Toby Keith – I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone)

Introduction:

Toby Keith, one of country music’s most defining voices, released I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) in 2006, as part of his album White Trash with Money. This song, like much of Toby Keith’s work, showcases his signature blend of humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion. The track belongs squarely within the country music genre, a lane in which Keith has long established himself as a powerful figure. Known for his ability to balance both traditional country sounds with more modern influences, Keith creates a unique voice that resonates with fans old and new.

The album White Trash with Money marked a pivotal moment in Keith’s career. It was the first album he released under his own label, Show Dog Nashville, giving him greater creative control over the direction of his music. The song I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) represents Keith’s spirit of independence, both lyrically and musically. The song, infused with traditional country instrumentation—prominent acoustic guitars, a steady drumbeat, and subtle steel guitar elements—creates a soundscape that pays homage to the genre’s roots while maintaining a fresh, contemporary edge. It’s a classic Toby Keith sound, blending swagger with sincerity.

The musicianship on this track is a reflection of Keith’s longstanding partnership with talented session players and producers. The song was produced by Toby Keith himself, along with his longtime collaborator Lari White, who co-produced the entire album. White, a country singer and producer, added her own flavor to the mix, ensuring the record would stand out both sonically and creatively. The chemistry between Keith and White resulted in a project that solidified his reputation as not just a performer, but as an artist in full control of his craft.

I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) did well on the country charts, garnering attention from both fans and critics. While it may not have topped the charts like some of Keith’s other major hits, it became a fan favorite, praised for its witty lyrics and catchy rhythm. The song speaks to Keith’s knack for storytelling—a key component of his appeal. His lyrics are often marked by humor, bravado, and a touch of vulnerability, all of which are present in this track. The song’s title itself is a clever play on words, hinting at a man who’s been contemplating a departure for a long time but isn’t quite ready to make a clean break.

What makes I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) stand out is its relatability. Toby Keith has always been known for connecting with everyday life experiences, whether through songs about love, loss, or life’s more humorous moments. This particular track captures that essence, telling the story of someone who is restless, uncertain, but fully aware of the complexities of leaving and the long-lasting impact of doing so. It’s a song that fits into Keith’s larger body of work, which often explores the themes of freedom, independence, and the challenges of personal relationships.

In conclusion, I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone) represents Toby Keith at a critical juncture in his career—venturing out on his own label, producing his own music, and continuing to evolve as an artist. It’s a track that embodies his humor, his authenticity, and his undeniable talent for blending traditional country with modern sounds. For longtime fans of Toby Keith, the song is a reminder of why he remains one of country music’s most enduring figures.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving (But I’ll Be A Long Time Gone)”

I’ve been a fool, I’ve been a fool
Forgivin’ you each time you done me wrong
I’ve been a long time leavin’ ya, but I’ll be a long time gone

Loved you so much, loved you so much
I stayed around when I should’ve moved along
I’ve been a long time leavin’ ya, but I’ll be a long time gone

I say, “Hi there high line, hello highway”
Here come a big old semi my way
I stick up my thumb, hear the truck come
But the truck goes by and he looks like he’s flyin’
And he whoops the big legs on my Levi’s
They go woop woop woop woop woop

I’ve been a fool, I’ve been a fool
Forgivin’ you each time that you’ve done me wrong
I’ve been a long time leavin’ ya, but I’ll be a long time gone

I say, “Hi, there high line, hello highway”
Here come a big old semi my way
I stick up my thumb, hear the truck come
But the truck goes by and he looks like he’s flyin’
And he’s whoopin’ the big legs on my Levi’s
They go woop woop woop woop woop woop woop woop

And I’ve been a fool, I’ve been a fool
Forgivin’ you each time that you’ve done me wrong
I’ve been a long time leavin’ ya, but I’ll be a long time gone

Gone gone gone
Gone gone gone