It Won't Be Long

Life is full of milestones that come quicker than we expect, and this song reflects on those moments with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The mood is uplifting, blending a sense of urgency with a warm reminder to live fully. George Birge wrote this track to inspire listeners to appreciate the journey and the relationships that shape us.

Verse 1

"It won't be long 'til that shot of Jack works your nerve up
To get her name
It won't be long 'til the parking lot kiss by your truck
Turns into a date
It won't be long 'til your buddies wonder where you been
'Cause you skipped out on the duck trip again
It won't be long 'til you see your old man was right
When he said the funny thing about life is"

In this opening verse, the speaker sets the scene with relatable moments of youth and love. The mention of “that shot of Jack” suggests a setting where someone is gathering courage to approach someone they like. The imagery of a “parking lot kiss” evokes the thrill of new romance, hinting that this initial spark can blossom into something more significant. As the verse progresses, it highlights the inevitable changes in priorities, like skipping a trip with friends for a budding relationship. The reference to the speaker’s father gives a sense of wisdom, suggesting that life’s unpredictability is a lesson learned over time.

Chorus

"It might be crazy, it might be sweet
Might not be perfect
And it might be the last thing
That you ever saw coming
But it gets a little better when its spinnin' 'round something
So buy the drink, steal the kiss, make the trip, take the risk
Love hard as you can and just hold on
'Cause life might be a lot of things
But it won't be long"

The chorus is the emotional core of the song. It emphasizes the unpredictability of life, how it can be both chaotic and beautiful. The phrase “it gets a little better when it’s spinnin’ 'round something” suggests that focusing on meaningful connections can make life’s challenges worthwhile. The call to “buy the drink, steal the kiss, make the trip, take the risk” encourages listeners to embrace spontaneity and love with full hearts. The repetition of “it won’t be long” serves as a powerful reminder to seize the moment, as time flies by.

Verse 2

"It won't be long 'til you take a starter house to the studs
And paint it white
It won't be long 'til there's a crib where the pool table was
And you're up all night
It won't be long 'til you're sitting at a ball game
And your last names at the plate wearin' 7 again
And right there in your folding chair is where it all sinks in"

In the second verse, the song shifts to reflect on more significant life changes, like buying a home and starting a family. The imagery of transforming a “starter house” signifies growth and new beginnings. The mention of a crib replacing a pool table paints a picture of settling down and starting a family life. The scene at the ball game, where the last name is on the plate, symbolizes pride and legacy. This verse builds on the previous one by showing how quickly life progresses and deepening the theme of cherishing every moment.

Chorus (Repeated)

"It might be crazy, it might be sweet
Might not be perfect
And it might be the last thing
That you ever saw coming
But it gets a little better when its spinnin' 'round something
So buy the drink, steal the kiss, make the trip, take the risk
Love hard as you can and just hold on
'Cause life might be a lot of things
But it won't be long"

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the main message of the song. It serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability while encouraging listeners to embrace every experience. The emotional weight of the words becomes even more poignant with this repetition, urging us to take chances and cherish love in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Verse 3

"It won't be long 'til it's a beer at a bar with the boy that you raised
He's a man with a girl and a boy on the way
And it's faster and faster, it ain't slowin' down
'Til you're talking 'bout life and you're telling him how"

In this verse, the speaker reflects on the passage of time as they share a beer with their grown child. This moment highlights the cycle of life, how we go from being young and carefree to raising a family of our own. The line about the son having a child on the way adds a layer of nostalgia, showing how quickly life moves forward. This realization serves to connect back to the central theme, emphasizing the importance of appreciating every stage of life.

Chorus (Repeated)

"It might be crazy, it might be sweet
Might not be perfect
And it might be the last thing
That you ever saw coming
But it gets a little better when its spinnin' 'round something
So buy the drink, steal the kiss, make the trip, take the risk
Love hard as you can and just hold on
'Cause life might be a lot of things
But it won't be long
No, no
It won't be long"

The final repetition of the chorus brings everything full circle. The urgency and encouragement to embrace life resonates deeply here, as the listener is reminded once more to live fully and love deeply. The added “No, no” line at the end adds a personal touch, reinforcing the connection we have to these experiences as they slip by faster than we realize.

Closing Thoughts

This song resonates with listeners because it captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments and the importance of love. Its relatable themes of growth, change, and the beauty found in everyday experiences make it memorable. George Birge’s ability to weave these sentiments into a catchy tune ensures that it sticks with you long after the last note fades, reminding us all to cherish the journey.