"Long Ago and Far Away" is a song by James Taylor, released in 1971. The song reflects on nostalgia, lost dreams, and the bittersweetness of life's experiences. The lyrics describe a young man who is patiently waiting for something to happen in his life. However, his dreams and aspirations are not turning out as he had hoped. The passing sailing ships and Sunday afternoons represent moments of beauty and contentment, but they seem distant and unattainable, much like people on the moon. The narrator wonders where the golden rainbows, which symbolize happiness or fulfillment, ultimately lead. The sadness in the song could stem from a sense of longing or disappointment in not being able to achieve these dreams. The line "loving the love I love to love" suggests that although love is something the narrator desires, it remains elusive. The lyrics also touch upon the stories and ideas that the narrator has concocted in their mind, but those fantasies cannot withstand the harsh reality of life. The phrase "bits of broken glass" implies shattered illusions or failed dreams. Overall, "Long Ago and Far Away" conveys a wistful, reflective mood and explores the gap between one's dreams and reality. It speaks to the universal human experience of longing for something more and grappling with the complexities of life.
