How Long
Calling All Cars Lyrics

The lyrics of "How Long" by Calling All Cars explore the theme of being used and abused in a relationship. The first verse talks about a worn-out face and a bitter taste, which suggests exhaustion and dissatisfaction with the current situation. The lines "no need for reason, your time has passed, you've come and come, an empty glass, a rusted knife" describe the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of meaningless actions and emotions. The singer questions how long this has gone on and how long one can use someone before it becomes too much to bear. The second verse raises the possibility of leaving the familiar behind and finding another place to go, but the same feeling of being used persists.

The chorus, which is repeated four times throughout the song, emphasizes the sense of being trapped and used. The repetition of "how long has this gone" and "how long can you use someone" emphasizes the importance of these questions in the singer's mind. The lyrics suggest that the singer has had enough and cannot take another second of being used, but the sense of being trapped raises the possibility that the situation may continue indefinitely. The final "how long" emphasizes the frustration and sense of powerlessness that the singer feels.

Overall, the lyrics of "How Long" are a powerful exploration of the experience of being used and trapped in a relationship. The repetition of key phrases emphasizes the importance of these questions and the sense of frustration and powerlessness that accompanies them. The imagery of the worn-out face, bitter taste, empty glass, and rusted knife create a vivid sense of exhaustion and dissatisfaction. The song is a powerful exploration of the struggles and complexities of modern relationships.