Meaning of "It's Been A Long Time" by New Birth

The lyrics of "It's Been A Long Time" convey a sense of longing and love towards someone who has been absent for a significant period. The narrator expresses their joy and excitement in seeing the person again, emphasizing that they truly love them and consider them their only friend. The repetition of "You for me and me for you" highlights the mutual dependence and strong bond between the narrator and the person they are addressing. Despite the passage of time, the narrator's love for this person remains unwavering, as they declare that they will always love them. However, the lyrics also reveal the narrator's vulnerability and yearning for physical closeness, as they confess to longing to hold the person tight. The line "It's you I really need" emphasizes the emotional and physical void their absence has created in the narrator's life.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift focus towards the importance of understanding and commitment in their relationship. The repetition of "You got to understand me, and I will understand you" emphasizes the need for open communication and empathy between both parties. The narrator urges the person to hang on and not give up despite any challenges they may face, indicating a desire to work through any difficulties that may arise. The lyrics also imply that the relationship is reciprocal, with the narrator expressing their willingness to understand and support the other person. The repeated plea of "I need you, baby" underscores the narrator's emotional dependence on the person and emphasizes the depth of their love.

Overall, the lyrics of "It's Been A Long Time" convey a heartfelt longing and love towards someone who has been absent for a significant period. It explores the themes of longing, love, commitment, and the importance of understanding and communication in a relationship.