Brother Cane is an American hard rock band that released three albums in th… Read Full Bio ↴Brother Cane is an American hard rock band that released three albums in the 1990's. Brother Cane was formed in 1990 by singer/guitarist Damon Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey. Joined by guitarist Roman Glick and drummer Scott Collier, the band released their debut album Brother Cane in 1993. After the departure of Maxey, Glick switched to bass while the band added a new guitarist David Anderson. Their sophomore album Seeds was released in 1995. The group disbanded shortly after the release of their final studio album Wishpool in 1998.

Lead singer Damon Johnson has been involved in numerous projects since the demise of Brother Cane, including Red Halo and more recently Slave to the System, a band that also features Glick as well as long-time Queensrÿche drummer Scott Rockenfield and guitarist/producer Kelly Gray who produced Brother Cane's Wishpool.

In 2005 Brother Cane reunited to perform two shows. A live DVD is also in the works.

How Long
Brother Cane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'll set out one day
Maybe you will follow
Let come what may
Oh a glass of fear to swallow

Got to get it over
If black and white were blind like in a dream
In a million years maybe

Maybe we'll never know, no never
I want a chance to love whatever

(tell me how long)
How long my brother
Can we turn away?
(tell me how long)
There's anger and bitterness here
Can you tell me how long?

No empathy
Like I'm supposed to feel some
Through misery
Shut my eyes like the next one
Look for satisfaction

Only see the lines that hide my face
Never find a resolution
Locking the doors in fear together
Holding the pain inside forever

(tell me how long)
How long my brother
Can we turn away?
(tell me how long)

There's anger and bitterness here
Can you tell me?
Can you tell me?
How long?
Come on and tell me
Yeah how long?

(solo)

How long my brother
Can we turn away?
(tell me how long)
There's anger and bitterness here
Can you tell me?
Can you tell me?
(tell me how long)

How long my brother
Can we turn away?
(tell me how long)
How can we see our way clear?

Oh Can you tell me?
How long?

Overall Meaning

The song "How Long" by Brother Cane is a powerful reflection on the current state of the world and urges people to confront the anger and bitterness within themselves and the society they inhabit. The opening lyrics suggest a sense of determination to move forward, despite the uncertainties and fears that may arise along the way. The imagery of a "glass of fear to swallow" indicates the challenges that come with overcoming deep-rooted issues.

The next verse speaks to the pervasive problem of apathy and lack of empathy that plagues modern society. The sense of "misery" that the singer feels is echoed in the reluctance of others to acknowledge the struggles of those around them. The line "Only see the lines that hide my face" highlights the tendency for people to ignore the suffering of others, and the subsequent struggle to find a resolution to this problem.

The chorus repeatedly asks "How long my brother?" as a plea for action and change. The song suggests that there is hope, but only if people are willing to confront the problems and engage in a transformative process that leads to understanding, empathy, and a willingness to love and support one another.

Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on the difficulties and challenges of addressing societal issues, but it ultimately urges listeners to take action and work towards a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll set out one day
I have a plan to leave this place someday

Maybe you will follow
Perhaps you will come with me

Let come what may
Whatever happens, happens

Oh a glass of fear to swallow
I'm scared, but I have to face it

Got to get it over
I need to overcome this

If black and white were blind like in a dream
If things were simple and easy like in a dream

In a million years maybe
It might take forever

Maybe we'll never know, no never
We might never find out

I want a chance to love whatever
I want to be able to love freely

(tell me how long)
How much longer?

How long my brother
How much longer, my friend