How Long Have You Been There

Willie Nelson

I've been walking in the shadows for so long that I forgot the sun can shine 
I've turned away from everone and everything that wanted to be mine 
Somehow I always shot my eyes and heart to everything that I could share 
Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there 

And every path I've taken I have turned around and quickly closed the door 
It seems as though I knew if I ever stop to feel I want more 
I kept a steady run so my eyes could never focus anywhere 
Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there 

How long have you been standing there protecting me from love that shouldn't be 
Knowing all alone that I could realize that you were meant for me 

Now I've got to mend every broken fence and bridge that I have burned 
I've got to clear away the cobwebs in my heart so I can start to learn 
For I realize that you've been waiting just to teach me how to care 
Now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there 

And now I'm standing still and I'm wondering just how long have you been there