There's a long line of mourners coming down our street
Their fancy cars're such a sight to see
They're all of your rich friends that knew you in the city
And now they finally brought you back to me.
The papers told of how you lost your life
Of the party and that fatal crash that night
The race on the highway the curve nobody seen
Now you're riding in that long black limousine.
When you left home you told me that someday you'd be returnin'
With a fancy car for a whole town to see
Well now everybody's watching now and I guess you finally got your dream
You're riding in one of them long black limousines.
Through tears I watch as you ride by
With a chauffeur at the wheel dressed up so fine
I'll never love another for my heart and all my dreams
Ride with you in that long black limousine...
"Long Black Limousine" is a classic country song written by Bobby George and Vern Stovall, but it was made famous by the legendary Merle Haggard. Released in 1968 as part of his album "The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde," the song tells a poignant story of loss, fame, and the emptiness that can come with success.
The song begins by describing a long line of mourners coming down the street, driving fancy cars. These mourners are the rich friends who knew the person being mourned, and now they have finally brought them back home. It's a picture of a lavish funeral, with all the trappings of wealth and fame.
The lyrics go on to reveal that the person being mourned lost their life in a fatal crash, a party gone wrong. There is a sense of tragedy and regret, as the song describes the race on the highway, the curve nobody saw. The person who was once full of life and success is now gone, riding in that long black limousine.
The theme of the song is the emptiness and hollowness that can come with fame and material wealth. The person being mourned had dreams of success and a fancy car, but now that they have achieved those things, they are no longer around to enjoy them. It is a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of worldly success and the importance of what truly matters in life.
In the Bible, there are several verses that speak to this theme. One such verse is Matthew 16:26, where Jesus asks, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" This verse reminds us that earthly success and possessions are temporary, and it is more important to focus on our eternal souls and our relationship with God.
Another verse that relates to the theme of "Long Black Limousine" is 1 Timothy 6:10, which says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." This verse warns against the dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions above all else. It reminds us that true fulfillment and happiness come from a relationship with God, not from worldly success.
"Long Black Limousine" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores the emptiness of fame and material wealth. It serves as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters in life and not to be swayed by the allure of temporary success. As Merle Haggard's soulful vocals bring the lyrics to life, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and living a life of purpose and meaning.
