About The Song
In the vast expanse of American country music, few artists have captured the essence of the common man’s journey quite like Alan Jackson. With his genuine voice and heartfelt lyrics, Jackson has painted vivid sonic tapestries that resonate deeply with listeners from all walks of life. Among his rich discography, the song “Long Hard Road” stands as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the struggles, triumphs, and unwavering spirit of those who have traversed life’s most challenging paths.
Released in 2013 as part of Jackson’s bluegrass album, “Long Hard Road” is a testament to the enduring power of traditional country music. Its opening notes, a gentle strumming of acoustic guitars, immediately transport the listener to a porch swing on a warm summer evening, the air thick with the scent of honeysuckle and the distant hum of crickets. Jackson’s voice, seasoned with the wisdom of years, enters like a comforting presence, weaving a tale of resilience and hope.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of life’s trials and tribulations. The road they walk is “long and hard”, filled with “miles and miles of heartache and pain”. Yet, amidst the darkness, there glimmers a flicker of determination, a refusal to succumb to despair. The traveler knows that “there’s a light at the end of the road”, a beacon of hope that guides them forward.
Jackson’s masterful songwriting shines through in the simplicity of his words. He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the hardships that life throws our way, but he also offers solace and encouragement. The chorus, a powerful declaration of perseverance, serves as an anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity: “I’ll keep on walkin’, I’ll keep on tryin’, I’ll never give in, no never, no way.”
“Long Hard Road” is more than just a song; it’s a message of hope and resilience that resonates with anyone who has ever faced challenges in life. Jackson’s music has always had a way of connecting with people on a deeply personal level, and this song is no exception. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the human spirit is capable of overcoming even the most formidable obstacles.
As the final notes of “Long Hard Road” fade, listeners are left with a sense of renewed determination, inspired by the unwavering spirit of the traveler who has braved the “long hard road”. Jackson’s music has a profound ability to touch the soul, and this song is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of country music’s most cherished voices.
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Lyric
It’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeI hear the voice my sweet momma called meTelling me to change my waysIn my mind, I smell the dogwood bloomingTakes me back to yesterdayIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeI left behind the person that I once wasI changed for good and some for badI’ve wasted days and nights on love forgottenI’ve traded happiness for sadIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeI’ve felt the hurt of a broken heart inside meI’ve felt the joy of love unchainedI’ve seen the rain wash away a mountainLike tears have washed away my painIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeI’ve watched some loved ones dear to my heart dyingI’ve heard a newborn baby’s cryI’ve walked a path of glory and of darknessI’ve felt the guilt of a senseless lifeIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeDrank to forget and I’ve drank to rememberAnd I’ve drank for love and I’ve drank for hateI’ve danced alone with a full moon up above meLighting the way to heaven’s gateIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back homeI’ve felt the love of Jesus shining on meI’ve felt the devil’s wicked waysPrayed for forgiveness, prayed for redemptionPrayed just to make it through the dayIt’s a long, hard road I’m traveling onSeems forever I’ve been goneYeah, it’s a long hard road I’m traveling onLord I need to find my way back home