"It's Been A Long Time Comin'" by Eric Burdon & The Animals tells the story of reflection, redemption, and the passage of time. The song begins with imagery of a creek turning shallow and sandy, and the moon slowly dimming the stars. The narrator finds solace in this serene setting as the mesquite rushes over the hilltops and into their arms. This creates a sense of being embraced by nature and finding comfort in its presence. The lyrics then shift focus to the narrator's personal journey. They are riding hard, carrying a cache of roses, symbolizing a fresh start or a new beginning. The mention of a fresh map that they made indicates a desire to veer off their previous path and embark on a different direction in life. They are determined to shed their old self and bury their soul, metaphorically implying that they want to leave behind their past mistakes and start anew. Dancing on the grave of their old self represents triumph and celebration over their past struggles. The song touches upon the narrator's relationship with their father, who was once a stranger but later became a familiar presence in their life. They highlight the transient nature of their father's presence, residing in a hotel downtown. The narrator conveys the significance of their father's impact on their childhood, someone they would see around but not necessarily have a deep connection with. As the song progresses, the focus shifts back to the narrator's current life. They mention having children of their own and express a wish for them to learn from their own mistakes. This shows a desire for their children to take ownership of their actions and not repeat the same missteps. The reference to Cassiopeia, a constellation, and the sweeping sword of Orion symbolizes the vastness of the universe and the cosmic nature of the narrator's relationship with their love interest, Rosie. The lyrics describe a sense of crackling energy between the two, with the narrator appreciating Rosie's presence even in her sleep. The song concludes with the narrator reaching for a spark of a campfire and feeling another child kicking inside Rosie's belly. This signifies a renewed commitment to their role as a parent and a determination not to make the same mistakes. The lyrics express remorse for past errors but also a resolve to do better this time. Overall, "It's Been A Long Time Comin'" explores themes of self-reflection, redemption, and the progression of time. It conveys a sense of personal growth, learning from mistakes, and the desire for a fresh start.
