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So Long Ago the Garden is the title of an album recorded by Larry Norman, released in 1973. It is the second album in what came to be known as his “trilogy,” which began with the album Only Visiting This Planet and concluded with In Another Land. So Long Ago the Garden was controversial because Norman’s previously blatant Christian beliefs were more veiled on this album. In the song “Shot Down”, on the album In Another Land, Norman responded to accusations by fellow Christians that he had abandoned his faith in search of fame and fortune.[itunes link="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/up-in-canada-1973-single-version/id280421672?uo=4" title="So Long Ago the Garden"]

Released: 1972
Length: 46:12
Label: MGM Records
Producer: Rod Edwards, Roger Hand, Jon Miller

A version of the song “Christmas Time” originally appeared on the rare album Born Twice, by Norman’s friend Randy Stonehill, which Norman had produced in 1969. On that LP, the song is credited as having been written by Stonehill, but So Long Ago the Garden credits Norman as the writer.

“Lonely By Myself” was recorded using the same mellotron The Beatles used on “Strawberry Fields Forever” while Paul McCartney was in the next room recording “Live and Let Die.”

Track Listing

All songs by Larry Norman.

Original LP release

Side 1

  1. “Meet Me At The Airport (Fly, Fly, Fly)”
  2. “It’s The Same Old Story”
  3. “Lonely By Myself”
  4. “Be Careful What You Sign”
  5. “Baroquen Spirits”

Side 2

  1. “Christmas Time”
  2. “She’s A Dancer”
  3. “Soul Survivor”
  4. “Nightmare #71″

Extra tracks on CD releases

  1. “Up In Canada” (1973 single)
  2. “Soul Survivor” (previously unreleased alternate take)

The song “Baroquen Spirits” was co-written by Denny Fridkin, but never credited to him.