Love songs have a unique way of capturing our deepest emotions, and few resonate as profoundly as “How Long Will I Love You.” This poignant ballad, originally by The Waterboys, explores the timeless nature of love and commitment, asking a question many ponder in their hearts. It’s a melody that stays with you, a gentle reminder of love’s enduring power.
Originally penned by Mike Scott of The Waterboys for their 1990 album Room to Roam, “How Long Will I Love You” is a deceptively simple song with profound lyrics. It’s not an over-the-top declaration, but rather a quiet, steadfast promise. Scott’s lyrics use natural imagery – stars, seasons, and the sea – to illustrate the enduring and unwavering nature of love. This understated approach is part of its charm, making it feel both personal and universally relatable. While The Waterboys’ version is beautifully understated, it surprisingly wasn’t released as a single by them.
The song experienced a resurgence in popularity over two decades later, largely thanks to its inclusion in the 2013 Richard Curtis film, About Time. While the film itself, with its time-travel premise and focus on posh British families, might divide audiences, the soundtrack was undeniably effective. The film featured “How Long Will I Love You” performed by a group of tube station buskers, and this version, alongside Ellie Goulding’s subsequently released cover, propelled the song into the mainstream once again. Goulding’s rendition, released in the same year, achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and introducing the song to a new generation.
What makes “How Long Will I Love You” so enduring? The lyrics themselves are a testament to lasting affection and unwavering devotion. Lines like “As long as there are stars above you” and “As long as the seasons need to follow their plan” speak to a love that is as constant and predictable as the natural world. In a world often characterized by fleeting relationships and uncertainty, the song offers a comforting reassurance of steadfast love. It’s a promise to be there, to want and hold the loved one for as long as desired, and even longer.
In today’s world, navigating relationships can feel particularly challenging. With societal anxieties and personal hurdles, finding and maintaining love can seem daunting. “How Long Will I Love You” provides a gentle counterpoint to these anxieties. It reminds us of the simple yet powerful desire for enduring love, a desire that transcends time and circumstance. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics offer solace and hope, suggesting that despite the complexities of modern life, the promise of lasting love remains a timeless and cherished ideal.
How Long Will I Love You Lyrics
(Song by Mike Scott)
How long will I love you
As long as there are stars above you
And longer if I can
How long will I need you
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan
How long will I be with you
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash upon the sand
How long will I want you
As long as you want me to
And longer by far
How long will I hold you
As long as your father told you
As long as you are
How long will I give to you
As long as I live to you
However long it you say
How long will I love you
As long as are stars above you
And longer if I may
