About The Song
“Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For a Long, Long Time)”: Gene Watson’s Heartbreaking Ballad of a Love Fading Away
Gene Watson, known for his ability to channel deep emotion through his smooth baritone vocals, delivers a poignant performance with “Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For a Long, Long Time).” This heartfelt ballad, featured on his 1981 album Between This Time & The Next Time, explores the gradual decline of a love that was once strong, capturing the sadness and resignation that come with recognizing the inevitable end of a relationship.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who realizes that his love is slipping away. He sees the signs of growing distance and recognizes that the end is near, even though his heart aches to hold on. Watson’s vocals, filled with a mix of sadness and acceptance, perfectly capture the protagonist’s emotional turmoil as he grapples with the slow fading of his love.
“Leavin’s been comin’ for a long, long time, Little by little, love has lost its shine. The words we don’t say, the tears we cry, Tell me leavin’s been comin’ for a long, long time.”
These lines convey the song’s central theme: the gradual erosion of a love that was once vibrant and strong. The protagonist recognizes the subtle signs of a relationship nearing its end, the unspoken words and unspoken tears that signal a growing distance between two hearts.
“Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For a Long, Long Time)” is a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the slow decline of a relationship and the painful realization that love can fade over time. It’s a reminder that even the strongest bonds can fray, and that recognizing the signs of a fading love can be a heartbreaking but necessary step towards healing and moving on.
Musically, the song features a gentle, melancholic melody with a classic country arrangement. Steel guitar, piano, and a steady rhythm section provide the backdrop for Watson’s emotive vocals, which tell the story with honesty and authenticity.
For those seeking a Gene Watson song that explores the more vulnerable side of love and the complexities of relationships, “Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For a Long, Long Time)” is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that love requires effort and nurturing, and that recognizing the signs of a fading connection can be a crucial step in either rekindling the flame or finding the strength to move on. So turn up the volume, let Watson’s heartfelt vocals wash over you, and be moved by this poignant ballad of love, loss, and the acceptance of a relationship’s inevitable end.