"Long Is the Road" was the first Goldman hit to crack the French Top 50, peaking at number six. It sold over 400,000 copies and became a staple of his live performances, appearing on albums like En Public (1986) and Traces (1989). A complete English rewrite titled "Long Is The Road (USA)" was also produced, replacing the chorus chant "Américain" with "U.S. of A.".
Released in November 1984 as the third single from the album Positif , stands as one of Jean-Jacques Goldman’s most enduring anthems. The track explores the multifaceted concept of the "American Dream," contrasting the hopeful imagery of an immigrant's arrival with the harsh realities of social inequality. The Narrative: Hope vs. Reality "Long Is the Road" was the first Goldman
The song tells the story of a young person emigrating to the United States. Goldman masterfully uses language to mirror this journey: The Narrative: Hope vs
The track features a notable saxophone solo by John Helliwell of Supertramp, adding a distinct layer of sophistication to the arrangement. "Long Is the Road" was the first Goldman
The lyrics weave in iconic American imagery, from the "Highways 61" to the "shadow of a Zimmermann" (Bob Dylan) and the films of John Ford. Musical Composition