Discography
Electric Rattlebone (1991, Mercury)
Just A Taste (1992, self-released)
How Long
Blackeyed Susan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And maybe, that we could get along
This crazy feelin' burnin' inside
I'm askin' how long, how long
Well my heart's been up and turnin'
Whippin' and a stirrin'
How long, how long
Who you really love
Just let me know how you feel
Take your time now, baby
Don't lie to me, lady
Don't need no one else in my life
How long is this heartache
How long does it take, yeah
How long is this heartache
And I know it's gonna hurt you
Yeah, how long, yeah
Said the good times, we said a so long
And the bad times, it's just the same old song
My heart's been torn and thrown aside
I'm askin' how long, how long
Yeah, since you took me higher
My soul's been set on fire
How long, how long
You have to make a choice
Who you really love
Just let me know how you feel
Take your time now, baby
Don't lie to me, lady
Don't need no one else in my life
How long is this heartache
How long does it take, yeah
How long is this heartache
And I know it's gonna hurt you
Yeah, how long, yeah
How long, baby!
Take your time now, baby
Don't lie to me, lady
Don't need no one else in my life
How long is this heartache
How long does it take, yeah, yeah
How long is this heartache
And I know it's gonna hurt you
How long is this heartache
(Oh, how long)
How long does it take, yeah
(Oh, how long)
How long is this heartache
And I know it's gonna hurt you
How long is this heartache
(Oh, how long)
How long does it take, yeah, yeah
(Oh, how long)
How long is this heartache
And I know it's gonna hurt you
Yeah, how long, yeah
The song "How Long" by Blackeyed Susan is a love ballad that talks about heartache and the struggle of trying to keep a relationship together. The opening lines of the song, "Hey lady, where did we go wrong? And maybe that we could get along," suggests a troubled relationship that has hit a rough patch. The singer is seeking answers and trying to figure out where things went wrong.
As the song continues, the lyrics take on a more melancholic tone as the singer expresses his feelings of heartache and asks how long he has to endure the pain of a broken heart. The lyrics "I'm asking how long, how long" are repeated throughout the song as the singer tries to come to terms with his emotions and the situation he finds himself in.
The chorus of the song captures the essence of the pain and heartache expressed in the lyrics. The lines "How long does it take, yeah, yeah, How long is this heartache, and I know it's gonna hurt you" reveal the depth of emotion and vulnerability that the singer is experiencing.
Overall, "How Long" is a moving love ballad that speaks to the heartache and pain that can come with relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, lady, where did we go wrong
Asking the person they are talking to where their relationship went wrong.
And maybe, that we could get along
Suggesting that they think they could fix the relationship and get along again.
This crazy feelin' burnin' inside
Describing the powerful emotions they are feeling.
I'm askin' how long, how long
Asking how long they will have to feel this way and deal with the pain.
Well my heart's been up and turnin'
Expressing the intense and conflicting feelings they are experiencing.
Whippin' and a stirrin'
Describing the turbulence of their emotions.
You have to make a choice
Telling the person they are talking to that they have to make a choice regarding their relationship.
Who you really love
Asking the person they are talking to make a decision about who they truly love.
Just let me know how you feel
Asking the person they are talking to be honest and open about their feelings.
Take your time now, baby
Encouraging the person they are talking to take their time in making their decision.
Don't lie to me, lady
Urging the person they are talking to be truthful and not deceive them.
Don't need no one else in my life
Expressing that they don't want anyone else in their life except for the person they are talking to.
How long is this heartache
Asking how long they have to endure the pain they are feeling.
How long does it take, yeah
Repeating the question about the length of time they will have to experience the heartache.
And I know it's gonna hurt you
Acknowledging that their decision may hurt the person they are talking to as well.
Said the good times, we said a so long
Reflecting on the good times they used to have together.
And the bad times, it's just the same old song
Recognizing that the bad times are happening again, like a broken record.
My heart's been torn and thrown aside
Describing the pain and hurt they are feeling.
Yeah, since you took me higher
Implying that the person they are talking to had a positive effect on their life at one point.
My soul's been set on fire
Describing the intense emotional impact the person they are talking to had on them.
How long, baby!
Repeating the question about how long they have to deal with the pain.
Contributed by Samantha S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.