline
  Genre: Country, Traditional Pop
  Top Albums: Patsy Cline Showcase (1961), The Definitive Collection (2004), Faded Love (1963)
• Buffalo Springfield
  Genre: Folk Rock, Psychedelic Rock
  Top Albums: Buffalo Springfield (1966), Buffalo Springfield Again (1967), Last Time Around (1968)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Musical Style of the Crosby, Stills & Nash Version?

It features a booming bassline, laid-back groove, organ accents, and a blistering guitar lead, with the group’s signature vocal harmonies.

How did The Chicks’ Version of Long Time Gone Perform?

The Chicks’ 2002 cover became a major hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Are There Other Notable Songs with the Title Long Time Gone?

Yes, Bob Dylan and other folk artists have also written and performed songs titled Long Time Gone, each with distinct lyrics and themes.