"Long Time Comin'" by John Hiatt is a song about longing for someone and the passage of time. The lyrics depict a friend telling the narrator that it has been a long time since they last saw each other and experienced a love that went wrong. The narrator reflects on their life, comparing it to a howling wind and a lonesome whistle blowing. They have been searching for their friend along roads of silver and gold, but have been unable to find them. Despite this, they can't turn back and continue living their life. The memories of their friend and the love they once shared keep the narrator going. They have been singing songs about their friend for a long time, as they have always been with them in their heart. The drummer in the song represents the passage of time, as their work is never finished. The narrator still sees their friend in their mind, represented by the silver blue air, and they admit to never moving on from the past. They acknowledge that they are just a long time gone, yearning for their friend's return. Overall, "Long Time Comin'" is a poignant song that reflects on lost love, the passage of time, and the enduring emotions that come with it.
