How many times
Elderbrook Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is this the sky?
Is this the sky?
When I lay out
How many times
How many times
We had laid out?
You can't decide how to divide
What you laid out

And all the lines you drew
You didn't find what you set out to
Set out to, set out

So many lines
So many lines
That you thought out
It's no surprise, you're shaking eyes
Get you cold out
A little time, a little time
But it's alright
And all the lines you drew
You didn't find what you set out to
Set out to, set out

Set out to, set out
Oh, you set out to

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Elderbrook's song How Many Times appear to be about a failed relationship and the mixed feelings that come with it. The first few lines, "Is this the sky? / When I lay out / How many times," suggest a sense of confusion and uncertainty. The repetition of "How many times" could be an indication of repeated attempts to make the relationship work or simply a reflection of the many times the singer has thought about it.

The next few lines, "You can't decide how to divide / What you laid out / And all the lines you drew / You didn't find what you set out to," seem to refer to a disagreement or struggle over how to divide the assets or emotional investment in the relationship. The metaphorical use of lines and drawing suggest that the relationship was mapped out or planned out in some way, but it did not turn out as expected.

The chorus continues with "So many lines / That you thought out / It's no surprise, you're shaking eyes / Get you cold out / A little time, a little time / But it's alright." The lines that were "thought out" in the previous stanza are now said to be "so many," emphasizing the extent of planning that took place. The reference to "shaking eyes" and getting "cold out" suggest a sense of vulnerability and fear, possibly related to facing the reality of the failed relationship. Despite this, the singer suggests that it will be alright in time.

Overall, the lyrics to How Many Times suggest a sense of disappointment and perhaps regret about a relationship that did not work out as planned. However, the repetition of the phrase "But it's alright" suggests a sense of hope and resilience in the face of this disappointment.

Line by Line Meaning

Is this the sky?
Asking if what he is seeing is reality or just an illusion

When I lay out
Recalling a past experience

How many times
Wondering how many times they have gone through the same situation

We had laid out?
Asking if they have planned it correctly or made mistakes

You can't decide how to divide
Uncertainty about how to split something or allocate it properly

What you laid out
Referring to a plan or strategy they had formulated

And all the lines you drew
Referring to a map or plan they had made

You didn't find what you set out to
They did not achieve the desired outcome or goal

So many lines
Referring to the numerous plans, strategies, or choices they have made

That you thought out
Referring to the ideas, options, or solutions they have come up with

It's no surprise, you're shaking eyes
Not surprising that they are feeling anxious, scared or uncertain