As a disclaimer I want to say I will be talking about a subject that is controversial to some. But this is my opinion on how I interpret this Chicago song; my opinion isn’t based on facts.
“Let’s Take a Lifetime” is one of the tracks I like very much from Stone of Sisyphus. It’s not one of my favorites, but it’s nowhere near my least favorite. This ballad deals with the moment when people have to decide whether or not they want to go further with sex in a relationship.
Written by Brock Walsh, Aaron Zigman, and Jason Scheff, “Let’s Take a Lifetime” introduces a couple who have decided to put off sex until the other half is ready. It’s a sweet song where a man tells his significant other saying that he is willing to wait forever. He doesn’t believe there is a rush in being sexual with one another, when they all the time in the world. They can do many things to express their love for each other rather than just sleeping together.
This may be old fashioned, but I like when someone says they will take their time. Sex isn’t something you want to jump into lightly. You want to be sure you don’t make love with someone you don’t really care for deeply. I also think waiting to have sex isn’t always a religious aspect, but more wanting to protect yourself from getting your heart broken. People wait for many different reasons. I do also want to say I know waiting isn’t for everybody and it’s up to the couple to decide what is best for them.
Musically, “Let’s Take a Lifetime” is a different kind of ballad. This song comes from an album where Chicago was experimenting with different sounds and styles, and “Let’s Take a Lifetime” is no exception. The type of percussion is varied, which gives this track a unique sound. I love the saxophone solo at the very beginning and near the end. Walt Parazaider gives the song a romantic feel, even though it wasn’t supposed to be. The horns are powerful, as well as Tris Imboden’s drumming.
Jason Scheff’s voice isn’t as sweet here as elsewhere in the Chicago catalog, but it is still good. His singing is filled with emotion, and conveys how he is willing to go through this step in a relationship. Scheff again shows how well he interprets songs – especially the ones he writes or co-writes.
In the end, “Let’s Take a Lifetime” gets an 8 out of 10 for me. I like the message. I find it really amazing that a partner of a loved one is willing to respect the differences of opinion when it comes to holding out on sex. The sax and horn solos are enjoyable to me.
I have to admit, however, that there is something unexplainable which I don’t like – like something is missing from this song. This is why I give it a lower rating than I have given other Chicago songs. Still, it’s still a good song to enjoy, nonetheless.
