Story Behind The Song

It's Been a Long Time tells the story of living in the aftermath of someone's absence. The song opens in stillness, acknowledging the weight of time passed since a loved one left. The repetition of "It's been a long time" becomes both a confession and a release--time has moved forward, but the emotional imprint remains. As the story unfolds, the narrator reflects on losing themselves in grief, drifting through despair while longing for the version of themselves that once felt joyful and free. The pain is not dramatized; it's quiet, honest, and deeply human. Yet beneath the sorrow is resilience. The lyrics suggest that healing doesn't come all at once--it arrives slowly, through reflection and acceptance. The promise that "I'll be fine" isn't certainty, but intention. By the end, It's Been a Long Time becomes a moment of grounding. Love is still honored, loss is acknowledged, and the narrator begins to reclaim themselves. It's a song about remembering without being consumed, and learning how to stand again after longing has lingered for too long.

Song Description

It's Been a Long Time by Luana Sandoval and Jerry Ware is an emotionally restrained pop ballad that explores love, absence, and self-rediscovery. Built on a minimal piano foundation and heartfelt vocal performance, the song captures the quiet aftermath of loss and the resilience required to heal. Its reflective tone and universal themes make it suitable for film, television, and storytelling moments centered on memory, longing, and emotional growth.

Lyrics

Chorus 1
It's been a long time
Since you've been gone
Darling
Habibi
Verse 1
I lost myself
In a sea of despair
Longing for who I used to be
So joyful and free
Struggles unwind
And I'll be fine
Chorus 2
It's been a long time
Since you've been gone
Darling
Habibi