“It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” by Charley Pride is one of those quintessential country ballads that perfectly captures the heartache and resilience that often come with lost love. Released in 1972, the song quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Pride’s ninth No. 1 hit. It was a signature moment in his career, solidifying him as one of the leading voices in country music at a time when he was already breaking barriers as one of the few Black artists in the genre.
This song is a heartfelt portrayal of a man struggling to move on from a relationship. While his heart has been broken, he acknowledges that healing is going to take time. What makes “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” so powerful is the honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics, paired with Pride’s warm, rich voice. There’s a quiet strength in his delivery, as if he’s reassuring himself—and the listener—that although the pain lingers, there’s hope that it will fade eventually, even if it takes longer than expected.
The song’s arrangement is classic country: a steady, simple melody with soft guitars and gentle percussion that gives plenty of room for Pride’s vocal to take center stage. His voice, with its natural warmth and sincerity, carries the weight of the song’s emotional message. Pride doesn’t overplay the heartbreak; instead, he lets the sadness sit lightly in the music, making it all the more effective. This is a man who’s not wallowing in his sorrow, but rather accepting it as part of the healing process.
There’s a certain beauty in the patience that the song conveys. While many country songs about heartbreak are full of anguish or anger, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” offers a more reflective and mature perspective. It’s not about rushing to get over someone, but rather allowing the heart the time it needs to mend. This gentle approach is part of what made Charley Pride’s music so special. He had a way of addressing universal emotions—love, loss, hope—with a sense of grace and dignity that resonated deeply with his listeners.
For those who remember the early 1970s, this song might evoke memories of a time when country music was filled with songs of genuine emotion, where the focus was on storytelling and heartfelt expression. Pride was an artist who excelled at these kinds of songs, and “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” is a perfect example of his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level. His voice became a companion to many people going through similar heartaches, offering solace and understanding through his music.
One of the reasons this song endures is its timeless message. No matter how many years have passed since its release, the experience of heartbreak—and the slow process of healing—remains something everyone can relate to. Pride’s calm, assured delivery gives the listener the sense that it’s okay to take your time, that it’s normal for emotions to linger, and that eventually, things will get better.
For older audiences, hearing “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” today might bring back memories of listening to country radio in the early ’70s, when Pride’s voice was a regular presence on the airwaves. At that time, Charley Pride was a trailblazer, not just for his music but for breaking racial barriers in a genre that had traditionally been dominated by white artists. His success helped pave the way for future generations of artists of color in country music, and his smooth, soulful voice made him one of the most beloved figures in the genre.
Even beyond its commercial success, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” remains one of Pride’s most beloved songs because of the way it speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. It’s a song that reminds us that healing isn’t always quick, but that with time and patience, the pain will eventually fade. And with Pride’s reassuring voice guiding us through that process, we know we’re not alone.
In the end, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer” is more than just a country song about heartache—it’s a testament to the power of music to comfort, heal, and remind us that, even in our darkest moments, there’s always hope on the horizon. Charley Pride’s timeless voice will forever be a source of that comfort for listeners old and new, making this song a standout in his incredible career.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Baby it’s gonna take a little bit longer for me to ever get you off of my mind
Baby it’s gonna take a little bit longer cause I’ve been lovin’ you a long long time
People try to tell me that it won’t be long till I won’t even miss you anymore
But I can tell them it must be something mighty wrong every day I want you even more
And baby it’s gonna take
They say this lonely feeling it’ll go away but after all this time now it ain’t gone
Every weaken moment and every night and day just seems to keep on keeping on
And baby it’s gonna take
Yes I’ve been lovin’ you a long long time