999 are an English punk band which formed in London in 1976. Founded by sin… Read Full Bio ↴999 are an English punk band which formed in London in 1976. Founded by singer/guitarist Nick Cash, 999's original lineup also included Guy Days (vocals/guitar), Jon Watson (bass) and Pablo LaBritain (drums). Ed Case served temporarily as drummer following LaBritain's injury in 1978, while Watson has since been replaced by Danny Palmer (1986-1991) and former Lurkers member Arturo Bassick (1991-present). 999 became a popular act within the London punk circuit, releasing its first single ("I'm Alive") in 1977 under its own label. The band soon found chart success, attaining five top 100 UK hits under the United Artists label. However, 999's popularity began to wane in the early 1980s. 999 disbanded in the mid-1980s only to reform soon afterward. They have since released several albums and continue to tour. Also similar to the Ruts, 999 built much of their following through gigging the down and dirty venues around Southall in West London. 999 never showed the same reggae influences as the Ruts though, maintaining a 'pure punk' sound throughout. They are also still alive and well, and still gigging it hard.

So Long
999 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What's the point in going round and round
When you're up your joe and kick it down
What's the reason, I try to find
You're not real, you're so unkind

It's been so long [x3]
So so long
It's been so long

I know I got nothing to regret
Been a long time and I wish I could forget
You're still deep freeze and I know why
You never say please, you never cry

It's been so long [x3]
So so long

Where did you go to
What did you do
It's your decision, it's up to you
I'm through

What's the reason, I try to find
You're not real, you're so unkind

It's been so long [x3]
So so long
It's been so long

So so long

It's been so long
[Repeat]

Overall Meaning

The song "So Long" by 999 is about the frustration that comes with dealing with unkind people in one's life. The opening lines, "What's the point in going round and round when you're up your joe and kick it down, what's the reason I try to find, you're not real, you're so unkind" suggest that the singer is tired of dealing with someone who seems to constantly bring them down. They are questioning the point of continuing to engage with this person when it seems like they only hurt them.

The chorus, "It's been so long, so so long, it's been so long," reinforces the idea that this negativity has been a part of the singer's life for a long time. They have likely tried many times to change the situation, but nothing has worked. The verse, "I know I got nothing to regret, been a long time and I wish I could forget, you're still deep freeze and I know why, you never say please, you never cry," suggests that the singer has come to terms with the fact that they have nothing to feel guilty about. They have done what they could to improve the situation, but the other person remains in a state of emotional detachment.

The song ends with the lines "What's the reason, I try to find, you're not real, you're so unkind. It's been so long, so so long, it's been so long," showing that after all this time, the singer is still grappling with the reality of the situation. It is a poignant reminder that some relationships cannot be fixed, no matter how hard we try.

Line by Line Meaning

What's the point in going round and round
Why continue to repeat the same cycle of behaviors?

When you're up your joe and kick it down
When you finally feel good, why bring yourself back down?

What's the reason, I try to find
Why do I bother searching for a purpose or explanation?

You're not real, you're so unkind
You're not genuine or kind-hearted at all.

It's been so long [x3] So so long It's been so long
It has been a significant amount of time since the events referenced earlier.

I know I got nothing to regret
I am not filled with regret regarding the situation.

Been a long time and I wish I could forget
It has been so long, yet I still wish I could forget and move on.

You're still deep freeze and I know why
You're still emotionally removed and I know the reason why this is the case.

You never say please, you never cry
You never express kindness or vulnerability.

Where did you go to What did you do It's your decision, it's up to you I'm through
I do not know your whereabouts or actions, but it is your decision to make. Regardless, I am finished with you.

So so long It's been so long [Repeat]
The significant amount of time that has passed since the events referenced earlier is emphasized once again.

Writer(s): Keith Rodger Lucas, Guy Martin Days

Contributed by Maria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS