The Last of Us Episode 3 continued to deliver emotional punches to the gut of everybody watching the HBO show. With Bill and Frank’s love story explored deeper than those who have played the video game on which the series is based may have expected, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Alongside that perfect play was the use of Linda Ronstadt’s song, Long Long Time. But why was this song chosen for the story, and what might it mean?
Why was Linda Ronstadt Long Long Time played in The Last of Us Episode 3?
Using music to complement the art being shown on screen isn’t a new concept. Still, the way in which The Last of Us has masterfully included not only Depeche Mode’s Never Let Me Down Again in Episode 1, but now also Linda Ronstadt’s Long Long Time in Episode 3, feels especially genius.
The first time we hear Long Long Time, is when it’s butchered by Frank on Bill’s mother’s piano. Thankfully, Bill takes over, and gives a respectable rendition of the song, leaving both men emotional and teary-eyed. It’s the perfect set-up for their first kiss, with the lyrics “Love will abide, take things in stride / Sounds like good advice but there’s no one at my side,” ringing in the audience’s ears.
As the episode ends, and both Joel and Ellie learn of Bill and Frank’s passing after many years together, they take off in the couple’s car. Ellie finds a tape in the motor, and while Joel at first protests her playing it, it turns out he’s a big fan of Linda Ronstadt. The lyrics both reflect the “loss” that the characters have faced so far, as well as what is to come, and the “love” that has been shared between many of them. It’s a beautiful conclusion to an emotionally-charged installment.
