The reason a “song feels long” has more to do with the singer than with the person behind the piano.
We’ve all had it happen to us where, right in the middle of a song, we’ll think, “Damn, this isn’t over yet?!”
But if we have the time to stand outside of ourselves, observe and criticize — while we’re still performing — then we’ve really lost a grip on doing the job at hand, haven’t we?
More than technique, we singers/performers are judged by our passion and our presence.
Passion, because we have to care about and understand what it is we are saying — not just pretending we care by mustering up a concerned look on our collective face…
Presence, because we are in the “now” of a song, instead of focused on getting the words in the right order or hitting the high note or hoping the set piece comes in on time, whatever.
If we don’t stay in the now, we’re screwed because we have sacrificed our energy and attention to everything BUT the reason for our being on stage; to sing a song. We must be present for our own performance.
A song feels long to us when we are not involved and believe me, the audience reflects that feeling back to the singer very quickly.
Be present when you sing. Be passionate when you sing. Be alive.