Longer

Album: Phoenix (1980)
Charted: 59 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like many of Fogelberg's songs, this is about everlasting love. His muse at the time was Maggie Slaymaker, who he was living with at the time (they would get married in 1982 and split in 1985). In a 1997 online chat, Fogelberg explained the inspiration: "I was laying in a hammock on Maui, Hawaii, on vacation, in 1978, with my then-wife. All seemed right with the world. The song seemed to write itself."
  • In a radio interview to promote his 1981 album The Innocent Age, Fogelberg mentioned this as his most memorable song. "It's just a classic love song," he said. "Every songwriter always dreams of writing a classic love song that will be up there with the Cole Porter songs and 'Yesterday' and that stuff. That's the stuff that's gonna last. People are gonna sing them at weddings and really mean it, for a long time, and that's wonderful."

Comments: 18

  • Mirla from Wilmington, NcMy husband and I asked his sister to sing this at our wedding. Dan wrote the soundtrack of my life. I miss him every day.
  • Sabrina from ArizonaThe song "Longer" has probably lasted longer than many marriages lol It was one of my favorites when I was a newlywed in 1980.
  • Joanna Belmont from UsaMy daughter was 50 years Old and she died last year and so many people loved her including me… I chose this song as one of her Memorial songs because it was so beautiful and it said I would love you forever
  • Denise from Post Falls, IdWe had the song at our wedding over 40 years ago. I just learned he had written it the month my hubby and I became a couple. He recently died but before hand we quoted the lyrics back and forth to each other. A wonderful love song. Thank you Dan Fogelberg for putting our love and dedication to song and verse.
  • Ed from Shavertown PaWe had this played at our wedding Mass in 82, we were married 34 years, then she passed! Think about her daily, my beautiful buddy, Marie!
  • T-rose from Ottawa, OntarioI love, love, love this song. If I ever get married, I am definitely picking this one.
    Beautiful!
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaHave LOVED this song since I first heard it. swore,that if I ever got married this is what i would use instead of Wedding March(sorry folks i really don't like that tune to much) Thanks Dad RIP
  • Shandroise De Laeken from Davao City, PhilippinesOne of the BEST LOVE SONGS ever. I agree with Fogelberg on his 1997 interview, this song will stay 'til this world ends (or until the meaning of "romantic" or "love song" is changed, God forbid that! I always want this song to live!)
    @Jerry, Louisville Ky - Yes, those are one of the best romantic and lovely love song lyrics one will ever hear!
    @Lalla, Wasilla, Ak - I clearly hear he sings fiSHes...
    I love how this song is so mellow. The melody, his voice, the lyrics... whenever this song plays in the radio, I feel as if this song is dedicated to me! Hahaha! I've never had a boyfriend (now 22) but I keep on dreaming that this song will be played in my wedding in the future! Too bad and sad, Dan's not around to sing this on that day anymore.. (T_T)
    Again, this is one of the best love songs the world has heard, hears and will ever hear. 07-27-2015
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 9th 1979, "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 9th, 1980 it peaked at #2 (for 2 weeks) and stayed on the chart for 22 weeks...
    The two weeks it was at #2 it was kept out of the top spot by "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen and "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd...
    But on February 3rd, 1980 it did reached #1 (for 1 week) on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
    R.I.P. Mr. Fogelbert (1951 - 2007).
  • Jerry from Louisville, KyDefinately one of Dan's best songs. The 2nd verse: "Through the years, as the fire starts to mellow, burning lines in the book of our lives.. Though the binding cracks, and the pages starts to yellow, I'll be in love with you" is one of if not the best parts of any love song I have ever heard. Just beautiful!
  • Michael Scott from Punta Gorda, FlWhat part of Alaska do they talk like that. I won't get married there!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyFour of the first six releases by Fogelberg made the Top 10 chart; PART OF THE PLAN {#31}, LONGER {#2}, HEART HOTELS {#21}, SAME OLD LANG SYNE {#9}, HARD TO SAY {#7}, & finally LEADER OF THE BAND {#9}...
  • Joel from Back Of Beyond, AustraliaI have this song on a mix cd that I made for my then girlfriend. We have since broken up but I still listen to this especially when I've had a few jars (glasses) of ice-cold Victoria Bitter.
    [btw Victoria Bitter is a kind of Australian beer and very good I might add. It beats Foster's by a long shot. Sheaf Stout, in the big stubbie bottles is good too).
  • Garcia from Jeddah, Saudi Arabiaa beaenutiful song,perfectly written. this song inspired me to play the guiar, first song i learn to play on guitar.
  • Ian from Tacoma, WaTimless medlodies. If u loved, u understood how
    delicate this song is.
  • Mixermatt from Bloomington, MnLet not make fun of the guy and how pronounes words when he singing a song. all in fun
  • Julia from Knoxville, Tn"Longer" was sung at my wedding, March 10, 2007
  • Lalah from Wasilla, AkExcept that Dan pronounces "Fishes" to sound like "Feces", this is a lovely song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.