In the early 1970s, country music was graced by the soulful voice of Charley Pride, an artist who broke barriers and touched hearts with his emotive performances. One of his standout tracks, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer,” encapsulates the blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodic simplicity that defined an era.
About The Composition
- Title: It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer
- Composer: Ben Peters
- Premiere Date: May 1972
- Album: A Sunshiny Day with Charley Pride
- Genre: Country
Background
Written by the prolific songwriter Ben Peters, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” was recorded by Charley Pride on January 12, 1972, and released in May of the same year as the lead single from his album A Sunshiny Day with Charley Pride. The song became Pride’s ninth number one hit on the country charts, maintaining the top position for three weeks and remaining on the chart for a total of fourteen weeks.
Musical Style
The song exemplifies traditional country music elements, featuring a straightforward structure and instrumentation that highlights Pride’s rich baritone voice. The arrangement is unembellished, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to resonate with listeners.
Lyrics
The lyrics convey a message of enduring love and patience, with the narrator expressing a willingness to wait for a loved one’s return, despite the passage of time. This theme of steadfast devotion is a common motif in country music, reflecting the genre’s focus on heartfelt storytelling.
Performance History
Following its release, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” became a staple in Charley Pride’s performances, celebrated for its poignant lyrics and melodic appeal. The song’s success further solidified Pride’s status as a leading figure in country music during the 1970s.
Cultural Impact
The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its numerous covers by artists such as Kitty Wells, Faron Young, and Neal McCoy, each bringing their unique interpretation to the piece.
Legacy
Decades after its release, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” continues to resonate with audiences, a testament to its timeless appeal and the emotive power of Charley Pride’s performance.
Conclusion
Reflecting on “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer,” one can’t help but appreciate the song’s enduring charm and emotional depth. For those looking to explore this classic, Charley Pride’s original recording remains a definitive rendition
Video
Lyrics
Baby it’s gonna take a little bit longer for me to ever get you off of my mind
Baby it’s gonna take a little bit longer cause I’ve been lovin’ you a long long time
People try to tell me that it won’t be long till I won’t even miss you anymore
But I can tell them it must be something mighty wrong every day I want you even more
And baby it’s gonna take
They say this lonely feeling it’ll go away but after all this time now it ain’t gone
Every weaken moment and every night and day just seems to keep on keeping on
And baby it’s gonna take
Yes I’ve been lovin’ you a long long time