The song "Long Time" by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts is about the pain and longing felt after a breakup. The lyrics express the singer's appreciation for the friendship offered by their ex-lover, but also acknowledge that what they truly desire can never be regained. The protagonist reflects on the fact that they always knew they were different or incompatible with their former partner, but that knowledge doesn't alleviate the sadness they feel in their heart. The process of moving on and forgetting about their ex-lover is not easy and will take a long time. They also express that finding love like theirs is rare and hard to come by, emphasizing the value and significance of the relationship they lost. The song describes how, when they were together, life felt complete. However, when their ex-partner met someone else and moved on, the protagonist couldn't compete and was left feeling inadequate. The magnetism and charm of their ex-lover is something they continue to remember every day. The complexities of love contribute to the singer's sadness. They recognize that they are not a good match for their ex-lover but still find it hard to forget them. The power and intensity of their past relationship continue to stir up emotions, symbolized by the reference to waking the "beast" within the singer that prevents them from moving on. Overall, "Long Time" depicts the struggle of letting go and the lingering pain that remains after a breakup. It highlights the difficulty of finding love and the lasting impact that a special relationship can have on an individual.
