She started her solo career in 1999 with a collaboration single along with Tin Tin Out for their single "What I Am", which peaked number 2 on the UK charts. Her debut solo album entitled "A Girl Like Me" was released in 2001, and spawned the UK number-one hit "What Took You So Long?", as well as the top five hits "What I Am" (a cover of a 1998's song earlier recorded by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians) and "Take My Breath Away" (which was not a cover of Berlin's 1986's hit), and top twenty hit "We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight". The album sold around 125,000 in the UK.
In spring of 2003, she returned as Emma (losing the Bunton), with the top five hit "Free Me" and later that year released "Maybe", which also went top ten and outsold the previous single. In spring of 2004, the single "I'll Be There" and the album "Free Me" were released. The album contained '60s-style pop gems and went on to outsell her first album, something other solo Spice Girls have yet to achieve. The album Free Me was released in the United States on January 25, 2005.
Emma released "Downtown" the official charity single for the BBC's 2006 Children in Need appeal, it reached number three. The album "Life in Mono" was released on (4 December).
What Took You So Long
Emma Bunton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, talk to me, can't you see
I'll help you work things out.
Oh, don't want to be your enemy
And I don't want to scream and shout.
Cause, baby, I believe in honesty
And then be strong and true.
I shouldn't have to say now, baby,
That I believe in you.
[Chorus]
What took you so long?
What took you all night?
What took you forever to see I'm right?
You know, I treat you so good,
I make you feel fine.
You know, I'll never give it up this time.
Oh, no, no.
Oh, you touched my heart right from the start,
You didn't know what to say.
But, honey, I understand
When you take my hand everything's OK.
Cause, baby, I believe reality,
It's never far away.
I've had enough, so listen, baby,
I've got something to say.
[Chorus: x2]
Baby, I believe in honesty
And then be strong and true.
I shouldn't have to say now, baby,
That I believe in you.
[Chorus: x3]
The lyrics of Emma Bunton's song "What Took You So Long" delve into the complexity of a romantic relationship that has faced some challenges. The song appears to be directed towards a partner who has been elusive, causing the singer confusion and hurt due to their lack of communication. The singer expresses their desire for honesty, which they believe is a crucial ingredient for a relationship to remain strong and faithful. The line "And I don't want to scream and shout" suggests that the relationship may have included heated arguments, tension, or miscommunication before this point of reflection.
The first verse of the song positions the singer as a helper, as someone who can provide support and aid in working things out. The line "What took you so long?" is a question that highlights a sense of frustration and puzzlement. The chorus addresses this question and the apparent delay in the partner acknowledging the singer's value and worth in the relationship. The line "You know, I'll never give it up this time" asserts the singer's determination to keep fighting for the relationship and make it work. The song concludes on this note, reinforcing the singer's belief in honesty and faithfulness.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
An expressive acknowledgement of excitement or enthusiasm.
Oh, talk to me, can't you see
I'll help you work things out.
A plea for communication and an offer of support in resolving issues.
Oh, don't want to be your enemy
And I don't want to scream and shout.
An expression of a desire to avoid conflict or arguments.
Cause, baby, I believe in honesty
And then be strong and true.
A declaration of the importance of honesty and being steadfast in one's beliefs.
I shouldn't have to say now, baby,
That I believe in you.
An affirmation of belief and support for the other person.
[Chorus]
What took you so long?
What took you all night?
What took you forever to see I'm right?
You know, I treat you so good,
I make you feel fine.
You know, I'll never give it up this time.
Oh, no, no.
Questioning why the person took so long to recognize the singer's worth and expressing the singer's commitment to treating the other person well and not giving up.
Oh, you touched my heart right from the start,
You didn't know what to say.
But, honey, I understand
When you take my hand everything's OK.
Recalling an early emotional connection with the other person and expressing an understanding of their hesitancy.
Cause, baby, I believe reality,
It's never far away.
I've had enough, so listen, baby,
I've got something to say.
Asserting the importance of facing reality and indicating a need to have a serious conversation.
[Chorus: x2]
Reiteration of the chorus.
Baby, I believe in honesty
And then be strong and true.
I shouldn't have to say now, baby,
That I believe in you.
Reiteration of the importance of honesty and belief in the other person.
[Chorus: x3]
Final reiteration of the chorus.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: RICHARD STANNARD, DAVID MORGAN, JOHN THEMIS, EMMA BUNTON, JULIAN GALLAGHER, MARTIN HARRINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind