Def Leppard: Long Long Way To Go (Song Spotlight)

Def Leppard’s “Long Long Way To Go” single was released in April 2003.

It may be surprising to some, but this sentimental favorite is not included in any of Def Leppard’s U.S. greatest hits releases. (It was only part of the band’s limited edition 2004 “Best Of” U.K. release.)

“Long Long Way To Go” isn’t your typical Def Leppard power ballad, though, for various reasons. Let’s take an in-depth look back and see why!

Def Leppard: Long, Long Way To…Reprising Chart Success

If you’re a frequent visitor to The Lep Report, you’re likely accustomed to seeing at least some chart performance analysis for a song (or album). Well, this is not one of those times, because “Long Long Way To Go” failed to even make it onto Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart in the U.S. (It barely cracked the Top 40 in the U.K., peaking at #40.)

This shouldn’t be that surprising, though, as the chart performance of Def Leppard’s singles lost most of their meaning after the band’s Adrenalize release. That being said, it doesn’t mean the single’s release strategy cannot be revisited!

The decision was made to release “Now” — an absolutely solid track, but arguably more of a deep cut — as the X album‘s all-important lead-off single. To be clear, that’s not to say “Long Long Way To Go” should have taken its place. But there were stronger options.

This all goes back to the unfortunate approach taken to market and promote the X album. (This has already been covered in-depth in a previous Lep Report article, which you can read here.)

Case in point, the X album was released in July 2002; “Long Long Way To Go” was released as a single in April 2003, eight months after the album’s release. By then, X‘s awareness and sales momentum were long, long gone.

So not having “Long Long Way To Go” appear on Billboard‘s Hot 100 U.S. singles chart is not at all shocking.

A Different Kind Of Def Leppard Ballad

There are certainly opposing views from fans about “Long Long Way To Go” (and the X album, for that matter).

On one end of the spectrum, some consider “Long Long Way To Go” one of Def Leppard’s quintessential ballads, heartfelt and emotional; on the other end, some adamantly believe the song (as well as X) is excessively poppy and verges into “boy band” territory.

Regardless of your stance, both opinions can simultaneously apply.

“Long Long Way To Go” is one of those rare instances where Def Leppard was not involved in writing the song, not even in a co-writing capacity. It was written by Wayne Hector and Steve Robson, songwriters who enjoyed enormous songwriting success with numerous multi-platinum acts, including One Direction, Christina Aguilera, and Pink, among others.

Just because Def Leppard didn’t write “Long Long Way To Go” doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality ballad, regardless of which era of the band you prefer. It strikes a chord (no pun intended) with many fans, and its emotional themes of loss and coping are effective. So much so, opinions can vary widely as to what the song’s lyrics are really about: The break-up of a relationship? The loss of a loved one? Subtle references included throughout about the band’s loss of Steve Clark?

Open interpretations allow for fans to personally connect with the song any way they please, just the way it should be.

An Even Longer Way To Go

Def Leppard’s “Long Long Way To Go” never truly received the recognition it deserved.

As mentioned, the X album‘s promotional strategy was nowhere near as effective as it could have been, but, to be fair, the latter part of the ’90s and early 2000s weren’t very kind to the band, and their popularity took a hit, thanks in large part to the grunge music era.

“Long Long Way To Go” isn’t necessarily the “go-to” power ballad on the X album either, as it resides among other adult contemporary-like tracks that could also fit the bill, unlike previous albums.

For instance, High ‘n’ Dry had “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak,” Hysteria had “Love Bites,” Adrenalize had “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad,” and so on. In contrast, X had “Long Long Way To Go,” “Let Me Be The One,” and the underrated “Unbelievable” (which, ironically, also wasn’t written by any member of Def Leppard). So “Long Long Way To Go” was just one of a handful of ballad offerings.

Would a song like “Long Long Way To Go” have had more success and notoriety if it had been included on Hysteria or Adrenalize? Almost certainly. Would other tracks like “Torn To Shreds,” “Everyday,” or “Unbelievable” have been good single options for the X album, in addition to “Long Long Way To Go”? Most likely. In hindsight, would it have made a huge difference? Maybe, maybe not.

In the end, “Long Long Way To Go” was one of the very few singles chosen to represent and (belatedly) promote the X album, and the song didn’t catch on. (It did grab the attention of Lionel Richie, though, who ended up recording his own version of the song in 2004, so at least there’s that.)

Long Long Way To Go: Music Video

The “Long Long Way To Go” music video featured subtle mood lighting, a candle-filled set, and saturated colors, which all matched up well with the song’s somber themes and the band’s toned-down performance.

The music video would have worked just as well without the obscure storyline periodically wedged into the band’s performance footage, particularly unnecessary shots focusing on a mouse scurrying around the floor.

Most unfortunate, though, was no longer having a reliable promotional outlet like MTV to air and support “Long Long Way To Go.” As a result, many potential fans missed out on discovering the song, and, ultimately, the X album.

You can view Def Leppard’s “Long Long Way To Go” music video here (along with every other music video from the band). And if you really want to indulge in a lot more Def Leppard, check out this must-read book!

Long Long Way To Go: Final Thoughts

Similar to “Tonight,” “Long Long Way To Go” had its moment in time, albeit a very brief one.

Def Leppard performed the song during their X tour, just like when they performed “Tonight” on the Adrenalize tour, but once touring wrapped up in support of each of those albums, so did setlist inclusion for those songs going forward.

“Long Long Way To Go” wasn’t even included in the band’s well-received live, nearly 8-minute “acoustic medley” (also released digitally in 2012), even though it would have fit right in. (Ironically, the X track “Now” did make it into the acoustic jam.)

The Lep Report ranks “Long Long Way To Go” the #6 track off the X album. It might not reside near the top of some fans’ lists of favorite Def Leppard power ballads, but its solid arrangement, heartfelt lyrics, rich lead vocals, and infectious melodies go a long, long way, and are worth revisiting and appreciating.