Way Too Long Now
Carter Hulsey Lyrics

There is a streetlight out where the children play
In the area outside of Austin, there is a streetlight that is no longer working properly, possibly symbolizing a lack of guidance or illumination in the lives of the children who play there.

Just outside of Austin
This streetlight issue is specifically located in the vicinity of Austin, Texas.

There is an old car parked with a glove-box full
There is a parked old car that has a glove box filled with items that the singer knows they should get rid of, possibly representing emotional baggage or past memories that need to be let go.

It's things I should be tossing
The contents of the glove box are things that the songwriter should throw away or leave behind in order to move forward in life.

I called a friend to say 'I’m on my way, I need a vacation'
The artist reaches out to a friend to inform them that they are coming to visit as they feel the need for a break or escape from their current situation.

She said 'I’m right here, find your way, and why not just start staying?'
The friend responds by emphasizing that she is there to provide support and suggests that instead of just visiting, the singer should consider staying and making a fresh start in her presence.

I’ve been standing here way too long, for way too long now
The singer recognizes that they have remained stagnant in their current situation for an extended period of time, and it has become increasingly apparent that they have overstayed their welcome.

I need something in my chest
The artist yearns for something meaningful or impactful in their life, something that stirs emotions and adds purpose to their existence.

I need a song that’s worth singing
The artist desires a song, metaphorically representing an experience, that is significant and worth sharing with others, something that expresses their true self and the depth of their emotions.

I need something in my cup
The artist longs for something fulfilling, possibly referring to a sense of satisfaction, contentment, or nourishment that they currently lack in their life.

Someone tell me, 'It’s worth saving'
The singer seeks validation or reassurance from someone else that the things they yearn for, whether it be their emotions, experiences, or sense of fulfillment, are worth preserving and striving for.

I see the windshield fog as you doze off
While driving through Missouri, the artist observes the fog forming on the windshield as their companion falls asleep, implying a sense of unfamiliarity or uncertainty about the future and the need for clarity.

And we’re driving through Missouri
The scene takes place while the singer and their companion are journeying through the state of Missouri, metaphorically representing a transitional phase in their lives.

This is a place I’ve loved, a place I’ve lost
Missouri holds significance for the singer as it represents a location where they have experienced both love and heartbreak, memories that continue to impact their outlook on life.

But I won’t be long for staying
Despite the emotional connection to Missouri, the singer acknowledges that they will not remain in this transitional phase or location for an extended period of time, hinting at their inclination to keep moving forward.

I just had a friend that called; 'We need to talk about things we ain’t been saying'
A friend recently contacted the artist, expressing the need for an honest and open conversation about unresolved matters and unshared emotions that have been lingering between them.

Now his bags are stacked in our garage, he needs some help with carrying
As a result of the conversation, the friend has decided to stay temporarily, as evident by their luggage being stored in the garage, and they require assistance from the artist with moving their belongings, symbolizing the weight of their shared emotional baggage.

Did you ever see the moon? Sleeping in the trees
The singer poses a rhetorical question, asking if the listener has ever observed the moon during nighttime, creating the image of the moon appearing nestled or hidden among the trees, evoking a sense of enchantment or beauty.

Can you close your eyes and know it’s time to leave
The singer prompts the listener to reflect on their ability to intuitively sense when it is necessary to move on or depart from a particular situation, suggesting the importance of self-awareness and recognizing when a chapter has reached its conclusion.

If we get one night, one life
Building upon the previous reflection, the artist contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the significance of seizing opportunities, even if they only present themselves for a single night or within the span of one lifetime.

Just grab your stuff lets go
Urging action and seizing the moment, the artist encourages the listener to gather what is essential to them and embark on a journey or embrace the unknown with a sense of spontaneity and fearlessness.

We can figure out the rest somewhere along the road
Assuring the listener that the specifics or uncertainties of the future can be resolved and understood as they progress forward, the artist suggests that the journey itself will provide the clarity and answers needed, fostering a sense of trust in the process of self-discovery and exploration.