Expiration Dating opens with a series of bell-tones in ascending perfect fourths. This leads to a light introductory groove in an A Major tonality, with horn-style hits in the inner parts. The primary, D Major melody of the piece is accompanied by rolling figures in the inner parts, a montuno-like bass line, and a highly linear drum set figure. After a return to the A Major and D Major sections for an improvised solo, the melody is repeated. The piece ends with an elaboration on the main theme of the melody and open vamp in the context of a B Minor turnaround. The inner parts become more rhythmically active for this final section, and the drum set part emerges as a fusion of those parts occurring in previous sections. Expiration Dating ends with a series of bell-tones in descending perfect fifths resolving to A Major. This provides a symmetric answer to the introductory phrase.

The title of the piece stems from the concept of entering into a relationship with someone when both parties understand at the outset that it will necessarily end at a predetermined time. The piece intentionally leaves the interpretation of personal attitude toward such an experience up to the performers and listeners. Expiration Dating is the opening track on the Dave Longfellow Ensemble’s self-titled 2007 recording.