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**TO BE KEPT ABREAST OF PAULA'S UPCOMING SINGLES AND ALBUM RELEASES AND MUSIC AND WONDER WELL-BEING GATHERINGS BE SURE TO SIGN UP TO HER NEWSLETTER AT www.paulatoledo.ca/contact
'How Long,' aka 'How Long Will it Take,' written and performed by Paula Toledo, was officially licensed for made-for-movie films and television productions in 2005. Despite never being officially released, the song embarked on an unexpected journey, finding its place on Russian bootleg DVDs. A mere snippet and looping segment of the song on the DVDs managed to ignite curiosity, enthusiasm, and perseverance among audiences worldwide, prompting an enduring 16-year quest to unveil its songwriter. The musical mystery evolved into a dedicated global search uniting music enthusiasts on Reddit's 'Lost Wave', a dedicated sub-Reddit 'HLWIT', and Discord channel 'Fond My Mind,' spanning North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Russia. The search stands as one of the most recent lengthiest pursuits for lost songs, gaining recognition in a November 2023 Rolling Stone article.
100% of 2023 music sales for 'How Long' will be donated to charity, Music Heals Charitable Foundation. Music Heals' mission is to raise awareness and funding for music therapy programs in communities throughout BC. Funds will be donated to support music therapy programs for youth, young adults, and grief and bereavement camps. www.musicheals.ca
"I wanted to do something to thank the lost wave community and in particular the r/hlwit community as their search has spawned so much joy, not only amongst themselves, and myself, but with others. I am hoping this donation will be a gesture to let them know that each one of them had a role in this joyful experience and a future positive impact of music in the lives of others" - Paula.
lyrics
How Long by Paula Toledo
It didn't work out the way I thought
I must have mistaken myself
For someone I was not (oh, no)
So I pushed myself to see how far I could go
Didn't need to look that far
To learn what I needed to know
Didn't want to be a quitter
But I had to find my way
How long? (How long)
Will it take, oh-oh
How long? (How long)
Will it take me to feel?
How long? (How long)
Will it take, oh-oh
How long until it's the way I thought it would be?
When I won't aim to please
And you watched me draw the line
Never to be cast again
In the same light (oh, no)
And I don't blame you, they were choices I made
Didn't want to let you down
But I can't play it that safe
In your mind am I a sinner?
Looking for relief?
How long? (How long)
Will it take, oh-oh
How long? (How long)
Will it take me to feel?
How long? (How long)
Will it take, oh-oh
How long until it's the way I thought it would be?
When I won't aim to please
When I won't aim to please
When I won't aim to please
No, I won't be a doll in your pretty dollhouse
No, I won't be the plaything that you can toss around
No, I won't be the child who lives for acceptance
No, I won't any longer live in my reflection
How long?
Will it take, oh-oh
How long?
Will it take me to feel?
How long?
Will it take, oh-oh
How long?
Will it take me to feel?
How long,
Will it take, oh-oh
How long
Will it take me to feel?
How long,
Will it take oh-oh
How long until it's the way I thought it would be
When I won't aim to please
When I won't aim to please
When I won't aim to please
credits
released December 13, 2023
Produced by Paula Toledo & Jonathan Anderson (Jonathan Inc)
Mixed by David Odlum
Mastered by Jonathan Anderson
Lead and background vocals: Paula Toledo
Guitar: Paula Toledo
Guitar, Keyboard, Percussion: Jonathan Anderson
Background vocals: Jonathan Anderson
Drums: Trevor Grant
Bass: John Bews
photography: Lonely Girl Productions
Sincere thanks are due to the Lost Wave, Fond My Mind, and especially the kind HLWIT community on Reddit who have welcomed me into their community. I am so inspired by their dedication and collaboration. Their genuine appreciation for my song really moves me. I'd also like to express my gratitude to the talented musicians who, recognizing the song's potential, lent their talents to create something special that connected with music lovers across times, geographies, and generations.
Paula Toledo is a Canadian singer-songwriter, writer, speaker, and well-being consultant using music as a means to foster social connection. She is the artist and songwriter behind the lost media/lost song, 'How Long' which was 'found' December 2023
“Write The Soil Lighter” is full of beguilingly mysterious folk-adjacent music, shrouded in shadow and atmospherics. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 30, 2023
