They released three albums during the '90s, with their debut Electronic selling over a million copies worldwide. However, the follow-up Raise the Pressure, despite debuting in the UK Top 10, was a commercial flop by comparison. The group's highest charting singles is 1992's Disappointed, which reached #6 in the UK. The band's biggest American hit was 1989's Getting Away With It which reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Twisted Tenderness was released in 1999 and again hit the UK Top 10. This third and final studio album was co-produced by influential New York club DJ and dance producer Arthur Baker, with whom Sumner had previously worked on New Order's 1983 hit Confusion, amongst other songs. Marr and Sumner remained the only official members of the band, but were joined by Doves Jimi Goodwin on bass and Black Grape drummer Ged Lynch.
In September 2006 the duo's work was compiled on the album Get The Message - The Best Of Electronic.
How Long
Electronic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I can't be a part of this
You'll never forgive me
But what do I care
I'd like to stay but it can't be me
It's kind of juvenile of me
There's something I'm missing
Why can't we agree
For a thousand years
Such a sad song
It's goes forever on
And though I try to change my mind
So much of you I can't define
Whenever you're near me
Whatever you do
I fall apart if you're not there
I couldn't leave I wouldn't dare
You're always within me
Whatever you do
I hear this sound
For a thousand years
Such a sad song
It's goes forever on
I lied to you it was a sin
So please forgive me once again
I'll never betray you
As long as you're there
I hear this sound
For a thousand years
Such a sad song
It's goes forever on
The lyrics of Electronic's song "How Long" portray a complicated relationship between the singer and their partner. The singer has feelings for their partner and wishes to please them, but they are aware that they cannot fully commit to the relationship. The singer is aware that their partner may never forgive them for not fully committing, but they don't seem to care. The singer also acknowledges that their behavior is juvenile and that they are somehow missing something that prevents them from fully committing. Despite this, the singer confesses that they fall apart when their partner is not present and that they could never leave them. The lyrics are also characterized by the repetition of the sad sound that the singer hears, a sound that seems to have been with them for a long time.
The song seems to explore themes of attraction, commitment, and forgiveness. It is not clear what exactly prevents the singer from fully committing, but the lyrics suggest that they have some unresolved issues. However, the singer is also remorseful for lying to their partner and asks for forgiveness. The repetition of the sad sound throughout the song creates a melancholic mood that reinforces the theme of the impossibility of long-lasting happiness in the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd satisfy your every wish
I am capable of fulfilling all your desires and needs
But I can't be a part of this
Despite my willingness to please you, I cannot be involved in this situation or relationship
You'll never forgive me
You won't let go of my mistakes or shortcomings
But what do I care
Even though your forgiveness matters, it doesn't change the fact that I have to move on
I'd like to stay but it can't be me
I have the desire to remain, but it's not healthy for me or us
It's kind of juvenile of me
This decision might be considered immature or childish, but it's for the best
There's something I'm missing
I understand that something is lacking in this relationship or situation
Why can't we agree
I'm trying to understand why we can't see eye to eye
I hear this sound
There's a constant noise or unpleasant feeling that accompanies this situation
For a thousand years
This sound or feeling seems to last forever
Such a sad song
This persistent sound and feeling is melancholic
It's goes forever on
This continues indefinitely
And though I try to change my mind
Even though I try to rationalize staying or leaving, it doesn't change my decision
So much of you I can't define
There are aspects of you or your character that I can't understand or describe
Whenever you're near me
Your presence affects me in a certain way
Whatever you do
Your actions impact my well-being and emotions
I fall apart if you're not there
In your absence, I lose composure and stability
I couldn't leave I wouldn't dare
Despite the challenges, I cannot bring myself to walk away
You're always within me
You continue to leave an impression on me even when we're apart
I lied to you it was a sin
I have committed a grave mistake by deceiving you
So please forgive me once again
I understand and seek your forgiveness for my wrongdoing
I'll never betray you
I promise not to hurt you again
As long as you're there
As long as you remain in my life, I will remain committed and faithful
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, JOHNNY MARR, KARL BARTOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keith Pudliner
My favorite track on “Feel the Pressure”
R RoDRi
I heard this sound
For a thousand years
Such a sad song
It goes forever on
Morning Coffee Cat
Without A Trace Of Emotion by Karl Bartos uses the same melody as this
Ellery Ballou
he co wrote many songs on this album with Bernard Sumner, this one included
BenniRoR
I just listened to it and you are absolutely right. It might be a tad slower, but it is the same key melody.
Bernie Buck
Love
Some Maxiboy
That snare drum. Where is it from?
Red Pill Audios
Sonic 1 and Sonic 2!!
Jeff Cappelletti
Sampled and then heavily processed. In the 90's sampling was so advanced you could take any sound and make it a snare sound When Kraftwerk did the Electronic Cafe album the group used a Synclavier II. The Synclavier II was one of the most advanced and expensive samplers at the time of release. The Synclavier II cost $50,00-$250,000 depending on options
Blank Frank
Typical Karl Bartos/Kraftwerkian snare drum... My guess would be a modified Yamaha Snare from one of their drum machines