(I've Been) Searchin' So Long

It's not a spiritual song. It's simply about self-discovery, and finding one's self.

I think this is one of Chicago's most underrated songs. If anyone thinks they know the meaning..... BTW Demau you only posted the first verse.

I think the last minute and a half of this song is the strongest part. It finds the perfect balance between balladry and a somewhat Rn'B feel.

It is a song about finding peace with God, though it is left generic enough that anyone can find meaning in the lyrics, not just Christians. The band were rather religious (which apparently was one of the things that came between them and Bailey, though at least they remained friends afterwards unlike some departing members), but never really shoved it in anyone's face, and this is a very good example of that. It's the difference between Christians who rock and Christian rock.

I loved this song as a teen. Now I know why. It's about Advaita. About the direct search/inquiry into our true nature through "Who Am I". When we begin to free ourselves from concepts and thoughts we start to experience our true nature which is perceived as a strange new light. It's seeing life as it is and not how we've been taught. When we are free of concepts we experience bliss which is the answer to our life-long search.

The depth of spiritual understanding of whomever wrote this song is very advanced. Steve

The intention of this song, obviously, is quite difficult to pinpoint. Previous comments all show value and offer reasonable conclusions. Possibly, this song was purposely written so that it could mean different things to different listeners. In that spirit, I believe that the song is about a man's journey in understanding the truths associated with "the Red Pill" and accepting them into his life. These are hard, even harsh realites, that once accepted, provide a man a great sense of his place and liberation.

Of course these concepts weren't fully understood when this song was written, however the lyrics are spot on for that purpose.

Or, it could be just a jingle.

For me this is just why people type here. It's an almost guarantee happy or sad appreciative or unappreciative in life, we're "searchers and dreamers"...or else why do we read and sometimes maybe read too much in-to songz. But it can be joyous when you've found what it is your looking for. So (based on that)? Would you hold it against me if I took this song in as purely spiritual (for me). We share and try to be respectful and love the person regardless, because if you can't who then loses? God Bless You. I remember when that was always okay, to say...Peace. Out.

If I recall correctly, Peter Cetera and a perhaps other members of the band were Christians. The lyrics could be talking about finding the spiritual guidance they have needed in their lives. It may not be Christianity that is sung about, but I have always interpreted it as a spiritual song.

Of course, in keeping with their increasing interest in writing love songs around this point in the band's 'evolution', the lyrics may just mean that the person has found their purpose in a romantic relationship.

It has always been a favorite for me...in fact the entire album is - perhaps - the best blend of the trademark Chicago sound, a wide variety of writers, knock-out horn charts, and wide diversity of styles. The days of 'dumbed down' sappy pop-with-horns were still a few albums away....