Going’s Been Coming

Song Meaning

Loretta Lynn's "Going's Been Coming" isn't just a goodbye; it's a post-mortem delivered with the weary resignation of a woman who's seen the inevitable creeping closer for far too long. The opening lines cut through sentimentality with a bluntness characteristic of Lynn's best work. There's no room for debate, no negotiation. The note left behind, a symbol of unspoken truths, hints at a chasm of unaddressed issues. It’s the sound of a door slamming shut, not in anger, but with the dull thud of finality. The lyric analysis reveals a stark contrast between the 'warmy night' of a love that once was and the 'coldest rain' it used to shelter her from. This wasn't a sudden combustion, but a slow, agonizing burn. The fire, once a source of warmth and protection, has simply extinguished, leaving behind only ashes and the chilling realization that some things cannot be rekindled. The repeated assertion that 'it's been coming for some time' serves as both explanation and justification. This isn't an impulsive act, but the culmination of a long, internal struggle. There's a palpable sense of guilt, a reluctant acknowledgement of the pain she's inflicting ('I'm not proud of one tear you'll surly cry'), yet it's tempered by the unwavering conviction that this departure is necessary. The song's meaning lies in the acceptance of a love that has decayed beyond repair. It's a mature, albeit painful, recognition that sometimes the kindest act is to walk away, even when the echoes of what once was still linger. Ultimately, "Going's Been Coming" is about the quiet courage it takes to face the end of something significant. It's a song about recognizing the slow fade, the subtle shifts in affection, and the eventual realization that the path forward lies in a different direction. Lynn doesn't offer apologies or false promises; she simply states the truth, as she sees it, with the unflinching honesty that made her a legend. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who has weighed her options, considered the consequences, and made the difficult decision to choose her own path, even if it means causing pain along the way.