Don’t Stand Still

Don’t Stand Still

Tracklist

Don’t Stand Still is a love story in song.

Each track in this collection is a tribute—to the people, the moments, and the memories that have shaped my life. Some songs are farewells to loved ones lost. Others honor the unbreakable spirit of survival. Some salute those who’ve sacrificed so we can live free. There are songs that remember the thrill of a first kiss, and others that speak to keeping that spark alive over time.

There’s a song for a tree—a maple sapling planted by a father and son half a century ago, now standing tall at sixty feet. Some tracks celebrate promises kept. Others, a well-worn pair of boots. But at the core of every song is love: love for family, for friends, for life itself—and for that deeper love that transcends time.

As someone who’s been lucky enough to walk this earth for nearly 60 years, I feel nothing but gratitude. Not everyone gets this far. Each of us is a living dream of our ancestors. We don’t choose the songs sung before we arrive or after we’re gone—but we do get to choose the songs we sing while we’re here.

These are my songs. May they give you strength, comfort, and a reason to keep going. May they inspire you to keep creating, to keep loving—and never stand still. The children are watching.

Larry Long—called “a true American troubadour” by Studs Terkel—has spent his life turning everyday stories into unforgettable songs. Through his groundbreaking program Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song™, he’s brought the voices of community elders into classrooms, inspiring children to create songs that honor their roots, cultures, and shared humanity.

Larry’s music reflects the soul of America—urban and rural, black and white, immigrant and Indigenous. From organizing the first hometown tribute to Woody Guthrie in Okemah, Oklahoma (now a beloved festival), to writing hundreds of ballads that preserve both local legends and national heroes, Larry Long’s work connects generations through the power of story and song.

Review: Don't Stand Still

Larry Long’s Don’t Stand Still is a dynamic and engaging album that captures the essence of movement—both literal and metaphorical. With this release, Long invites listeners into a world of transformation, urging them to step beyond the boundaries of comfort and explore the unknown. Through his storytelling, evocative melodies, and genre-blending arrangements, Long crafts an album that resonates with themes of change, perseverance, and the courage to embrace the future.

A Call to Action

At its core, Don’t Stand Still is a call to action. Each track encourages listeners to keep moving, to grow, and to resist stagnation. The album blends personal reflection with universal themes of societal change and self-discovery, urging listeners to not only reflect on their lives but to take steps toward making a difference, whether in their personal journey or in the world around them.

The songs cover a range of emotions and experiences, from the challenges of overcoming adversity to the triumph of embracing change. Long’s lyrics are filled with a sense of urgency and hope, reminding us that standing still is not an option in the face of the complexities and difficulties of life. The album feels like a soundtrack to both personal and collective transformation.

Musical Composition and Arrangement

Musically, Don’t Stand Still incorporates a mix of folk, rock, and Americana influences, creating a rich, textured sound that complements the album’s themes of motion and change. The arrangements are lively and full of energy, with electric guitars, steady percussion, and an array of instrumental layers that drive the music forward. This dynamic sound mirrors the thematic urgency of the album, as each song feels like a step forward, a movement in the direction of something new.

Long’s voice, as always, is central to the album’s emotional depth. His delivery is passionate and confident, with a sense of power that brings a sense of urgency to the songs. Whether he’s delivering a hopeful anthem or a more introspective reflection, Long’s vocal performance captures the full range of emotions conveyed in the music.

Themes and Emotional Impact

Don’t Stand Still explores a wide array of themes, from personal growth to societal progress. Long’s lyrics often touch on the need for social change, with reflections on injustice and the desire to push forward despite obstacles. There’s a sense of resilience throughout the album, as if each song is a reminder that even when faced with difficulty, progress is always possible. The emotional impact of the album is undeniable—there’s an underlying sense of hope and empowerment in every track, making it an inspiring listen.

The album’s pacing is also notable, shifting between high-energy tracks that feel like a rallying cry and more introspective moments that invite reflection. The mix of tempos and moods creates a well-rounded experience, keeping the listener engaged while also providing space for deeper thought.

Final Thoughts

Don’t Stand Still is an album that challenges listeners to embrace change, take action, and keep moving forward. Larry Long’s ability to fuse powerful storytelling with compelling melodies makes this an album that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced obstacles or been inspired to make a difference. It’s a call to keep pushing ahead, no matter what—an anthem for progress, resilience, and the enduring power of forward motion.