Who Have You Been Loving
Bobby Long Lyrics


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When the world holds out its flag
The sun will fall across the plain,
I will hold out my hands and take the blame
And when the the weather falls too cold,
The frost ravages the lanes,
I will bow down my head in shame

"But who have you, who have you been loving?"

If someone isn't hurt then it's gonna be me
But the tears they taint your heart
You're so happy that you're free
If you're no better now than you've ever been,
You owe me an apology

Before the dusk falls to dark
I'll have you banished from my mind
I just need a moment's rest to make it mine
Before the moment turns to cold
With our last drawn line
Beyond the rusted sin of gloat you had your time





I said you owe me an apology
You owe me an apology

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Bobby Long's song "Who Have You Been Loving" express the emotions of regret, hurt, and betrayal. The singer is feeling the weight of the blame for the pain in their relationship, although it is unclear whether they are the ones responsible. The opening lines suggest that the world is unforgiving, and the singer is resigned to taking responsibility for their actions. They will hold out their hands and take the blame, as the sun falls across the plain.


The refrain of the song, "But who have you, who have you been loving?" suggests that someone has been unfaithful or disloyal to the singer. The repetition of the phrase underscores the singer's confusion and pain. The verse following the refrain suggests that the person who has been hurt is the singer themselves - "And if someone isn't hurt, then it's gonna be me". They are willing to take on the burden of the pain, because they care deeply for the other person.


The final verse suggests that the singer needs some time alone to banish the other person from their mind, and that they are hurt and angry. They demand an apology, suggesting that the other person has done something wrong. However, the singer also seems to acknowledge that they may be asking too much - "And if you're no better now than you've ever been, you owe me an apology". Overall, the lyrics express the complexity of human relationships and the pain that can come with love.


Line by Line Meaning

When the world holds out its flag
When the world presents its challenges and obstacles


The sun will fall across the plain
The difficulties will be illuminated and made clear


I will hold out my hands and take the blame
I will take on the responsibility for the struggles


And when the weather falls too cold
And when conditions become unbearable


The frost ravages the lanes
The harshness of the situation causes damage


I will bow down my head in shame
I will feel ashamed and defeated


"But who have you, who have you been loving?"
Asking who the person has been giving their affection to


And if someone isn't hurt, then it's gonna be me
If no one else is suffering, I will bear the pain


For the tears they taint your heart
Crying and sorrow can damage one's spirit


You're so happy that you're free
You may feel happy to be out of a situation, but it still hurts


And if you're no better now than you've ever been,
If you haven't improved or changed


You owe me an apology
You need to express remorse and make amends for your actions


Before the dusk falls to dark
Before it's too late and everything is lost


I'll have you banished from my mind
I will try to forget about you and move on


I just need a moment's rest to make it mine
I need time to heal and recover


Before the moment turns to cold
Before the opportunities disappear


With our last drawn line
With the final chance we have


Beyond the rusted sin of gloat
Beyond the decayed pride and arrogance


You had your time
You had your chance, but it's over now


"But who have you, who have you been loving?"
Asking again who the person has been giving their affection to


I said you owe me an apology
Reiterating the need for an apology


You owe me an apology
Stating once again that an apology is necessary


I said you owe me an apology
Repeating that an apology is owed




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBERT THOMAS LONG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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