Less Than Pure
(Lifelines - 2002) A-HA Lyrics

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We're gonna go downtown
I hear this great new place
Has opened up
And when we get there
I don't know
It's taken ages, don't you know

How long, how long

Will this go on?
How long, how long
Time drags on
How long
I find I can't go on much longer now

But the place in question
Is hard to find
Not a cab-ride to the door
And you wonder in your doubtful mind
Is it really worth all that, and more?

We seem to be
A little lost or something
I'm not really sure
About the choice we're making
The toll it's taking

How long, how long
Will this go on?
How long, how long
The time drags on
How long
I find I can't go on much longer now

But the place in question's hard to find
Like an illness with no cure
And our heads are getting wearier

And our hearts are less than pure
Less than pure

Overall Meaning

The song "Less Than Pure" by A-HA tells the story of a group of friends who plan to go to a new place in downtown. As they continue their journey, they realize that the place is hard to find, and as a result, they become doubtful whether it's worth it to keep looking. The lead singer questions how long they will have to search for the place, and expresses how exhausted he feels from the never-ending journey, as it seems to be taking a toll on them - mentally and physically. Throughout the song, there is a feeling of uncertainty and doubt, and the audience can feel the frustration and hopelessness of the situation.

The lyrics of the song could be interpreted as a metaphor for the difficulties we face in life. It could be about the struggle to find a purpose or meaning in life, and how sometimes we go through periods of doubt and uncertainty before we finally find what we are looking for. The line, "And our heads are getting wearier, and our hearts are less than pure" suggests that the journey has become overwhelming and people have started to lose faith in their ability to find what they are looking for.

Line by Line Meaning

We're gonna go downtown
We plan to head to the city center

I hear this great new place
I have heard of a new, exciting venue

Has opened up
It has recently become available to the public

And when we get there
Once we have arrived at our destination

I don't know
I am uncertain

It's taken ages, don't you know
The journey has been long and arduous

How long, how long
How much more time must pass

Will this go on?
Will this situation continue?

Time drags on
Time seems to move slowly

I find I can't go on much longer now
I am reaching my limit

But the place in question
Referring to the desired destination